Description
1931 Cadillac V-16 Series 452 All-Weather Phaeton with Coachwork by Fleetwood
Cadillac astonished the world's automotive elite when it introduced a spectacular new ultra-luxury car, powered by an amazing 16-cylinder engine, at the 1930 New York Show. This new super-sized Cadillac would set a new benchmark for silent and superbly impressive performance. The 452 cubic inch V16 made an astounding 175 horsepower in combination with smoothness and refinement. It is widely believed that GM lost money on every V16 they built through 1940. The extravagant V16 was an immediate sensation and production began with strong demand, even on the verge of the Great Depression. Fifty-four semi-custom body styles were offered by Fleetwood to the prospective buyer, ranging from sporty roadsters and phaetons to formal limousines and town cars. Prices began at $5, 350 and ran to $9, 700 in an age when a new Ford could be bought for less than $500. The All-weather Phaeton style number 4380 came in two versions. The standard version, which was fully open, carried a price tag of $6, 650. The deluxe version, with a divider window which could be rolled down, was priced at $7, 350. This car was originally purchased by Mr. Rudolph Loening of New York City, and retained by him for about seven years. The V-16 was then acquired by an army officer who was assigned to foreign duty shortly thereafter, forcing it into storage where it remained until 1960. It was then brought out of hibernation and acquired by Albro Case of Hartford, CT. It was purchased by Elrner Franzen in 1969 and then likely passed onto the respected Darling collection in Minneapolis. It was most recently with another prominent Minneapolis collector.
This particular example is finished in pale green lacquer with a black swept panel, fenders and aprons. Some of this paint may be original but is flaking in areas. The interior is excellent and trimmed in light brown Bedford Cord with light brown carpets and a tan Hartz cloth lop. The car has the deluxe division window, dual side mounts, a luggage rack and the correct goddess mascot. The indicated mileage is 42, 595, which is commensurate with the overall condition of the automobile. Although not much used in recent years, it is now running and driving very well with a quiet engine and excellent shifting. A solid, straight, and highly original car that is ready for paintwork at this time. The Fleetwood body features many interesting details such as a split opening windshield and glass division between driver and passenger compartments. Cadillac created the V-16 to compete with the best automobiles in the world. The majestic Cadillac V-16 established an unsurpassed standard of excellence for American cars and surviving examples rank among the world's most desired Classics. Cadillac described the All-weather Phaeton as "a car combining the dash and swagger of the sporting models with the practical features of the sedan." Today, the Cadillac V16 remains one of the most desirable and collectible motorcars of the classic era.
Coachwork by Fleetwood
Engine No. 701323
Body No. 84
Style No. 4380
16-cylinder 45 degree V-Type
3-speed transmission
Price: $267, 500
