Beschreibung:

452ci OHV V-16 Engine
Twin Updraft Cadillac Carburetors
185bhp at 3400 rpm
3-Speed Synchromesh Manual Transmission
Solid Axles Front and Rear with Semi Elliptic Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Vacuum Assisted Drum Brakes
*Cadillac's crowning technological achievement, the V-16
*One of 35 Transformable Town Cabriolets built
*Delivered new to New York City
*Multiple Concours class award winner
THE CADILLAC V-16
Cadillac's development of the V-16 was shrouded in utter secrecy. It was an absolute success, a stunning accomplishment for an organization as large as General Motors and one that relied on a huge array of outside contractors and suppliers.
The new engine was sprung on an unsuspecting public in late 1929 in a flurry of announcements, dealer presentations, previews for privileged clients and public auto shows. While competitors publicly scoffed at the V16's size and complexity, privately they marveled and quickly retired to their drawing boards where twelve cylinder engines bloomed like flowers in the spring. Only Marmon even bothered to try to emulate Cadillac's feat of creating the V-16.
By adopting a relatively small 3" bore Cadillac was able to place the cylinders close together, minimizing the engine's length and, more importantly, the length of the crankshaft. The crank ran in five main bearings and the combination of short crank length and plenty of bearings eliminated annoying harmonics. The V16's narrow 45° vee angle was chosen to minimize the engine's width so it would fit comfortably under the hood. Overhead valves with hydraulic clearance adjustment were chosen for quiet, reliable operation and for easy access to the valve train for service. The better breathing and specific power output of overhead valves was a side benefit.
With "enough" power assured and quality and silence promised, Cadillac looked for something else to distinguish its V-16. GM had just landed the man to provide it, legendary designer Harley Earl from Southern California, hired by Larry P. Fisher to run GM's new Art and Color Department.
Art and Color's singular design statement for the V16 was under the hood. Hidden from public view but very important to Cadillac in conveying the sleek, refined, subdued image of the V16's quiet, confident power, the V16 engine was as much a triumph for the stylists as it was for Cadillac engineering. Everything suggesting the minutiae of function was hidden. The spark plug wires traveled from the distributor to the plugs under covers. The valve covers, manifolds and even carburetors were monochromatic with only carefully selected details and highlights. There were no exposed oil lines. It was a sleek, modern statement of machine age design, carefully detailed and refined.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This stunning and rare V-16 Cadillac is one of only 35 Transformable Town Cabriolets built, style number 4325, few of which exist today. With bodywork constructed in Fleetwood's factory works in Pennsylvania, the body featured Fleetwood's distinctively Vee'd windscreen and matching trim molding along spine of the hoodline that gently mellowed into the beltline wrapping the car. According to copies of factory build records, the Cadillac was delivered new to New York City's famed Uppercu Cadillac Company. In 1946, the elegant Town Cabriolet was registered in Los Angeles, California to J.R. Adams.
It was still an original and unrestored machine when "Cadillac Jim" Pearson of Kansas City, Missouri sold the car to V-16 enthusiast Fred Weber. The final V-16 that would be fully restored in Mr. Weber's collection, the work was entrusted to Marc Ohm and the finished car was shown at the 1993 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it brought home a prestigious class award.
Remaining the care of dedicated collectors, John McMullen of Lapeer, Michigan was the next owner of the car. Featured on the cover of the September/October 1995 issue of the CCCA's Michigan Region magazine, Torque, McMullen boasted acquiring the car as "the dream of my life." He would go on to display the car at CCCA competitions, where it would earn a top score of 99.5 points and Senior Emeritus status in 2006. If that wasn't enough, showings at the Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance and Eyes on Design both brought home Best in Class awards.
Purchased by the penultimate owner in 2007, the brutish V-16 was overhauled by RM Auto Restoration shortly after acquisition. Sparingly used in ensuing years, it was acquired by the present owner early last year as part of an expansive collection of American classics.
This proven show winner remains a true stunner in person and the perfect companion on tours or at concours alike. Sure to wow where it is shown, it has just as much presence now as it did when it rolled onto the streets of New York City nearly a century ago.