LOT 64
1931 Cadillac V-12 Series 370A Seven Passenger Dual Windshield Touring Coachwork by Fleetwood Engine no. 1003757
Estimate: US$100,000 - US$125,000
Lot 64
From the Clive and Janet Cussler Car Collection of Scottsdale
1931 Cadillac V-12 Series 370A Seven Passenger Dual Windshield Touring
1931 Cadillac V-12 Series 370A Seven Passenger Dual Windshield Touring
1931 Cadillac V-12 Series 370A Seven Passenger Dual Windshield Touring
Coachwork by Fleetwood
Engine no. 1003757
Coachwork by Fleetwood
Engine no. 1003757
368 cid OHV V-12 Engine
Dual Detroit Lubricator Updraft Carburetors
150 bhp at 3,600 rpm
3-Speed Synchromesh Manual Transmission
Solid Axle Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle, Semi Elliptic Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Vacuum Assisted Mechanical Drum Brakes
*Luxurious first year of the V12 Cadillac
*A well-presented older restoration
*CCCA Full Classic
*In the present collection since 2018
THE V-12 CADILLAC
Cadillac completed its staggering array of luxury vehicles with the introduction of the V-12 engine late in 1930.
Based upon the V-16 which had been introduced earlier in the year, the V-12 line offered catalogue bodies by Fisher and Fleetwood, all with luxuriously trimmed interiors. In common with the V-16, the engine was styled by Harley Earl's Art & Colour Department, giving the V-12 a particularly attractive underhood presentation. The V-12s were manufactured to extremely high- quality standards and differed only in details of trim and, of course, engine size and complication from the V-16 line which cost nearly twice as much.
With V-8, V-12 and V-16 models and a profusion of coachwork from Fleetwood and Fisher on chassis that ranged from the 134 inch V-8 to the V-16's giant 148 inch wheelbase, Cadillac offered a luxury automobile to suit any style, purpose and whim. Harley Earl's Art & Colour Department attended to the smallest details of fit, finish, finesse and function making even the mechanical details objects of refined design, materials, manufacture and execution.
The difference between the V-12 and V-16 was confined to the bonnet, which is 4 inches shorter, headlights an inch smaller in diameter but still a great imposing presence flanking the grille between the flaring front fenders, and slightly smaller chrome horns. The V-12's appeal was manifest in its sales success. A total of 5,733 were built in 1930 even as the aftermath of the Wall Street Crash and the onset of the Great Depression loomed on the horizon.
THE CAR OFFERED
Cadillac retain the records of almost every car that they delivered, the hallmark of the majority of the high-quality car manufacturers. Remarkably, those documents are scanned and can be provided to researchers today, copies for this car being on file. From this document, we know that V-12 1003757 was originally built as you see her today with this rare option of 4747 Fleetwood coachwork, a four door seven passenger touring car which would have set its original owner back some $4,295 when new. The factory sheets do not state who its first owner was, but chart it being originally destined to Wabbett Motors Inc. the dealer in Rochester, New York and later diverted south to New York City for delivery.
A trail of ownerships is not charted specifically, however, it is known to have undergone a full restoration in the late 1980s at the hands of Dale Sotzing and Dave Myers for its then owner in Northern Ohio, a rebuild which has stood the test of time well. According to information on file, approximately 7 years ago in prior custody the technical side of the car was refreshed with cooling system reviewed, the brakes overhauled, and fuel feed and carburation rebuilt as well as the starter motor and water pump. At that same time the wheels were properly restored, being powder coated and fitted with new spokes and topped off with new chromed cap pieces.
On their home turf here in Scottsdale in 2018, Clive and Janet noticed the V12 in one of the January auctions and acquired it for their collection, where it has remained in excellent company alongside other high quality American marques.
Undeniably every bit the striking automobile that one would expect from Cadillac and equipped with all the bells and whistles from Pilot-Ray driving lights to a rear mounted trunk, the V12 is by definition a CCCA Full Classic® and so can be used for tour and display.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
Mark Osborne
Global Director of Motorsport
Auction Viewings
- 23 January 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
- 24 January 2024, 09:00 - 18:00 MST
- 25 January 2024, 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
1911 Delaunay-Belleville 26HP Tourer
£70,000 - £100,000
