Beschreibung:

452ci OHV V16 Engine 2 Cadillac Carburetors 165bhp at 3,400rpm 3-Speed Manual Transmission Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension 4-Wheel Drum Brakes *Cadillac's crowning technological achievement, the V-16 *Desirable All Weather Phaeton coachwork *Long-term ownership by a noted marque expert *Well restored for shows and touring *Extremely expensive model aimed at society's elite The Cadillac V16 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 Salon. This new super-sized Cadillac was clearly a General Motors response to the Duesenberg Model J, introduced by E. L. Cord the year before. However, while the snarl of the Duesenberg straight eight flaunted its raw, race-bred power, the Cadillac V16 would set new benchmarks for smooth, silent and superbly impressive performance. Cadillac created the V16 to compete with and exceed the standards of the best automobiles in the world. GM dispatched a group of the new cars to Europe, where the Continent's most erudite automotive connoisseurs were invited to compare, first-hand, the beauty and substance of the Cadillac V16 against the upper-crust cars of the time—including Isotta-Fraschini, Hispano-Suiza, Mercedes-Benz and, of course, Rolls-Royce. An impressive number of early V16s were exported as a result. The heart of the Cadillac V-16 was of course its magnificent engine. Displacing 452 cubic inches, it produced up to 185 horsepower. Beautifully detailed and meticulously sculpted, the engine's appearance was just as awe-inspiring as its soon-to-be-legendary smoothness and quietness. Cadillac offered a number of Fleetwood bodies for the 1930-31 Series 452A V16 chassis. The open style most favored by buyers was the All-Weather Phaeton, Fleetwood Job (style) Number 4380. This close-coupled 4-door convertible sedan combines the sporting lines of an open model with the all-weather practicality of a closed sedan. The top stack, when folded, rests almost level with the door upper edges, providing a sporty top-down appearance similar to a traditional open phaeton. The dual panes of the stately vee-style front windshield tilt outward for ventilation, while the body styling is beautifully complemented by special sweep panel moldings on the hood and cowl that provide a splendid motif featured only on a limited number of Fleetwood V-16 styles. The All Weather Phaeton carried a monumental price tag of $6,650 – that is, $150 more expensive than the dual cowl Sport Phaeton! The Motorcar Offered This fine example of Cadillac's technological tour de force sports the stylish All Weather Phaeton coachwork by Cadillac's preferred coachbuilder Fleetwood. Although the V16's early history remains unknown, it is known to have been in Kerry Galder's New Hampshire-based collection up in the 1960s, during which time Charles Harper of Holliston, Massachusetts purchased it. The car is said to have been in largely original and unrestored condition at the time. Harper, who later relocated to Meredith, New Hampshire, was one of the foremost marque experts of the time, specializing in restoration and repair of classic era Cadillacs. Harper would turn his restorer's attention to this car too, whilst keeping in mind the car's desirable patina of authenticity. The V16 would remain in Harper's collection until 2012, sharing his garage with a V16 sport phaeton. It then came into the possession of the consignor, a prominent Northeast-based collector of excellent pre-war cars. Although restored over 20 years ago, the sporting Cadillac still presents beautifully inside and out. Nicely mellowed, the Cadillac is finished in a handsome and distinctive two-tone blue color scheme, and trimmed in correct broadcloth materials. Recently the subject to some expert mechanical service and refurbishing work, the V16 looks just right and is reported to be in fine running order. A great choice for CCCA caravans or Concours