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1938 Cadillac Series 90

Cadillac and Marmon were the only two American manufacturers to offer a V16-powered passenger car; the Cadillac model, unlike the Marmon, would remain in production for over a decade. It was announced in January of 1930, beating the Marmon to market, and proved to be popular - despite the Great Depression - with no less than 3,251 examples sold in the first year alone. The design of the V16 engine is credited to Owen Nacker and it was conceived in the Roaring Twenties as the pinnacle of luxury motoring. Throughout the 1930s, a number of changes were made, the styling updated as fashions changed, but sales gradually declined to the deepening economic conditions. In 1938, another recession hit North America, with unemployment rising dramatically and sales of passenger cars falling by 49 percent. The expensive overhead-valve V16 gave was to the less complex L-head design, which offered more power but with the same smoothness. The 431 cubic-inch short-stroke engine of the Series 90 was essentially two eights, with a 135-degree vee and twin carburetors, twin manifold and distributors, coils, fuel pumps, twin oil bath cleaners, and even two water pumps. The engine was of cast iron construction with compact cylinders with 'square' dimensions of 3¼ inches bore and stroke. It was 115 pounds lighter than the V-12 and 250 pounds lighter than the 452 V-16. The engine developed 185 horsepower at 3,600 RPM, with power sent to the semi-floating rear axle via a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission operated from a column change.

The Series 90 rested on the same 141-inch wheelbase as the Series 75 eight-cylinder models and had many of the same features. Both were offered with a wide range of body styles by in-house coachbuilder Fleetwood. With a staggering base price of $5,440, a total of 315 examples of the V16 Cadillac were built in 1938. This number would continue to decline dramatically over the next two years and just 138 and 61 cars were produced in 1939 and 1940 respectively.

The 1938 V16 Cadillac had a wheelbase that was 13 inches shorter than the 1937 V16, and its length was 38 inches shorter. The 1938 bodies, however, were equal (and sometimes larger) than the previous year's bodies. This was made possible by fitting the nearly flat engine low in the frame and placing the back cylinders behind the firewall line under the toe board.

By the end of the 1940 model year, Cadillac was forced to recognize that this new V16 was no longer economical to produce. It was dropped from the line-up, by which time just 514 or 515 of these automobiles had been built. Just 61 were built in 1940.

by Dan Vaughan

Imperial Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 5270103

Cadillac unveiled their overhead valve V16 engine in 1930 which solidified the slogan, 'The Standard of the World.' When introduced it was a marvel, but by 1938 it had become too expensive to produce and far too bulky to remain in production. So Cadillac engineers came up with a solution; they created a new flathead engine with a much lower profile based on the original V16 unit. It cost less to produce, displaced 431 cubic inches and produced 185 horsepower. It was basically a twin-eight engine with dual carburetors, manifolds, distributors, coils, fuel pumps and water pumps as well as dual oil bath air cleaners.

In 2008 it was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $350,000. It was not surprising to see the winning bid far exceed the estimates, settling at $412,500 including the buyer's premium. It is a gorgeous car that is a top contender at nearly every event it attends.

Ninety-five customers chose the Imperial Seven-passenger sedan as their choice of body style for the V16 Cadillac. They rode on a wheelbase that measured 141.3 inches and had a three-speed column-shifted manual gearbox and duo-servo Bendix four-wheel hydraulic brakes.

This example has never been restored, just carefully maintained throughout its life. The original black paint has been touched up where needed. Chrome has been replaced in certain places. It retains its wide whitewall tires and dual side-mount spares. The interior features wood trim, tan broadcloth material in the passenger compartment, and black leather in the driver's area.

The engine was rebuilt by RM Auto Restorations.

One of Canada's wealthiest families, the Billes of Canadian Tire fame, once owned this Imperial Sedan. Subsequent owners have preserved the car's patina and kept it in mostly-original condition, a rarity as most have been restored at least once during their lifetime.

In 2008 it was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000. It was offered without reserve which worked well for the buyer who purchased this magnificent car for the sum of $46,750 including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 5270181

This Fleetwood-bodied car was one of the first designed by Bill Mitchell at age 23 when he was promoted by Harley Earl to Chief Stylist for the Cadillac Division.

The car was one of the first with a steering column-mounted transmission shifter. This car is number 10 of 13, series 9029, built and sold in 1938. It is equipped with a V-16 flathead L-Head engine of a unique design with a 135-degree angle between cylinders. It has nine main bearings and was very strong and many were adapted for stationary use such as pumps in the petroleum industry.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 5270181

This 1938 Cadillac V-16 Divider Window Convertible Sedan by Fleetwood was offered for sale at the 2007 Sports and Classic Car Auction presented by The Worldwide Group, in Hilton Head Island, SC where it was estimated to sell for $225,000 - $275,000. It is one of thirteen built and one of only eight known to exist in modern times. Of the thirteen created, three were extended wheelbase models used for Government use. The other ten were identical, with five being accounted for in modern times. The first owner was MGM, and they ordered it with an additional divider window from the factory, making this unique.

