1935 Cadillac Model 370-D Series 40

For 1935, Cadillac made very few changes to the 370D Series 40 which was essentially carried over from the previous year. Its name was perhaps its biggest change, receiving the Series 40 designation. The prior fragile and expensive-to-produce bi-plane bumpers were replaced with new bumpers, and the Fisher-bodied models received an all-steel turret top. The engine was a 45-degree overhead valve twelve-cylinder engine that offered 150 horsepower. There was a synchromesh three-speed transmission with a twin-disc clutch. It was available in a wealth of Fleetwood body styles resting on a 146-inch platform. Pricing ranged from the mid-$4,000 through $6,300 (and up). Cadillac Twelve cylinder model, for most of its life which continued through 1937, was available with both production Fisher bodies and costly Fleetwood bodies also used on the V-16 chassis. The wide range of bodies encompassed nearly every design and style a customer would ever require.

Cadillac produced 3,636 vehicles for the 1935 model year, with 377 of those being V12s, 50 were V16s, and 3,209 were V8 models.

Cadillac's V12 engine had been developed by Owen Nacker, also the father of the Sixteen, to which it was very similar minus (with four fewer cylinders). Both engines shared a great deal of tooling and were renowned for their smooth performance and abundant torque.

In comparison, Cadillac's V16 engine offered 185 horsepower while the V12 developed 150 horsepower. The V12 was installed in a 146-inch wheelbase platform while the V16 had a 154-inch platform. Prices for the V12 ranged from the mid-$4,000 through $6,300 while the V16 began at $7,400 and pinnacled at over $9,000. The eight-cylinder Cadillacs had 130 horsepower and a 128-inch wheelbase (136- and 146-inch platforms were also available).

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2011