| 1930 Cadillac V-16 Roadster |
Only two American motor car manufacturers, Cadillac and Marmon
produced automobiles equipped with V-16 engines. Howard Marmon had
designed a V-16 engine collaborating with Owen Nacker, an automotive
engineer. Curiously, Nacker and Marmon parted company with the later
joining General Motors in the late 1920’s and taking a major role in the
design and production of Cadillac’s competing V-16 engine.
The much heralded Cadillac V-16 automobile made its debut on
December 10, 1929, less than two months after the stock market crash
and the start of the Great Depression. Nonetheless, the 1930 Cadillac V-
16 became an instant status symbol, propelling Cadillac’s sales beyond
expectation. Marmon did not come to market with a V-16 automobile until
later 1931. By that time Cadillac had taken a commanding market share
for their prestigious automobiles.
Cadillac’s total V-16 production for 1930-31 was 3,251 units. Production
of roadsters consisted of 105 units or a meager 3.3% of production. List
price on the Roadster was $5,530.00.
What is the difference between a coupe and a roadster? A coupe has roll-
up side windows a roadster does not. Most roadsters have Eisenglass
curtains in place of roll-up side windows.
produced automobiles equipped with V-16 engines. Howard Marmon had
designed a V-16 engine collaborating with Owen Nacker, an automotive
engineer. Curiously, Nacker and Marmon parted company with the later
joining General Motors in the late 1920’s and taking a major role in the
design and production of Cadillac’s competing V-16 engine.
The much heralded Cadillac V-16 automobile made its debut on
December 10, 1929, less than two months after the stock market crash
and the start of the Great Depression. Nonetheless, the 1930 Cadillac V-
16 became an instant status symbol, propelling Cadillac’s sales beyond
expectation. Marmon did not come to market with a V-16 automobile until
later 1931. By that time Cadillac had taken a commanding market share
for their prestigious automobiles.
Cadillac’s total V-16 production for 1930-31 was 3,251 units. Production
of roadsters consisted of 105 units or a meager 3.3% of production. List
price on the Roadster was $5,530.00.
What is the difference between a coupe and a roadster? A coupe has roll-
up side windows a roadster does not. Most roadsters have Eisenglass
curtains in place of roll-up side windows.