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1932 Cadillac Series 452-B Sixteen

The clandestine development of the Cadillac V16 was an amazing accomplishment for an organization the size of General Motors and one that relied on a vast array of outside suppliers and contractors. Despite the two years that had been spent on the design, research and development, there was no way to predict that shortly after its arrival, the luxury car segment would nearly disappear due to the Great Depression.

Cadillac President Lawrence Fisher sent a letter to his dealers and the motoring press in December of 1929 announcing the introduction of the sixteen-cylinder Cadillac and its public display at the New York International Automobile Show in January. The first three models were ready for the January New York Auto Show and the response was very favorable. Orders far exceeded expectations and by April the 1000th V16 had been shipped.

With the arrival of the V16 engine, it brought about the so-called 'cylinder wars', with luxury markets from both Europe and America competing to capture the attention of a shrinking pool of wealthy clientele. Cadillac's solution to the large and heavy coachwork that customers were demanding was more cylinders, larger displacements, and higher compression. Cadillac used a small 3-inch bore, allowing the cylinders to rest close to one another, minimizing the engine and crankshaft's length. The crank ran in five main bearings which (along with the short crank) helped reduce noise. Overhead valves with hydraulic clearance adjustment also reduce nose, provided reliable operation, and offered easy maintenance. Having a 3-inch bore and 4-inch stroke, the V16 engine was compatible with Cadillac's existing driveline and transmission. The 45-degree vee angle allowed it to fit under the hood.

The impressive engine demanded equally impressive coachwork. The man in charge was the recently hired Harley Earl. Mr. Earl had fine-tuned his talents at his father's company, Earl Coachworks, in Los Angeles. After it was acquired by Don Lee, Earl's work caught the attention of Cadillac President Larry P. Fisher. Earl was hired by GM to design the LaSalle, and his work on that project convinced management to appoint him as head of their new Art and Colour Department.

Among the tasks assigned to the Art and Colour department was to make the V16 engine visually appealing. They accomplished this by hiding and covering many of the components. The spark plug wires traveled from the distributor to the plugs under covers and there were no exposed oil lines. The valve covers, manifolds, and even carburetors were monochromatic. The entire executive of this task was thoroughly modern, carefully detailed, and refined.

Production of the V16 continued through 1931 with only minimal changes. In 1932, the V16 was redesigned with longer, lower bodies and freestanding headlights among other updates. In 1932, only 296 examples of the V16 were built, a dramatic decrease from the nearly 3,000 examples that had been built in 1930 and 1931. 41 body styles were offered with coachwork handled by Fisher or Fleetwood. Wheelbases measured 143-, 149-, and 165-inches.

1932 was the final year for the flat radiator grille and open front fender style.

4,076 examples of the Cadillac V16 were built over a period of 11 years.

by Dan Vaughan

Town Sedan by Fisher
Chassis number: 1400041

In 1932, Cadillac produced just 296 examples of the V-16. An amazingly low number considering there were 41 body styles to select from with coachwork handled by Fisher of Fleetwood. There were three wheelbase sizes as well - 143, 149, and 165 inches. This example is a Town Sedan with coachwork by Fisher. It has a 149-inch wheelbase and seating for five passengers. It is painted in black with a grey cloth interior. There is a Goddess radiator mascot, wire wheels, side-mounted spares, trunk rack and dual Trippe safety speed-lights.

In 2009, this V-16 452B All-Weather Phaeton was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona where it was estimated to sell for $75,000 - $100,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $77,000 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Fisher Standard Phaeton by Fisher

Only 296 Cadillac Model 452B V-16s were sold in 1932 - a result of both the deepening Depression and probably a bit of market saturation following the remarkable success of the 1930-1931 models. This phaeton, with special coachwork by the GM-owned Fisher Custom Body Division, has rear seat instrumentation and other unique features.

All-Weather Phaeton by Fisher
Chassis number: 1400208

It is believed that only 13 chassis were ever produced with the All-Weather Phaeton body designed by Fisher. Only three are known to have survived the test of time. This example is chassis number 1400208 and is finished in deep burgundy with black fenders and door vents with a dark leather interior. There is a tan top and dual enclosed side-mounted spares with mirrors, body-color wire wheels and whitewall tires. There are remote spotlights and Trippe headlamps. Inside, there is a roll-up divider between the front and rear compartments, and is beautifully presented both inside and out.

