Cadillac Second Generation V16 Coupé by Fleetwood 1938

On January 4, 1930, Cadillac introduced a new top of the line automobile at the New York Auto Show with the introduction of its breathtaking new V-16. With this first V16 proposed in series production automobile, Cadillac instantly reached the head of the luxury class in one brilliant step. Until then, only Bugatti had produced a 16-cylinder engine, which was accomplished by bolting two eight-cylinder inline engines together—an innovation that was originally intended for aircraft use.

The new V16 had been developed in great secret from 1926.
The Cadillac V16 was produced between 1930 and 1940 at some 4000 examples mostly with coachwork prepared by Fleetwood or Fisher. General Motors had purchased the Fleetwood  and Fisher Body Companies in order to produce the entire automobile inside the Company.

The original 1930 V16  had a 45 degree cylinder bank angle and overhead valve design.
 In 1938 Cadillac introduced a second generation V16 with a 135 degree cylinder bank angle and with side valves. It was intended at easier servicing and lower consumption but with similar power. It was equiped with compact cylinders with "square" dimensions meaning equal size bore and stroke for 431 cubic inches (7.062 cc). The V16 engine had dual carburettors and manifolds at the center of the vee together with a pair of distributors one for each eight cylinder bank.

The new V16 produced 185 hp allowing top speed of 100 mph (160 kph) depending on body style. The new engine was 250 lb. (125 kg) lighter and less costly to produce than the preceding unit.
The Cadillac now designated Series 90 was proposed with Fleetwood bodies in different version and according to design by Chief Designer Bill Mitchell. All Cadillac V16 automobiles were built to individual specifications defined in accordance with the requirements of the customers.

A 1938 Cadillac V16 Convertible Coupe was sold for US$ 189.750 at 2018 RM Auctions in Hershey. Comparatively at the same auction a 1938 V8 Serie 75 Town Sedan was sold for US$ 33.000.
A 1938 Cadillac V16 Convertible Sedan by Fleetwood was sold for US$ 176.000 at 2018 Hershey RM Auctions.
In 2010, a 1938 Cadillac V16 Series 90 Touring Sedan was sold for US$ 61.000 at Gooding & Company Auctions at Amelia Island.

The car shown here is a rare coupe version participating at the 2010 Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este. It was introduced by Oriol Vilanova Calonge from Spain.

Paul Damiens,- source Bonhams, RM, Villa d'Este Yearbook

Wallpapers :Cadillac Second Generation V16 Coupé by Fleetwood 1938 (click on image to enlarge)