Cadillac V-16

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 first was used from 1930 until 1937, and the second between 1938 and 1940.

The original V-16 could be said to be two straight-8 engines on a common crankshaft and crankcase, because each bank operated entirely independently of the other with no other common components. It used the unusually narrow angle of 45° between the banks to reduce the width of the engine, and had a 3 inch (76 mm) bore and a 4 inch (102 mm) stroke, giving a displacement of 452 cubic inches (7.4 litres). It was therefore known as the Series 452 engine. Cadillac rated the engine at 185 bhp (138 kW), a conservative and undoubtedly somewhat low figure. It was capable of powering these heavy cars to speeds in excess of 80 mph (130 km/h), 100 mph (160 km/h) for some of the lighter examples.

The second generation of V-16s used an unusually wide V angle of 135°, giving a wide but much lower engine to suit the styling tastes of the late 1930s. The carburetors and air cleaners were mounted on top of the engine block in this design. These engines had 'square' proportions; bore and stroke were both 3¼ in (83 mm), giving an overall displacement of 431 cubic inches (7.0 litres). Cadillac rated these engines at the same 185 bhp (138 kW) as the previous series. These engines were known as the Series 90.

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

• Yann Saunders and the Cadillac-LaSalle Club, Inc. (1996-2004). The (new) Cadillac Database©: The Cadillac V16. Retrieved May 23, 2004 from http://www.car-nection.com/yann/Dbas_txt/V16_ndx.htm.