In 2009, this V-16 452B All-Weather Phaeton was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona where it was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $350,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $231,000 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Fleetwood Madame X Sedan by Fleetwood

For 1932 the V-16 had minor exterior styling changes and was designated the model 452B, indicating it was the second iteration of the 452-cubic-inch V-16 series.

The Cadillac V-16 became a symbol of status and prestige and was available in more than 70 different custom body styles. The 7.4 liter 165 hp engine was designed and calibrated to produce minimal vibration and noise. Cadillac produced just 4,076 examples of the V-16 over the 11-year production run. Only 300 V-16s were built in 1932. One of the most expensive and exclusive versions was the 'Madam X Imperial Sedan' named by Harley Earl after a 1929 movie by the same name starring actress Ruth Chatterton.

This spectacular car was a special order built for R.S. McLaughlin, the President of General Motors of Canada. This vehicle is an excellent example of the sophisticated use of color and trim to give a relatively convertible body type the look of a true custom creation. The stylish coachwork was accented with gold door handles and German Silver moldings. The stylishly shaped rear quarter windows accent the styling of this one-off Madam X sedan. The rakishly angled windshield and A-pillar designed by Earl were distinctive Madame X styling traits.

Special Imperial Limousine by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 1400200

Owen Nacker, who had worked for Marmon, was the individual who designed the Cadillac V16 engine. It was given overhead valves, a 45-degree vee, an alloy crankcase supporting five main bearings, cast-iron cylinder heads, and nickel-iron cylinders extending into the crankcase. Each bank of cylinders had its own fuel and exhaust system. Displacing 452 cubic inches, the engine was capable of producing a staggering 175 horsepower at just 3400 RPM.

The V16 Cadillac was introduced in January 1930. Six months later, a similar V12 unit appeared. Sales for the V16 were initially strong with 1930 seeing 3,251 examples built. As the Great Depression became more prominent sales began to dwindle. In 1932, a mere 300 examples were produced.

The original of this owner was Herbert Hoover, the ex-president of the United States. During the final months of his presidency, Hoover purchased this V16 Imperial Limousine. It features a Fleetwood body of Style 5175. Hoover kept the car for many years, using it often, before selling it to his friend, Gordon Garland. Garland served in the California State Assembly from 1937 to 1942. It remained in Garland's care for several years and was used often during the first part of his ownership. It was later put out of service and used very sparingly.

The car is currently in unrestored, yet well-preserved condition. The odometer reads a mere 2,000 miles since new. The interior is in great condition, and the chauffeur's compartment is well-preserved leather.

There were a total of 49 examples of the Imperial Limousine sold by Cadillac in 1932.

In 2007 it was brought to Carmel, California where it was offered for sale at Bonhams auction, An Important Sale of Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia. The lot was sold for $75,000 plus premium and tax.

by Dan Vaughan

Special Imperial Limousine by Fleetwood

This one-of-a-kind car was manufactured especially for delivery to the Montreal Auto Show and was specifically painted with a light-colored chassis and dark body. Other special features were the blackwall tires and painted full-wheel discs.

by Canton Classic Museum

All-Weather Phaeton by Fisher
Chassis number: 2458869
Engine number: 1400092

This All Weather Phaeton is one of just 13 examples to have been bodied by Fisher in this design. When new, the car was listed at a high price point of $5,195.

The car was originally bodied with a Seven Passenger Sedan body and delivered to the Detroit, Michigan distribution center on May 23, 1932. Just a few days later, on July 6, the vehicle received a rush order from Kruiedenier Cadillac in Des Moines, Iowa. Before it was sent, the car was re-bodied as a Phaeton. Thus, the car was delivered to its first owner in this configuration.

In the early-to-mid-1950s the Cadillac received a light refreshing of its paint and chrome prior to being purchased by Wilmer L. Hall of Richmond, Virginia in approximately July 1959.

Approximately a decade later it passed to the current ownership. The car has a blue-grey leather interior, shop manual, operator's manual, and original identification card.

by Dan Vaughan

Fleetwood Madame X Sedan by Fleetwood
Engine number: 1400110

The Cadillac V-16 was available in more than 70 different body styles and became a symbol of status and prestige. The engine was specifically designed and calibrated to produce minimal vibration and noise. It was set at a 45-degree angle between its cylinder banks enabling the engine to slide neatly under the hood.

