Produced between 1930 and 1940, the Cadillac V-16 was framed as the automaker’s range-topping, full-size offering. Debuting at the outset of the Great Depression, the opulent, highly exclusive luxury car was limited to just 4,076 examples throughout its lifecycle, eventually ceding to the economic demands of World War II. This particular example hails from the nameplate’s final production year, and shows just over 13,000 miles. Now, it heads to auction to find a new owner.
This particular Cadillac V-16 was produced in November of 1939, and was shown on the floor of the 1940 Chicago Auto Show. The vehicle’s first owner purchased it at the show, after which it was driven to the owner’s home in Wisconsin. However, with the outbreak of World War II, the Cadillac was stored, as the thirsty V16 engine made it uneconomical in the face of gasoline rationing.
The Cadillac V-16 was then sold in 1956 following the original owner’s passing. It was again placed in storage, but was later restored, with the paint, leather top, and chrome trim now presenting in an eye-catching luster. The interior is all-original.
This Cadillac V-16 is offered in the Fleetwood style number 9033-F formal sedan body style, and is one of just five Series 90 Fleetwood formal sedans built for the 1940 model year. This vehicle is also one of just three in this configuration known to still exist, and is a certified “Full Classic” by the Classic Car Club of America.
With it’s well-executed restoration, low miles, relatively rare body style, and impressive V-16 engine, this 1940 Cadillac V-16 has much to offer. Now, it’ll go up for auction at the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island event, which is scheduled to take place March 6th through the 7th. The vehicle carries an estimated value between $60,000 and $80,000.
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Source: RM Sotheby’s
Comments
This is one of the great cars that built Cadillac’s reputation. It was 100 percent Cadillac sharing nothing with a Chevrolet.
GM introduced Hydramatic (to Oldsmobile and Cadillac) during late 1939 for the 1940 models. yet this car continues to use the manual transmission. I would think that a Series 90 V-16 would have all the latest technology available at the time or was Hydramatic considered optional? Or with WWII looming did they want to keep those transmissions for future military use?