Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 276
1938 Cadillac Series 90 5-Passenger Sedan Chassis no. 5270127
Sold for US$41,440 inc. premium
Lot 276
1938 Cadillac Series 90 5-Passenger Sedan
1938 Cadillac Series 90 5-Passenger Sedan
Chassis no. 5270127
Chassis no. 5270127
452ci Valve-in-Head V-16
Dual Carter Carburetor
185bhp at 3,800rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Coil Spring Front and Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Bendix Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*One of Cadillac's finest offerings in '38
*Largely original interior
*An excellent tour and event car
THE CADILLAC V-16
Cadillac's bold attempt to 'out-cylinder' the opposition commenced in January 1930 with the introduction of its magnificent 452ci (7.4-liter) 45-degree V16, of which engine it has been said: "There is no power plant in any motor car so smooth, so quiet, so flexible." Astonishingly, before the end of the year a V12 had been added to the range! The Cadillac V16 was the world's first production sixteen-cylinder passenger car, beating the rival Marmon to the marketplace by ten months. Conceived in the Roaring Twenties, these Leviathans made little sense in the post-Wall Street Crash, Depression years of the early 1930s, despite which Cadillac managed to sell in excess of 15,000 of them before the decade's end. Harley Earl had been directing GM's Art & Color Department since 1928, and the master stylist and his team used the opportunity afforded by the new V16 chassis to create some of the most sublimely beautiful automobile bodies of the period. More than 50 body styles were offered, the vast majority being 'catalogue customs' by Fleetwood, though most were variations on a handful of basic designs.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
While this substantial Cadillac's presumably affluent first owner remains unknown today, it is known that this 16-cylinder powered sedan had once belonged to the John Ashton Collection. More recently, the car was purchased just a year ago by its current owner.
The vehicle is believed to have received an exterior restoration, focused mainly on the paint and brightwork, at some point in its life. The beige broadcloth interior is reported to be largely original, and thanks to a life amongst the upper echelons of society, has remained in lovely, presentable condition.
An imposing vehicle fully expressing the wonders of pre-war grandeur, this Cadillac will provide its next owners with effortless luxury. 16 cylinders and plenty of legroom in back makes for either a pleasurable driving or passenger experience to boot. This Cadillac will surely make a fine addition to any collection of vintage American steel.
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