Over the 11 years of production, Cadillac produced just 4,076 examples, with more than 3,00 built in 1931. The following year, just 300 were built. One of the most exclusive and expensive versions was the 'Madame X,' a four-door, five-passenger divider sedan, named by Cadillac master designer Harley Earl after a 1929 movie by the same name starring actress Ruth Chatterton. The cost exceeded $7,000 when new ($1,000 over the standard 16-cylinder Cadillacs) and was a special body style by Fleetwood featuring slender door and windshield pillars, chrome window-edge moldings, and a raked one-piece windshield.

This 1932 Cadillac V-16 Madame X is one of only four such examples built. It is believed that it was on special display at the 1933 Chicago Auto show and was purchased from the stand by Mr. Rudolf C. Block, son of William H. Block who was the founder of the Block department store in Indianapolis. Rudolf Block gave the car to his *** Amelia as a gift. The car was specially ordered with a painted radiator shell, which still graces the car today. It is believed to have been delivered with double-sided green-wall tires.

Mrs. Block used the car regularly, having it chauffeur driven on the streets of Indianapolis.

In the 1940s the car was put into storage at the Block family mansion. It was later gifted to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. It is believed that the automobile was renewed to factory condition by Block's grandson prior to it being put on display in the museum. It remained in the museum until being acquired by the current owner in 2011.

This Madame X was on display at the 2002 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

The car has gold-plated handles and fittings in the rear compartment, German silver pin-striping inlays, and the smoker's companion roof vent which draws cigar smoke out of the passenger compartment while in motion. It is finished in green paint with copious chrome trim.

The car has vacuum-assisted brakes, whitewall tires, dual metal side mounts with rearview mirrors, and a Cadillac radio and clock fitted in the rear compartment.

Convertible Coupe by Fisher

Cadillac introduced the first production automobile with a V16 engine just after the 1929 stock-market crash that ushered in the Great Depression. The car was a marvel of engineering but not many people could afford it and in 1932 only 296 V16s were produced. Prices ranged from $4,495 to $5,945 in 1932.

The 452.8 cu. in. overhead-valve V16 engine produced 165 horsepower and was coupled to a 3-speed manual transmission. It had a top speed of 90 mph.

The V-16 Fisher Body Coupes were one of the smaller models riding on a 149-inch wheelbase.

All-Weather Phaeton by Fisher

After being developed in secret, Cadillac's V16 engine was proudly launched upon an unsuspecting public at the end of 1929. The only other V16 engine being developed at the time was that of Marmon. This Cadillac 452B All Weather Phaeton is one of only 13 examples designed by Cadillac's chief stylist, Harley Earl, and bodied by Fisher. This car was first fitted with a Seven Passenger Sedan body, but before it was delivered, the factory received a rush order for a Phaeton, so the car was re-bodied and delivered to Wilmer Hall of Virginia. He kept the car until 1976 when it went to Judge North of Maryland. During the 1950s, the car received a partial 'refresh' to its body and fittings as well as repairs to the upholstery, but the rest of the car, including the instruments, engine, wheels, and driveline, remains unrestored.

Roadster by Fisher

The Cadillac V-16, known as the Cadillac Sixteen, was Cadillac's top-of-the-line model from its January 1930 launch until 1940. The car was a first in the United States, both extremely expensive and exclusive, with all of the chassis finished to custom order. Only 4,076 were constructed during its 11-year run with the majority built in its debut year. The Great Depression ultimately led to the demise of this expensive vehicle.

The car is powered by an overhead-valve, 452 cubic-inch engine that produces 165 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. But brute performance was not its forte. The Sixteen was intended to establish Cadillac in the rarefied realm of Packard, Peerless, and Pierce-Arrow offering superb luxury and smooth effortless power with minimal shifting.

This roadster is one of three built and was in single ownership for over 65 years. It was purchased from its second owner in 2014 and underwent a complete restoration. It retains all of its original components including the body, chassis, and engine.

Sport Phaeton by Fisher
Chassis number: 14-221
Engine number: 1400219

The Cadillac V-16 was superbly engineered and wore fresh new styling with a lengthened hood, lowered roofline, more curved fenders, and streamlined headlamp shells. For 1932, some of the V-16 styles once produced by Fleetwood were now handled by Fisher, and among them was the Sport Phaeton, style number 32-16-279, one of no fewer than three variations offered on the phaeton theme. While previous V-16 Sport Phaetons had incorporated a rear seat windshield concealed within the front seat back, the 1932 Sport Phaeton had a full hinged tonneau and a traditional folding windshield - a genuine 'dual-cowl' design.

