LOT 59
1931 Cadillac V12 Series 370A Five Passenger Phaeton Coachwork by Fleetwood Engine no. 1004709
Sold for US$30,000
Lot 59
From the George Holman Collection
1931 Cadillac V12 Series 370A Five Passenger Phaeton
1931 Cadillac V12 Series 370A Five Passenger Phaeton
1931 Cadillac V12 Series 370A Five Passenger Phaeton
Coachwork by Fleetwood
Engine no. 1004709
Coachwork by Fleetwood
Engine no. 1004709
368 ci OHV V-12 Engine
Dual Johnson Updraft Carburetors
135 bhp at 3,400 rpm
3-Speed Synchromesh Manual Transmission
Rigid Front Axle, Leaf Sprung Rear Axle
4-Wheel Vacuum Assisted Mechanical Drum Brakes
*Luxurious first year of the V12 Cadillac
*Remarkable time-warp example of one of the most desirable body styles
*Cadillac Factory record on file
*CCCA Full Classic
THE V-12 CADILLAC
Cadillac completed its 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 visual 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 Fleetwood Four Door Five Passenger Phaeton was one of the best looking of coachwork designs ever to equip either the V12 or V16 cars, here built on the 140-inch frame and with second windshield the look is further enhanced.
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 1004709 was originally built as you see here today with this rare option of Phaeton coachwork which would have cost $4,045 when new. Its destination was the same location from which she emerges today, being Springfield, Massachusetts, an aspect which no doubt appealed to Mr. Holman when he acquired her.
The factory record carries copious notes on its build which correlate perfectly with the car we see here today. Delivered new through Jerry Duryea Inc., its shipping instructions were 'Rush S.A.P.' so its purchaser was clearly in need of their car soonest, when it left the works on June 12, 1931. As supplied it was finished in Evergreen paintwork throughout, from chassis to body, fenders and lower panels, only a Robin's Egg Blue tone to the molding and the wire wheels provided contrast. The 'tonneau windshield' it still wears was an original feature, as were the tire covers and mirrors as well as a goddess radiator ornament.
The Cadillac clearly has experienced a cossetted life, for much of this detail one can still see today. Mr. Holman recalls being alerted to the car some years ago in the Northeast, suggesting that it had remained locally for its entire life. Since acquisition it has simply remained in the collection in the preserved condition we find it today. Viewed carefully it appears to have had its wheels repainted but it's otherwise largely original right through to its interior and details. Potentially a future entry for preservation class, it is quite extraordinary that a car of this stature survived through the period when restoring such cars was all the rage, to provide us with this opportunity today.
Dual Johnson Updraft Carburetors
135 bhp at 3,400 rpm
3-Speed Synchromesh Manual Transmission
Rigid Front Axle, Leaf Sprung Rear Axle
4-Wheel Vacuum Assisted Mechanical Drum Brakes
*Luxurious first year of the V12 Cadillac
*Remarkable time-warp example of one of the most desirable body styles
*Cadillac Factory record on file
*CCCA Full Classic
THE V-12 CADILLAC
Cadillac completed its 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 visual 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 Fleetwood Four Door Five Passenger Phaeton was one of the best looking of coachwork designs ever to equip either the V12 or V16 cars, here built on the 140-inch frame and with second windshield the look is further enhanced.
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 1004709 was originally built as you see here today with this rare option of Phaeton coachwork which would have cost $4,045 when new. Its destination was the same location from which she emerges today, being Springfield, Massachusetts, an aspect which no doubt appealed to Mr. Holman when he acquired her.
The factory record carries copious notes on its build which correlate perfectly with the car we see here today. Delivered new through Jerry Duryea Inc., its shipping instructions were 'Rush S.A.P.' so its purchaser was clearly in need of their car soonest, when it left the works on June 12, 1931. As supplied it was finished in Evergreen paintwork throughout, from chassis to body, fenders and lower panels, only a Robin's Egg Blue tone to the molding and the wire wheels provided contrast. The 'tonneau windshield' it still wears was an original feature, as were the tire covers and mirrors as well as a goddess radiator ornament.
The Cadillac clearly has experienced a cossetted life, for much of this detail one can still see today. Mr. Holman recalls being alerted to the car some years ago in the Northeast, suggesting that it had remained locally for its entire life. Since acquisition it has simply remained in the collection in the preserved condition we find it today. Viewed carefully it appears to have had its wheels repainted but it's otherwise largely original right through to its interior and details. Potentially a future entry for preservation class, it is quite extraordinary that a car of this stature survived through the period when restoring such cars was all the rage, to provide us with this opportunity today.
Saleroom notices
Please note that in the week leading up to the sale the engine dropped a valve and is not presently running. Mr. Holman has confirmed that he will fix this for the purchaser post sale at his expense and the car will then be available for collection from his Springfield, MA Engineering works.
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