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The Cadillac V-16 was Cadillac's top-of-the-line car from its January 1930 launch until production ceased in 1940 as the war in Europe killed sales. All were finished to custom order, and the car was built in very small numbers; only 4076 cars were constructed in the eleven years the model was offered. The majority of these were built in the single year of 1930, before the Great Depression really took hold. This was the first V16 powered car to reach production status.
Genesis
In 1926, Cadillac began the development of a new, "multi-cylinder" car. A customer requirement was seen for a car powered by an engine simultaneously more powerful and smoother than any hitherto available. Development proceeded in great secret over the next few years; a number of prototype cars were built and tested as the new engine was developed, while at the same time Cadillac chief Lawrence Fisher and GM's stylist Harley Earl toured Europe in search of inspiration from Europe's finest coachbuilders. Unlike many builders of luxury cars, who sold bare chassis to be clothed by outside coachbuilding firms, General Motors had purchased the coachbuilders Fleetwood and Fisher to keep all the business in-house. Bare Cadillac chassis could be purchased if a buyer insisted, but the intention was that few would do so.
It was not until after the stock market crash of 1929 that Cadillac announced to the world the availability of the costliest Cadillac yet, the new V-16. The new vehicle was first displayed at New York's automobile show on January 4, 1930.
Early production
The new car attracted rave reviews from the press and huge public attention. Cadillac started production of the new car immediately. January production averaged a couple of cars per day, but was then ramped up to twenty-two cars per day. By April, 1,000 had been built, and by June, 2,000 cars. These could be ordered with a wide variety of bodywork. The Fleetwood catalog for 1930 included 10 body styles, and more could be special-ordered, as well as pretty much any trim the customer desired. Six V-16s toured Europe, so that prospective European buyers could see the new 'supercar'.
Cadillac later estimated that they lost money on every single V-16 they sold.
After the peak in V-16 orders in mid 1930, production fell precipitously. During October 1930, only 54 cars were built, and such low numbers continued throughout the rest of the decade.
Later production through 1937
1937-1940 Series 90
Engines
Two different V-16 engines were used by Cadillac:
- The Series 452 from 1930 until 1937, a narrow engine with a 45° V angle.
- The Series 90 from 1938 to 1940, a flatter, wider 135° engine that fit under the lower, sleeker hoods of the time.
Cadillac V-16s today
The Cadillac V-16 is today recognised as one of the finest automobiles of the prewar era by many authorities. The Classic Car Club of America rates all V-16s as CCCA Full Classics™, a rating reserved for only the finest automobiles of the 1925-1948 period. Values reflect these opinions; particularly fine examples of the 1930 production can change hands for more than US$500,000 as of 2004. As always, convertibles are the most valued, and the earlier cars more so than the 1938-40 vehicles. A good condition 1938 sedan can sell for under US$80,000.
Certain custom-bodied vehicles have sold for even more.
References
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