Car: Cadillac V16 Roadster ( ** Car shown at Dragone Classic Motorcars in Orange )
Year: 1930
What makes it special: The V-16, or Cadillac Sixteen was the top of the line Cadillac model from 1930 to ’40. It was the first V16 powered car in the U.S. and was both extremely expensive as exclusive. It’s chassis itself was custom made to order, of which only 4,076 were built. The beginning of World War II caused a low in sales, which led to the end of production for the V-16.
What made it famous: Known or its pioneering V-16 powerplant, the Cadillac V-16 engine had a narrow 45 degree angle Overhead Valve Series 452 cu in displacement. The car itself could be ordered in a variety of models, 10 basic body styles, plus about 30 additional designer styles. For the 1930 model year, only 54 Cadillac V-16’s were produced.
Why I would want one: With only 54 built for 1930, and the fact that it’s the premiere model year for the Cadillac Sixteen, it makes the car highly desirable to collectors.
Fun fact: At the New York Auto Show of 1930 came the introduction of the Cadillac Sixteen, right after the stock market crash of 1929. It was the most expensive model built for the time period.
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