Cadillac sold 300 examples of the V-16 in 1932, including this example. It is powered by engine number 1400219 and is the only original V-16 Sport Phaeton definitively known to have been built in 1932. A second example may have been built, but its factory shipping ledger indicates that it was not delivered as a dual cowl phaeton.

This car was acquired new by Francis Lieber after it had remained unsold in the Philadelphia showroom for several months, and at a $2,000 discount. This romantic story may not be exactly accurate as the car was 'tagged' for him and already noted as 'sold' on its build sheet. In 1934 he sold the car to an oil broker, Joseph Dexter, who used it for family trips to Vermont and the Jersey Shore.

By 1937 the car had returned to Main Line Cadillac, which sold it to a local livery company that used it for funeral processions—mainly as a flower car. It was later sold to one of the company's employees and sat in Brewerytown until December 1942, when a young student, Gene Matlack, bought it for $42 in ration stamps. After refinishing the Cadillac, it was sold for $175 around 1944 to Bayard Badenhausen. Badenhausen later sold the Cadillac to Fred Wetherill, who later sold it to pay for his wedding. Several short-term owners followed, bringing the car to Wilmington, Delaware, where it escaped one owner's plans for a tow truck when lumber salesman Paul Brake bought it for $275. While driving it in a local parade in Cambridge, Maryland, it was noticed by Walter Tilghman who fell in love and soon bought the V-16. He listed it, by its engine number, in the AACA roster for 1954, and owned it until his death in 1958.

Mrs. Tilghman sold the Cadillac and a pair of Rolls-Royces from her husband's stable to Judge John North II of Easton, Maryland. Judge North, in turn, sold the car as part of a package to Mary Hecht of Alligerville, New York. It was from Ms. Hecht that the Sport Phaeton was purchased by George Stuart, who completed its original restoration, with the rear tonneau reproduced and refitted (the rear tonneau had been removed when it served as a flower car).

Mr. Stuart sold the Cadillac in 1972 to Otis Chandler and while in his care, the car was featured in Roy A. Schneider's well-known tome, Sixteen Cylinder Motorcars: An Illustrated History. Mr. Chandler later sold the car to Gifford Oborne of New Jersey, then in 1988 from the Oborne estate to Fred Weber of Missouri. In Mr. Weber's care, the restoration was lightly freshened, with new undercarriage paint.

The current owners acquired the car in 1990 from Mr. Weber. The car has remained in their collection for over three decades.

by Dan Vaughan

Special Imperial Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 14-208
Engine number: 1400197

This 1932 Cadillac V-16 Seven-Passenger Imperial Sedan by Fleetwood was originally shipped to the Kampton Cadillac Corporation of Washington, D.C., but was diverted to Philadelphia, where a buyer was apparently waiting. During the 1980s, it became part of the Sam Vaughan collection of Uncertain, Texas. His collection was sold at auction after his passing in 1989, and eventually, the Cadillac moved into its present ownership in the early 2000s. Since that time, the car has remained largely unseen.

The car wears an older cosmetic restoration.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe by Fisher
Chassis number: 14-157
Engine number: 1400163

This Convertible Coupe, bodied by Fisher, represented the second series of the mighty V16 engine with 452 cubic-inches of displacement, hence its nomination as the '452B.' The year 1932 was considered to be the pinnacle of Classic Era styling; Harley Earl called it the 'greatest year in Caddilac design.' Careful examination shows there is barely a straight line anywhere on the body. Between 1930 and 1931, over 3,200 V16 Cadillacs were built, but in 1932, production dropped to 300.

This V16 Convertible Coupe is one of 14 built and maybe four remaining. It is unusual, as it was delivered to New York with a rear-mounted spare, stainless wire wheels, the radiator painted black to match the body, and no side mounts. Following a painstaking restoration, the car placed First in Class at the 1995 Pebble Beach Concours and was shown again for exhibit only in 2002.

This Cadillac was found by E.O. Franzen in 1959 in a Minnesota barn where it was in solid, complete but rough condition. As-found photos were published in February 1966 Self Starter.

In the late 1960s he sold it to Wayne Merriman where it remained untouched until it was bought by Ron Benach at the 1989 estate sale of Gif Oborne.

