1935 Cadillac V16 Model 452-D Convertible Victoria

Coachwork by Fleetwood

452ci OHV V16 Engine
2 Twin-Choke Cadillac Carburetors
185bhp at 3,800rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*1 of 2 Fleetwood Convertible Victoria's believed to have been built in 1935
*Sporting the desirable Vee'd windshield design
*Well-preserved older restoration in striking livery
*Eligible for exclusive Concours d'Elegance and Classic Car Club of America Classic events


THE V16 CADILLAC

Cadillac astonished the world's automotive elite when it introduced a spectacular new ultra-luxury car, powered by an amazing sixteen-cylinder engine, at the 1930 New York Auto Show. This new super-sized Cadillac was clearly a General Motors response to the Duesenberg Model J, introduced by E. L. Cord the year before. However, while the snarl of the Duesenberg straight eight flaunted its raw, race-bred power, the Cadillac V16 would set new benchmarks for smooth, silent and superbly impressive performance.

Cadillac created the V16 to compete with and exceed the standards of the best automobiles in the world. GM dispatched a group of the new cars to Europe, where the Continent's most erudite automotive connoisseurs were invited to compare, first-hand, the beauty and substance of the Cadillac V16 against the upper-crust cars of the time - including Isotta-Fraschini, Hispano-Suiza, Mercedes-Benz and, of course, Rolls-Royce. An impressive number of early V16s were exported as a result.

The heart of the Cadillac V16 was of course its magnificent engine. Displacing a total of 452 cubic inches on all its sixteen-cylinders, it featured overhead valves, and produced up to 185 horsepower. Beautifully detailed and meticulously sculpted, the engine's appearance was just as awe-inspiring as its soon-to-be-legendary smoothness and quietness.

The vast majority of V16 Cadillacs produced were built and sold in the 1930 model year.
Measuring over 19-feet bumper to bumper and priced at $8,150 - enough to buy a pair of Packard's - Buyer's wealthy enough to afford a Cadillac in 1934 and 1935 had 54 body styles to choose from, as well as three engine options. The most affordable 355-D models were powered by a 353-cu.in V-8, rated at 120 horsepower, while the mid-range 370D models received Cadillac's 368-cu.in., 135-horsepower V-12. Positioned atop the range, the 452-D models came powered by a 452-cu.in. V-16, rated at an impressive 185 horsepower.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

the V16-powered 1935 Cadillac Series 452-D Convertible Coupe - or Convertible Victoria as they are also referred to - was an impressive automobile. Eight-plus decades later, that's still the case. This stunning example is believed to be one of only two that were built in 1935 in the Fleetwood 5-Passenger Convertible Coupe body style. The V16 was built with the latest technological innovations and high-quality semi-custom coachwork and was the 87th V16 made of the just 150 examples in produced in 1934 and 1935 combined.

Offered from a prominent US-based collection of exceptional Pre-War collector cars, the V16 Convertible Victoria displays an older yet very presentable restoration. The elegant and imposing Fleetwood bodywork is finished in a lovely dark red color, neatly contrasted by a light brown leather interior. Chrome and brightwork adorns the impressive Cadillac V16, and is in equally wonderful condition. The engine compartment is detailed, and features factory-correct colors and finishes. White-wall tires are fitted on the sparkling chrome wire wheels. The vee'd windscreen gives the American Classic a rakish look, and a tan convertible top covers the passengers.

This rare V16 Fleetwood bodied Convertible Victoria would be welcomed at any national event and would without a doubt be a serious contender for a major award at Concours d'Elegance events such as Hershey or Amelia Island. A full Classic Car Club of America Classic, the impressive sixteen-cylinder powered Cadillac would be a great addition to any collection of Pre-War automobiles.