1932 Montreal Show Car

In 1930 Cadillac stunned the fine car market with its revolutionary new sixteen cylinder models. The cars instantly catapulted Cadillac, previously a mid-price automobile, to the head of the luxury class. Only 296 Model 452B Cadillac V16’s were produced in 1932 perhaps due to the deepening Depression. It was offered in 41 models with coachwork by Fisher and Fleetwood.

This Car’s Past

The build sheet on this 1932 Cadillac 452B Fleetwood Seven Passenger Imperial Limousine indicates it was shipped on January 10, 1932 to the Montreal Auto Show. The engine number, 1400071 indicates it was the 70th V16 built for the 1932 model year. It was fitted with a suede cloth interior but it also was equipped with hooks so that different interior fabric samples could illustrated. The car still retains its original interior and the sample interior is still with the car. It was fitted with painted disc wheel covers and black wall tires. This V16 Cadillac had been properly maintained and retains its original engine, transmission and drive train. It received a recent re-paint that is in excellent condition. It is properly documented as the Montreal show car with a very unique original interior.

“No other car from 1932 can match the Cadillac V16 except perhaps the Model J Duesenberg”
Paul Schinnerer

History of the Model

The advent of more grandiose and luxurious automobiles required more powerful engines and Cadillac determined that in order to compete in the high end market they needed to increase performance by at least forty percent. They also determined, after a process of elimination, that more cylinders, larger displacement and higher compression was the logical solution. The resulting V16 engine was developed in complete secrecy with plans and design requests referring to the vehicle as a “bus” or “coach.” The new V16 was designed, engineered, prototypes built and extensive testing was carried out over a three year period without public knowledge. In the second week of December, 1929 radio announcements were made and promotional letters were sent to Cadillac dealers announcing the new V16. The first three models were ready for the January New York Auto Show and the response was overwhelming. Orders far exceeded expectations and by April the 1000th V16 had been shipped.
Cadillac’s major rivals, Packard, Pierce-Arrow and Lincoln took two years to respond to the V16 and their V12’s were not available until the 1932 model year. The Cadillac V16 outclassed any American car except the Duesenberg and the buyer’s responded accordingly.

This Car’s Past

The build sheet on this 1932 Cadillac 452B Fleetwood Seven Passenger Imperial Limousine indicates it was shipped on January 10, 1932 to the Montreal Auto Show. The engine number, 1400071 indicates it was the 70th V16 built for the 1932 model year. It was fitted with a suede cloth interior but it also was equipped with hooks so that different interior fabric samples could illustrated. The car still retains its original interior and the sample interior is still with the car. It was fitted with painted disc wheel covers and black wall tires. This V16 Cadillac had been properly maintained and retains its original engine, transmission and drive train. It received a recent re-paint that is in excellent condition. It is properly documented as the Montreal show car with a very unique original interior.

“No other car from 1932 can match the Cadillac V16 except perhaps the Model J Duesenberg”
Paul Schinnerer

Preservation History

This historic 1932 Cadillac V16 Imperial Limousine by Fleetwood has been properly maintained but has not received a complete restoration. It retains its original interior with the Montreal Auto Show samples that could be hooked in place to illustrate the “new Look” that the different interior fabric would provide. The drivetrain is original to the car and provides the smooth and powerful performance that the Cadillac V16 is known for. The car has received a professional respray and with only 41,943 miles showing, it is an exciting “Showcar” Cadillac V16.

Market Trend

This one-off Cadillac has been properly maintained and preserved. The history of the car as a documented Montreal Auto Show car adds an aura and the fact that the original interior along with the alternate samples are in place make it an extremely desirable Full Classic. It would certainly be the centerpiece of any collection and a valued addition to a Concours d’Elegance. The current market has recognized the premium being paid that a documented show car will bring in price, as would be the case with this stunning 1932 V16 Cadillac Limousine by Fleetwood.

Summary

The Cadillac V16 has earned a well-deserved reputation as a smooth, quiet and powerful motorcar that was offered in myriad factory and Fisher/Fleetwood custom bodies. This 1932 Fleetwood Imperial Limousine has the all-important factory build sheet that documents without question that the car was destined for the Montreal Auto Show. The car is historically significant and has been properly maintained and preserved. A welcomed addition to any collection of significant automobiles!
-Carl Bomstead Automotive Specialist