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1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 Convertible Sedan w/Divider (Modified V Windshield)

Mr. Thomas H.W. Stonborough placed an order for a new 1934 Cadillac V-16 through the New York Cadillac agency. Specified with Fleetwood style number 5780, the V-16 was completed as a five-passenger convertible sedan with a Vee'd windscreen and divider between the passenger compartments and the driver. The car was finished in brown and given a black Victoria leather top and custom ordered with a silver 'goddess' mascot. Mr. Stonborough paid approximately $7,850 car, which was retained as a chauffeur-drive conveyance during summer months.

After World War II, Mr. Stonborough returned to Europe, presumably selling the Cadillac prior to his departure. In 1949, the car was purchased by Archie Marcotte who drove it home to Dickinson, North Dakota. With the help of his friend Richard Wehner, he removed the 16-cylinder engine and began to construct a race car around the powerplant. First, he used a 1937 Ford chassis and later a custom-built tubular frame. Trying to get even more horsepower from the engine, Marcotte replaced the stock camshaft with a three-quarter race cam from the Los Angeles, California, performance equipment company Harmon and Collins, Inc. He installed a special intake manifold with eight Stromberg 97s. He fabricated a streamlined, sheet metal exterior and dubbed the Cadillac-powered special, the 'Sweet Sixteen.'
The Cadillac, now without an engine, was given a Mercury flathead V-8 and was used by Marcotte as his primary tow vehicle. Marcotte later moved to Glendive, Montana, and later lost interest in his various race car project. The Convertible Sedan and Sweet Sixteen later changed hands, though the pair always remained side-by-side.

The current owner purchased both vehicles in 1974. Over the next two decades, he collected many original parts and spares. In the late 1990s, a Pebble Beach quality restoration began. The engine was returned to its correct factory specifications and reunited with the Cadillac chassis. As work was nearing completion, the owner received an invitation to display the V-16 at Pebble Beach, not as a complete car but as a fully restored, rolling chassis. In August of 2001, the Stonborough V-16 Cadillac made its concours debut at Pebble Beach. After the show, the rest of the restoration work was completed.

In August of 2009, the V-16 made its second appearance on the lawn at Pebble Beach, this time as a fully restored, complete automobile. It was in the Class C-2: American Classic Open 1933-1941 where it earned Second in Class honors. It later earned Best in Class honors at the Kirkland Concours d'Elegance and most recently a CCCA First Prize, scoring 100 points.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California. It was estimated to sell for $500,000 - $650,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $550,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2012

2015 Bonhams : The Frederiksen Auction

Sale Price :
USD $462,631 (DKK 2,875,000.00)

2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $500,000-USD $650,000 
Sale Price :
USD $550,000

1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Cadillac Model 452D V16

(Data based on Model Year 1934 sales)
1934 Cadillac V-16 Fleetwood Aerodynamic Coupe
Sold for USD$940,000
  2023 Broad Arrow : Monterey Jet Center
1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 image  1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 image  
1934 CADILLAC V-16 SERIES 452 CONVERTIBLE SEDAN
Chassis#: 5100040
Sold for USD$462,631
  2015 Bonhams : The Frederiksen Auction
1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 image  1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 image  
1934 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Sedan by Fleetwood
Sold for USD$825,000
  2013 RM Auctions - Arizona
1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 image  1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 image  
1934 Cadillac V-16 452D Two-Passenger Stationary Coupe
Chassis#: 5776
Sold for USD$396,000
  2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction
 
1934 Cadillac V-16 452D Convertible Sedan
Chassis#: 5100040
Sold for USD$550,000
  2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction
1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 image  1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 image  
1934 Cadillac Sixteen Custom Roadster
Chassis#: 5100137
Sold for USD$1,001,000
  2012 RM - Milhous Collection, Fla
 
1934 Cadillac 452D Fleetwood
Sold for USD$616,000
  2007 Gooding & Company
1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 image  1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 image  
1934 Cadillac V16 Formal Sedan
Chassis#: 5100024
Sold for USD$83,600
  2005 Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall
 

Cadillac Model 452D V16s That Failed To Sell At Auction

1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1934 CADILLAC V-16 CONVERTIBLE SEDAN 2024 Gooding : Amelia Island $500,000$650,000
1934 Cadillac 452D V-16 Fleetwood Aerodynamic Coupe51000342021 Mecum : Monterey   
1934 Cadillac 452D V-16 Fleetwood Aerodynamic Coupe51000342021 Mecum : Indy 2021   
1934 Cadillac 452D V-16 Fleetwood Aerodynamic Coupe 2021 Mecum : Glendale   
1934 Cadillac Fleetwood V16 Town Sedan Limo 2016 Amelia Island Select : Hollywood Wheels   
1934 Cadillac 452-D V-16 Convertible Sedan 2009 Bonhams Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club $220,000$240,000

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1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle thumbnail image  1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle thumbnail image  
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1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle thumbnail image  1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle thumbnail image  
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1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle thumbnail image  1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle thumbnail image  
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1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16

Additional valuation insight and sales data
History
Specifications
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Other Cadillac Model 452D V16 model years

1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 Vehicle Profiles

1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle information
Coupe (Modified V Windshield)
Coachwork: Fleetwood
Designer: Harley Earl
Chassis #: 25
1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle information
Convertible Sedan w/Divider (Modified V Windshield)
Coachwork: Fleetwood
Designer: Harley Earl
Engine #: 5100040
1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle information
Convertible Sedan w/Divider (Modified V Windshield)
Coachwork: Fleetwood
Designer: Harley Earl
1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle information
Coupe (Modified V Windshield)
Coachwork: Fleetwood
Designer: Harley Earl
1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle information
Aerodynamic Coupe (Modified V Windshield)
Coachwork: Fleetwood
Designer: Harley Earl
Engine #: 5100034
1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle information
Convertible Sedan w/Divider (Modified V Windshield)
Coachwork: Fleetwood
Designer: Harley Earl
Engine #: 5100038
1934 Cadillac Model 452D V16 vehicle information
Convertible Coupe (Modified V Windshield)
Coachwork: Fleetwood
Designer: Harley Earl

Vehicle information, history, and specifications from concept to production.