1935 Cadillac V16

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1935 Cadillac V16

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Summary:

Used 1935

Location:

Saint Louis, MO

Description:

As the 1920s drew to a close, Cadillac was enjoying considerablesuccess in the hotly contested luxury car market. Locked in a tightbattle with its cross-town rivals at Packard, General Motors made abold move by adding La Salle as a stylish junior companion brand toCadillac. Harley Earl, who is widely considered as the father ofAmerican car styling, was first hired to design the La Salle, andwith its immediate success, he was put in charge of the newlycreated Art and Color Department at GM where he would soon make hismark on the rest of the GM lineup. With Cadillac on firm footing,company president Larry Fisher, together with Harley Earl set theirsights on creating an all-new flagship to lead the GM's mostprestigious marque into the 1930s. Earl and Fisher took a tour ofEngland and mainland Europe, visiting with traditionalcoachbuilders such as Barker, James Young, Saoutchik, and Vanvoorenin search of inspiration. Meanwhile, in Detroit, Cadillac was setto unveil a stunning new powerplant that would become the new CrownJewel at General Motors. Cadillac introduced two new engines basedon the same architecture - a V12 and a sensational, 452 cubic-inchV16, both designed in-house by Owen Nacker. The engines weretechnically and visually stunning, with overhead valves and stylishArt Deco-inspired styling. Both engines were powerful, but it wasthe mighty V16 that genuinely stole the headlines with its175-horsepower output and unparalleled refinement. The V16 enginewas installed in a new, strengthened chassis with power-assistedbrakes and a "clashless" synchronized gearbox. Unlike itscompetitors, General Motors utilized in-house coachbuilders Fisherand Fleetwood to build the bodies for the new Series 452, with onlya select few cars going to outside firms. Nearly one hundred bodyand wheelbase combinations were possible, which ensured the kind ofexclusivity that was necessary if Cadillac hoped to lure buyersfrom the likes of Rolls-Royce and Hispano-Suiza. The basis stylingwas penned by a team led by Harley Earl, while Fisher and Fleetwoodcrafted some of the most beautiful bodies of the 1930s. Cadillacwanted the V16 to remain at the pinnacle of the market and updatedit annually. For 1934, the entire Cadillac line was redesigned withbeautiful new styling, influenced by the Streamline-Moderne period,and this design was updated again for 1935. The new design waslower and longer than before, with pontoon fenders, bulletheadlamps, and clean, linear details. Mechanically, the V16 wasuprated to 185 horsepower and sat in a massive 154-inch wheelbasechassis. Yet America was still in the throes of the GreatDepression, and despite all the visual splendor and engineeringexcellence, V16 sales amounted to a mere 212 total chassis builtfrom 1934 through the end of the first generation in 1937. In spiteof the fact that GM lost money on every example they built, theCadillac V16 stands as one of the most desirable and collectibleAmerican motorcars of the classic era. This fabulous 1935 CadillacSeries 35-90 exemplifies the elegance and grandeur of the ClassicEra and is a stunning piece of early Streamline design and is oneof just 50 Sixteens produced in 1935. Chassis 5100087 is believedto be one of only two that were built in 1935 in the Fleetwood5-Passenger Convertible Coupe body style #5885. Equipped for longjourneys, the 5-passenger convertible coupe features a cavernousbuilt-in trunk, as well as a trunk rack for even more storage.Other options include a radio, banjo steering wheel, chrome wirewheels, gold goddess mascot, and a single trunk-mounted spare.Unfortunately, 5100087's early history is unknown, and in recentcorrespondence with Cadillac Historical Services, this car's serialnumber falls in a group of cars whose records were not retained.Previously part of the renown Blackhawk Collection, the V16Convertible Victoria presents in excellent condition, with awell-preserved, gently matured restoration. The elegant andimposing Fleetwood bodywork is finished in a lovely dark red color,set off handsomely with chrome wire wheels fitted with widewhitewall tires. Opening the doors, you are treated to a tanleather interior in excellent order, showing only the veryslightest creasing from light use. Gorgeous detailing adorns thedash with its gold engine-turned escutcheons and correct originalinstrumentation. Rear passengers are treated to a large leatherchair with a folding armrest, individual cigar lighters andbeautifully detailed ash trays. The tan canvas top is in excellentcondition. It is difficult to determine whether the body or theengine is the star of this show. Opening the long bonnet revealsone of the most awe-inspiring engines of the era. The Cadillac V16is a masterpiece of form following function and a piece ofmechanical beauty. The narrow angle Vee is topped with blackpainted rocker covers accented with polished ribs. The enginecompartment remains in superb condition and on a recent road testthe car performed and drove superbly, however there is evidence ofa prior repair to the block. Overall, the car is in excellentcondition, which is a testament to the high quality of therestoration, as well as the loving care and maintenance the car hasenjoyed since. Few automobiles of the era can compare with the 1935Cadillac V16 for its presence and style. With a 154-inch wheelbaseand an overall length of nearly twenty feet, this massive V16 makesan undoubtedly bold statement. This remarkable automobilerepresents the very best that Cadillac - and America - had to offerin the period. It is a piece of art, history and engineeringbrilliance that can be shown or toured with pride. Offers welcomeand trades considered For additional details please view thislisting directly on our websitehttps://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7686-1935-cadillac-v16-convertible-victoria/

Body Type:

Convertible

Posted:

March 4 on Americanlisted