Benach employed Fran Roxas to do a complete restoration, helping it achieve its First in Class victory at the 1995 Pebble Beach Concours in the 16-cylinder class. It was again shown at the 16-cylinder class for exhibit in 2002.

In 2017, it was sold to John Groendyke, who in turn sold it at auction in 2021, where it was purchased by Hunter Classics.

Henry Martin Leland and his son Wilfred were partly responsible for making Cadillac one of the finest of all American Automobiles. Henry was renowned for his precision engineering and for standardizing manufacturing. He helped make Cadillac into one of the finest of all American Automobiles. Later, he founded Lincoln. Even after the Leland's departed from Cadillac, the marque remained a top-of-the-line figure.

Cadillac did not rely on four- or six-cylinder power. Every one of the company's cars was fitted with a V engine of 8, 12, or 16 cylinders. They were smooth and powerful.

During the late 1920s, the cylinder race was in full force. Cadillac's engineer Owen Knacker was tasked with developing a V16 engine that would keep Cadillac at the forefront of the race. Their hopes were to displace Packard at the top of the luxury car market.

From 1930 through 1940 Cadillac produced a monstrous sixteen-cylinder engine. It was first displayed to the automotive community at the Detroit Opera House prior to the Detroit Auto Show. This was the largest number of cylinders to power an automobile of all time. The hood that housed the engine was intimidating, larger, and longer than any other vehicle. Up to this point, there were only a few manufacturers that produced a twelve-cylinder engine, mechanical achievements in their own right. The introduction of the sixteen-cylinder engine was historical and seen as revolutionary at the time.

Up to the 1990's there have only been three manufacturers of a sixteen cylinder engine. The Bugatti Type 47 never made series production while the Marmon Corporation offering was short-lived. In comparison, the Marmon built V-16 was more powerful. By using aluminum, the 491 cubic-inch engine with its overhead values weighed just over 900 pounds. The engine was formed by merging twin-eight cylinder engines at a 45-degree angle, giving the engine an impressive look and an astonishing 200 horsepower. The use of steel cylinder sleeves added to the longevity and durability of the engine. The V-16 engine earned Howard Marmon the Society of Automotive Engineers' annual design award.

The Cadillac V-16 was the first and remained in production for eleven years.

A new sixteen-cylinder engine was introduced by Cadillac in 1938. This was not their first V16 engine; their first had been designed by engineer Owen Nacker of Marmon fame. It had an overhead valve design and mounted at a 45-degree to one another. Each back of the sixteen cylinders had their own exhaust and fuel system. The engine featured hydraulic valve adjusters that helped with the silent valve train operation. The exterior of the engine was equally as impressive, with all the wiring and hoses concealed undercover and finished in chrome, polished aluminum, porcelain, and baked enamel. The result was a 452 cubic-inch engine that was nearly unmatched in the industry at the time.

A V12 version followed shortly after the introduction of the V16; it displaced 368 cubic-inches and was basically three-quarters of a V16. Both of these engines remained in production through 1937. The V12 did not resume production for 1938. A new engine was introduced in 1938 and that very different than its predecessors. It was an L-head design, cast in a 135-degree vee, and featured a monobloc design. The was easier and more economical to manufacture and it weighed 250 pounds less, had 21 fewer cubic-inches, but developed the same power.

The V12 engine was used to power the Series 85 for 1937. The Series 75 and Series 85 were the same vehicles, with the exception of the powerplant. The Series 75 used a V8 engine. In 1938 the V12 was discontinued, and the V16 took its place. The sixteen-cylinder cars were shortened to a length similar to the Series 75, and the chassis and bodies were interchangeable.

There were twelve body styles available, including coupes, convertibles coupes, and sedans, as well as the larger seven-passenger sedans and limousines. These larger vehicles were called Formal Sedans or Imperial sedans depending on whether they had a division partition.

The Series 90 experienced its best year in 1938 with 315 examples built. The five-passenger Touring Sedan was the most popular, with 41 sold.

In 1939, the front of the V8 Cadillacs was mildly updated. The grille was raked back and the headlights were now mounted to the nose and flush with the top of the grille. Chrome moldings were added to the running boards and the fender ornamentation was now fully chromed. The rear license plate was moved from the left fender to the trunk lid.

There were a total of 138 V16 cars produced in 1939. A few changes or modifications to the car followed for 1940. A total of 61 V16 cars were built this would be the final year for their production. A total of 4,400 examples were built over an eleven-year period.

by Dan Vaughan