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.