Cadillac V-16 Convertible Berline 1930

In 1930, Cadillac stunned the fine-car market with the introduction of its breathtaking new sixteen-cylinder models. The cars instantly catapulted Cadillac, which until then had been a mid-priced car, to the head of the luxury class.
Designed by Owen Nacker, Cadillac’s V-16 was an engineering tour de force, incorporating several unique features. Its 45-degree cylinder bank angle and overhead-valve design kept the engine narrow, while the external manifolding provided good access. Cadillac’s V-16 was the first engine compartment to be styled, with all the wiring hidden and plenty of gleaming, polished aluminium, shining porcelain and a pair of beautiful valve covers with brushed aluminium ridged surfaces.

Unlike most builders of fine cars, Cadillac discouraged custom body builders, preferring to direct the business to Fleetwood, the company’s in-house coachbuilder. Only a very few chassis were made available for other builders, so most were forced to buy complete cars, remove the factory body and install their own designs. That, in fact, is what Saoutchik, the extravagant Parisian coachbuilder, did with this outstanding Cabriolet Berline design.

This particular one-of-a-kind body was built with a unique sunroof which opens over the length of both the driver and passenger compartments, sliding down into the rear body as a roll-top desk does. A glass sunroof, which is over the passenger compartment in the closed position, aligns with the rear window in the open position, allowing full use of the window in either position!

175 hp, 7 406 cc (452 cu.in.) overhead valve V-16 engine with three-speed synchromesh transmission, solid front axle and torque tube rear axle, four-wheel semi-elliptic leaf springs and four-wheel power assisted brakes. Wheelbase: 3,750 mm (148")

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