Beschreibung:

The ex-President of GM Canada, R.S. McLaughlin 1932 CADILLAC MODEL 452 V16 MADAME X SEDAN COACHWORK BY FLEETWOOD Engine No. 1400056 Light green with darker green fenders and beige cloth interior Engine: V16, 452.6ci., 165bhp at 3,400rpm; Gearbox: three-speed manual; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs with hydraulic dampers front and rear; Brakes: mechanical four wheel drum. Left hand drive. The V16 Cadillac was introduced in 1930 during the depths of the great depression. The car was technically successful due to its sound design, and it was a triumph psychologically as it stole the glamour of the luxury car market away from the competition. In fact, the competition was taken by surprise and Packard and Lincoln would never produce a V16; it actually took them two extra years just to produce a V12, while Pierce Arrow never moved past their straight eight. Sales of the new Cadillac V16 were brisk and production had to be stepped up fourfold in the first year. The most rare and therefore desirable of these V16 models was the Madame X. Nobody is sure why exactly they were called this, but one theory is that Madame X was a lead character in a current Broadway play at the time starring Lana Turner, so perhaps that is the explanation! The Cadillac Madame X models were all built on the 4100 series chassis. What made these models stand apart from the others was their 18 inch sloped windshield, chrome reveals surrounding the window frames, slim door pillars, suicide doors, trim roof lines and stainless steel moldings in place of paint strips. On a limited number of very exclusive models, the stainless body trim was even replaced with inlaid German silver. With the inspiration of Harley Earl combined with Fleetwood coachwork and DuPont's newly developed paint colors, the results were stunning. Even the engine compartments of the V16s were highly stylized. Owen Nacker's engine was designed to have no visible mechanical components, so all wiring was completely hidden from view and the overall appearance was finished in truly elegant fashion with a polished aluminum block. Naturally, only the very wealthy could afford to own a Madame X, as they cost at least $1,000 more than a comparable V16 and over $2,000 more than a V12. The smooth running V16 was a very suitable engine producing 165bhp at 3,400 rpm and it could propel the car swiftly to 100 mph. This handsome Madame X Sedan was originally specially ordered in 1932 for R.S. McLaughlin, the President of General Motors Canada Ltd., and was assembled at his factory in Canada. It is one of just five Fleetwood Style 5131 V16 bodies produced and carries body tags 42001 X, job 5131, body no. 4. True to form, the stylish coachwork is accented with Sterling silver belt moldings and fender beads, while the door handles are plated in 24k gold. The hood vents are not only chrome plated, but also engine-turned as well. The McLaughlin is equally luxurious inside with beige broadcloth upholstery inset with intricate needlepoint floral patterns in both the front and rear seat backs. The rear passenger compartment is separated from the front driver's with a dividing window for privacy when desired, and twin occasional seats fold out when extra passenger seating is needed. The driver's compartment is finished to typical Cadillac standards with Jaeger gauges with watch crystal dials, while a speedometer and chronometer are located in the rear compartment so one can keep a watchful eye on the chauffeur. Unique to the 1932 cars are the Pilot Ray fog lamps shaped to resemble the main headlights. This exceptional car has been well maintained since its restoration nearly twenty years ago. The body is straight and the body panels fit correctly, while the paintwork is extremely good. The interior is in excellent condition and appears as new. The engine and drive train are in restored condition and the car has been used sparingly since being rebuilt. The McLaughlin Madame X Sedan is a fabulous example of