1930 Cadillac Series 452 V-16 Imperial Sedan 4330

Coachwork by Fleetwood

452ci OHV V-16 Engine
Twin Updraft Cadillac Carburetors Fed By Twin Vacuum Tanks
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
*Well preserved example from long term original ownership
*Great candidate for a Concours preservation class
*Extremely expensive model aimed at society's elite


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

A California car from new, this Imperial Sedan survives in highly original condition seldom seen on these automobiles. Said to have remained in its original ownership well past the 1950s, this is easy to believe looking at the car. The interior is remarkable with no tears or moth damage to the original wool broad cloth. The ornate woodwork is in wonderful condition and the rugs all appear to be well preserved and original. The headliner is equally well preserved including its original hat holders, as is the original lambs wool over rug. The dash features all its correct instrumentation and includes the rather charming addition of a 1950s era radio - lending credence to its long original service.

The paint work presents well and does show some signs of work but overall has a great original look. The bright work is no doubt original and generally in good order. The engine starts easily and runs smooth and quietly.

Number 9 of 50 Imperial sedans produced, this formal body style is finely proportioned and reflects all the opulent qualities one expects in such a superb automobile.

Cadillac V16s have been some of the most desired collector cars since the early days of collecting classic era cars. This fact makes it all the more remarkable this one has avoided getting the restoration treatment. Lucky for us we can enjoy this magnificent V16 in all its original glory.