This car has been treated to a frame-off restoration. It is finished in Ox Blood Maroon with a matching maroon interior and tan top. It has been owned by three owners since new, with the original owner (MGM) owning the car until 1970. While in MGM's care, it is reported that several famous film stars of the day used this car for various types of transportation.

Unique options to this car include the divider window, two-zone heater including a rear floor heater, factory spotlights on both sides of the automobile, factory Master AM radio, and Trippe driving lights.

At auction the bidding surpassed the estimated value, selling for $286,000 including the buyer's premium. It is a car packed with potential for both concours events and driving tours. It is a very unique vehicle with a wonderful history and is powered by a sixteen-cylinder powerplant. The coachwork is exquisite and truly a testament to the craftsmanship of the Fleetwood Company.

by Dan Vaughan

Imperial Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 5270283

There were more than 50 body styles offered on the V16 with the majority being cataloged bodies created by Fleetwood. Many were variations on the basic designs.

The V16 shrunk from 452 cubic inches to 431 cubic inches in 1938. It lost its overhead valves in favor of a flat-head configuration. It was a short-stroke 135-degree motor that was lighter and more powerful than its predecessor.

This 1938 Cadillac Series 90 V16 Imperial Town Sedan is one of just 20 produced and only one of eight known to have survived in modern times. It is believed that its original owner was the Governor of Texas. It remains in mostly original condition. It still retains its original body and hood paint. The bumpers and hood side panels have been re-chromed and the front fenders have been re-sprayed.

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 $55,000 plus premium and tax.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan by Fleetwood

Cadillac only produced a total of 315 V-16 vehicles in 1938. The convertible sedan cost an even $6000 and weighed 5350 pounds. Nicholas Dreystadt was the Cadillac General Manager that year.

by Canton Classic Car Museum

Fleetwood Fastback Limousine by Fleetwood

This one-off special-bodied V-16 limousine was created by GM Styling for the personal use of GM executive William Knudsen, then President of the Cadillac Division of General Motors. It shows styling cues from the new 60 Special model but is a unique fastback sedan style without side mounts and is especially clean of line. Very few late V-16s were custom-built. Production of V-16s continued virtually unchanged for two more years with 136 cars built during 1939 and just 61 in the final model year of 1940.

Convertible Sedan by Fleetwood

For 1938 Cadillac introduced an all-new 135-degree V-16 engine and more contemporary styling. This is one of just 13 Fleetwood convertible sedans built on the 311 V-16s produced in 1938. This new series of V-16s shared both wheelbase (141.5 inches) and body design with their V8 cousins and represented a radical change from earlier offerings. The new engine was of flathead design, the gearshift moved to the column, and the car had a much more modern feel.

Convertible Coupe by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 5270276
Engine number: 5270276

This Cadillac Series 38-90 is one of only about 311 V16 Cadillacs for 1938. The car has an older restoration that was performed by Robert Aubin. It became part of the current collection in 2006 and has never been judged in competition.

In 2010, this V16 Convertible Coupe was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook event presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $180,000 - $240,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $165,000, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Presidential Convertible Parade Limousine by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 5270075

The first six years of Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential administration were focused on his New Deal recovery programs following the Great Depression. Halfway through his second of four presidential terms, his focus shifted to the increasing turmoil in continental Europe.

It was during these two difficult times in history (the Great Depression and World War II), that Cadillac and its coachworks Fleetwood were tasked with special order 9006 - two virtually identical 16-cylinder open limousines to be constructed on a 165-inch wheelbase platform. The vehicles were 11 inches longer than a standard V-16 Cadillac. Powering the cars were Cadillac's 135-degree, L-head V16 engine offering 135 horsepower from 431 cubic inches. Each bank had its own distributor, carburetor, and manifolds. The engine was six inches shorter, 13 inches lower, and 250 pounds lighter than its overhead valve predecessor and had significantly fewer parts. It had a smaller displacement but still produced the same power.

Both of the special order 9006 cars were used by the White House. The two examples were chassis numbers 5270064 and 5270075 (this car). The cars reportedly were built with armor plating, helping the car tip the scales at 8,000 lbs. They were given special running boards, grab handles, communication equipment, special compartments for firearm storage, sirens, and lights.

