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Cadillac V-16 Model 4375S Fleetwood Sedan 1930

General description : Luxury car buyers in the late 1920s seemed to make a contest of one-upping one another, and as such, high-end automobile builders were more than happy to oblige in their extravagant wishes. 1926 saw Cadillac begin development of a new engine that would be smoother and more powerful than anything else on the market and surely capture the attention of buyers who constantly demanded The Best or Nothing. Working in great secrecy, Cadillac engineers developed a 452 cubic inch sixteen cylinder engine, installed in a heavily upgraded chassis to handle the 165 horsepower output. The purpose of the Sixteen was not only to get huge power, but rather it was about silky smooth delivery and silent operation – two aspects of motoring that were held in the highest regard at the time. For this magnificent new chassis, Cadillac employed their two new acquisitions - Fisher Body Works and Fleetwood Metal Body to design and build their array of standard “catalog” bodies of which it is estimated there were more than 70 variations possible. A handful of individual chassis were sent to various coachbuilders around the world, however most wore bodies by GM’s highly capable in-house builders.

The timing of the V16’s debut could not have been worse, however. The stock market crash that signaled the beginning of the great depression had happened just a few months earlier and as the decade wore on, such opulence was frowned upon. Thankfully, at the time of its release, the full effect of the economic conditions had not yet reached the top of the market, and demand for this stunning new Cadillac was strong. Sales were encouraging for the first year or so, but gradually tapered off during each subsequent model year. By the time the model run ended in 1940, it was believed that GM lost money on every car built.

Our featured 1930 V16 Cadillac wears handsome and imposing 7-passenger sedan coachwork by Fleetwood. Finished in a two-tone burgundy and maroon combination, this Cadillac presents in wonderful condition throughout. It wears and older but full nut and bolt restoration executed to a very high standard with an emphasis on reliable driving. The paint combination is very elegant, with deep burgundy fenders, hood and body swage lines, with a lighter maroon shade accenting the body, roof and the sweeps on the upper surfaces of the hood. Six wide-whitewall tires on chrome wire wheels add some visual lightness to this big, formal body. The proud chrome grille is fitted with a stainless stoneguard and topped with a magnificent Heron mascot. The quality of the chrome on the wheels, headlamps, radiator shell and other body fittings is excellent.  Other fine details include dual Cadillac mirrors mounted to the spare wheels, a sun visor, trunk rack and toolboxes integrated into the running boards. While the style 4375S was the most affordable and popular of all the V16 body styles produced by Fleetwood, at $6,225 it still cost more than sixteen times that of a basic Ford Model A from the same period.

What separated the 4375S from the 4375 was the lack of a divider window in the former. For today’s enthusiasts, that makes this standard sedan imminently more user friendly thanks to greater adjustability for the driver’s seat. The cabin on this example is trimmed in gray cloth front and rear, and features regular seating for five along with a pair of folding jump seats in the rear for two additional passengers. The trim is very nice quality on the seats and door panels. Gray carpets are very clean and tidy throughout. A bit of pleasing patina is found on the steering wheel, handbrake handle and dash. Very nice original instruments grace the intricately detailed fascia. Wood trim surrounds the windows front and rear, and it presents in attractive condition, and while it shows some age in areas, it is good looking and far from needing any immediate attention.

The massive V16 engine is very well presented with lots of porcelain black accented by natural finish metals. Detailing is largely period correct though a few concessions for modern reliability can be found. A spin-on oil filter has been added for longevity, though it is subtly integrated and painted black. The engine runs strong, needing little to be ready for touring and weekend adventures with the family.

This beautiful Cadillac has been very honestly restored to be enjoyed, though it retains a quality worthy of casual show. The Fleetwood body is handsome and elegant, with passenger space and weather protection that make it an excellent choice for CCCA touring. The sublime and turbine smooth V16 delivers endless torque and the synchronized transmission make it an absolute joy to drive. In world of multi-cylinder full classics, this Cadillac V16 represents a tremendous value and is ready to be enjoyed to the fullest.

http://hymanltd.com/vehicles/5524-1930-cadillac-v16-model-4375s-fleetwood-sedan/

1930 Cadillac V-16 Model 4375S Fleetwood Sedan is listed sold on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for $159500.

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