Beschreibung:

CADILLAC V16 SERIES 452 Year 1930 Chassis No. 702425 Engine No. 702425 European taxes paid Engine: V16, 456.6ci., 165bhp at 3,400rpm; Gearbox: three speed manual; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs with hydraulic dampers front and rear; Brakes: four wheel drum; Left hand drive. Coachwork by Fleetwood, sport phaeton, black over silver with red leather interior. Model History (see also lots 21 and 27) As the 1920s drew to a close, Cadillac's dilemma was how to overcome their rivals. A V8 would not do. Cadillac had pioneered the V8 and it already lived up to the firm's slogan 'Standard of the World' by being the smoothest, most refined V8 in production anywhere. Likewise, Cadillac would not introduce a V12 that would merely flatter Packard by imitation. Therefore, chief engineer Ernest Seaholm and designer Owen Nacker were left with little choice but to go for a V16. This new engine set a standard of refinement unequalled by any manufacturer in the world. Its silence in operation has never been matched and its synchromesh transmission, vacuum-assisted servo brakes and the powerful engine gave it performance that could be equalled only by the noisy, comparatively rough and more expensive Duesenberg. By 1930 Cadillac had reached a pinnacle of automotive styling. There were a large number of body styles available and they included customer specified designs carried out by the prestigious American coachbuilders, Fleetwood and Fisher. General Motors employed an Art and Color styling department led by one of the most famous automotive designers, Harley J. Earl. An automotive engineer, Earl was hired in 1926 to make the most of DuPont's newly developed synthetic paints, and made such a success of the LaSalle in 1929 that he was put in charge of the newest and grandest Cadillac. Earl worked his magic on the V16 and it was one of the most ravishing classics ever. Even the engine compartment was highly stylized. Owen Nacker's engine had been designed to have almost no visible extraneous components, so all wiring was almost completely hidden from view and its overall appearance was finished in truly elegant fashion with a polished aluminum block. Specific history of this car Mr. Lüscher's stunning V16 Cadillac is without argument one of the most impressive automobiles from his collection. There are probably around 18 original sport phaetons in existence and, as a result of their limited number, impressive engineering and sleek bodies, they are one of the most desirable models available. According to its build sheet, this car was first sold on July 22nd 1930 in New York City. We are told that the car was featured in Motor Trend magazine in 1958, although we have not seen a copy. At around this time the owner was Russell Strauch from Toledo, Ohio and by the 1960s it was in the ownership of Clarence Stalts. In around 1977 Richard G. Gold of Minnesota acquired the V16 and in all probability at this time the car underwent a meticulous restoration. In 1978 the car won a National First Prize from the Antique Automobile Club of America. The following year at the Classic Car Club of America meeting in Boca Raton, Florida it became a senior winner (no. 0873) with a perfect score of 100 points. It was featured in the March 1980 issue of The Classic Car, the club's magazine. Richard Gold was later to become the President of the Classic Car Club of America (1988-89). In the late 1980s the V16 sport phaeton was sold (as a pair with the V16 roadster, see Lot 27 in this catalogue) to another noted collector, Fred Weber from Missouri and in its last showing in the USA at the annual meeting of the CCCA in January 1990 at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida, it won its senior division with a score of 99 points. Later the same year both V16s were again sold as a pair and joined the Lüscher Collection. Condition As described above this car is a former Concours d'Elegance winner and despite being an older restoration it has held up remarkably well. There a