The cars were leased by Cadillac to the United States government and both were used through 1956 as part of the White House fleet to carry Secret Service agents or directly chauffeur the President. One was nicknamed the 'Queen Mary' (this car, chassis 5720075), and the other 'Queen Elizabeth,' a reference to the large cruise ships of the same name.

After FDR's death, the two cars were enlisted for use by the Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower administrations. In 1950, Truman took delivery of two Lincoln 'Bubbletop' limousines, but both Cadillacs remained in the official fleet. Unlike in modern times, the cars were not flown to their destinations but were driven across the country to meet the President as he arrived by airplane.

During the time the Cadillacs were in service for the president, they were often updated and rebuilt by Cadillac as necessary. Both cars had their bodies removed from the chassis, and every component was examined, including the running gear. After World War II, the V-16 engines were replaced with L-head V8s, which in turn were replaced by 331 cubic-inch OHV V8s in 1952. Currently, both cars still retain their OHV V8s that were installed in the early 1950s.

After the presidential duties were served, the 'Queen Mary' was purchased directly from Cadillac by Mr. Jack Tallman, a third-generation Cadillac dealer from Decatur, Illinois. Prior to the purchase, the car was used through the re-election in November 1956 of President Eisenhower.

The Tallman family has owned the car for over four decades, during which time they have added around 30,000 to 40,000 miles to the odometer.

In May of 1999, Mr. Tallman sold the car at auction to Mr. Al Wiseman. In 2002 it was shown at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, where it received an award for the best original and unrestored automobile. Years later, the car joined the John O'Quinn collection.

The car has replica pistols and rifles, as well as two telephones, gun holsters, a fender-mounted red siren, step plates, and grab handles. The 331 CID engine offers 210 horsepower and is mated to a three-speed manual transmission. There is a coil spring independent front suspension and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at RM Auction's Scottsdale, Arizona auction. It was estimated to sell for $300,000 - $400,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $269,500 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe by Fleetwood
Engine number: 5270250

The second-generation V-16 Cadillac engine was introduced in 1938. It featured a simple side-valve configuration, a more conventional design, and an unusual 135-degree bank angle. It offered comparable horsepower and torque while weighing 250 pounds less and was less costly to build than its predecessor.

The new Series 90 V-16 engine used the same chassis of the same 141.25-inch wheelbase as the eight-cylinder Series 75, and both received the same Fleetwood bodies. This allowed pricing to be significantly reduced from previous years.

The catalog for 1938 and 1939 Series 90 models included twelve bodies, all wearing styles by Cadillac's Chief Designer Bill Mitchell.

This particular example is one of just 10 convertible coupes built on the Series 90 V-16 chassis in 1938. It originally wore a Moleskin Gray exterior, a color code that matches the paint code (number 6) shown on the original Fleetwood firewall tag. Originally sold in Rochester, New York, the Cadillac had made its way to Pennsylvania by the 1960s.

The car's next owner was Ted Johnson, who had the car restored by George Holman of Massachusetts. Mr. Holman then purchased the car and traded it to Rick Carroll of Jensen Beach, Florida.

At some point, it received its bright red exterior.

by Dan Vaughan

7-Passenger Imperial Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 5270245

The first series of Model 452 V-16 Cadillacs were built between 1930 and 1937 in steadily decreasing numbers with 50 examples built in 1937. General Motors considered closing it, but in 1938 they announced a new V-16. It was built of cast iron construction with compact cylinders with 'square' dimensions of 3.25 inches bore and stroke, 431 cubic inches. Its unique cylinder arrangement had a 135-degree v-angle. For simplicity and ease of servicing it employed side valves. Manifolds and dual carburetors within the wide-v and a pair of eight-cylinder distributors likewise were easy to service. It was 115 pounds lighter than the V-12 and 250 pounds lighter than the 452 V-16. The back cylinders were placed behind the firewall line under the toe board, allowing it to fit in place of the V-8 in the 141-inch wheelbase chassis.

The sixteen-cylinder powering the 38-90 offered 185 brake horsepower and gave them 100 mph top speeds. During its three years in production, Cadillac built just 514 second-generation V-16s and most of them were large sedans intended to be chauffeur driven.

This particular example is a 7-passenger Imperial Sedan by Fleetwood, body style number 38-9033. It is one of 95 built in 1938 and is equipped with a rollup division window, rear compartment footrest, ashtrays, electric cigar lighters, a rear compartment clock, and dual side-mount enclosures with mirrors. It was given a restoration in the mid-1980s with further restoration work performed after T.J. Day's acquisition of it in 1992. It is finished in dark blue with blue-grey broadcloth upholstery in the rear compartment and black leather in the front.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 5270289
Engine number: 5270289

Cadillac introduced an entirely new V16 in 1938. Despite being downsized to 431ci (7,066cc) and losing its overhead valves in favor of a 'flat head' configuration, the new short-stroke 135-degree motor was lighter and more powerful than its predecessor. Clever installation of this flatter engine enabled Cadillac to reduce the wheelbase length by 13 inches while retaining the roominess of the prior bodies.

The V16 model would be dropped at the end of the 1940 model year, by which time just 515 examples had been built.

This example was ordered new through the Scotts Smith Cadillac Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When new, it wore an Imperial Limousine body.

In 1952, it was acquired by Mr. James Kiser of Wisconsin; he and his family would retain the car for over half a century. The car retains its original engine and transmission, along with its optional radio and aerial specified on the build sheet - the Limousine body was removed and an exacting restoration was done with a Convertible Coupe body from a Series 75. The Series 75 body, which was virtually identical to the Series 90 body, was fitted in the 1980s by Russell Jackson.

This Cadillac is finished in Italian Cream over red leather.

by Dan Vaughan

Town Car by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 5270310

This vehicle was sold new to Countess Rosario de Larrechea de Schiffner of Paris, France. Upon the death of the Countess, the vehicle was willed to Cardinal Francis Spellman, a dear friend and advisor to President Franklin Roosevelt. Cardinal Spellman accepted the V16 and commissioned it to the Vatican Motor Pool. Cardinal Spellman and Pope Pius XII used the car on many occasions. In fact, the Cadillac stayed in the Vatican fleet until 1966 when it was sold to the Bulgari Collection. Today this exclusive Cadillac V16 Series 90 vehicle is considered to be one of the most important pieces of the Bulgari Collection in Rome. The vehicle has only traveled 34,000 miles since 1938 and is in superb condition.

Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 5270127

This 1938 Cadillac Series 90 5-Passenger Sedan was once in the care of the John Ashton Collection. The current caretaker acquired it in 2018. At some point in its history, it was given an exterior restoration, focused mainly on the paint and brightwork. It appears the beige broadcloth interior is largely original and remains in presentable condition. There are large hubcaps on red steel wheels, wide white wall tires, auxiliary fog lights, and dual side-mount enclosures with mirrors. The rear compartments have courtesy lighting, foot and armrests, smokers' kits, and abundant legroom.

by Dan Vaughan

Town Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 5270052
Engine number: 5270052

Cadillac introduced its second-generation Series 90 V-16 in 1938 with a completely redesigned engine. The new 135-degree flathead design had a nine-main-bearing crankshaft, dual carburetors, dual fuel pumps, dual distributors, and dual water pumps. It displaced 431 cubic inches and installed in a 141-inch wheelbase chassis.

This 1938 Cadillac Series 90 V-16 wears a 'two-window' Town Sedan body by Fleetwood (style number 9039). It came equipped with a flexible steering wheel, heater/defroster, radio with aerial, and a concealed rear-mounted spare that shares the trunk with a tool roll and lug wrench. It wears an Antoinette Blue exterior with complimentary tan broadcloth interior and hogshair carpeting.

This Cadilalc's original owner was the Chaplin Motor Company of Portland, Maine, and later owners include Ron Van Gelderen and Richard Taylor of Pennsylvania. Mr. Taylor exhibited the Cadillac in Antique Automobile Club of America competition, winning its AACA Junior First Prize in 1988, and in CLC events, winning a National Senior First Prize.

In the spring of 2004, the V16 Cadillac was purchased by the Gateway Automobile Museum from a collector in the Philadelphia area.

The Cadillac Series 90 V-16 has 99,9641 miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan by Fleetwood
Engine number: 5270273

Cadillac built 308 Sixteens for 1938 (not including bare chassis and test/development cars) and thirteen of those were five-passenger convertible sedans. This example joined John O. Bohmer's collection of prewar automobiles in January 1963 when he purchased the V-16 for $1,000 from Paul Walter of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Mr. Walter had acquired the car from a Long Island, New York, used-car lot in July 1954 and applied $300 worth of service work to have it road-registered.

After the purchase, Mr. Bohmer and several friends drove the V-16 back to Brooten, Minnesota. For the next three decades, the Cadillac remained unused; it was eventually restored to its current condition. The restoration included bodywork, a new paint finish, an engine rebuild, and methodical service to the Cadillac's various systems.

This Cadillac is powered by a 431 cubic-inch L-Head V-16 engine producing 185 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. There is a three-speed synchromesh manual gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. At the front is an independent suspension with coil springs, while the live rear axle is suspended via semi-elliptical leaf springs.

by Dan Vaughan

From 1930 through 1940 Cadillac produced a monsterous 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 in 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 enigne; 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 under cover 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 manfacutre 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 vehicle, 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 bodystyles available, including coupes, convertible 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 were midly 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 ornamentaion 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. 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