Cadillac

In 1938, Cadillac dramatically changed the body and engine designs of its V-16 models. Body styles became more streamlined with an Art Modernaire motif, the style of the era.  The 1938 Cadillac was designed by a team led by Bill Mitchell, under the guidance of Harley Earl. The body and chassis of the 1938 Cadillac, unlike its predecessor models was entirely constructed of steel.  Since 1930 the V-16 engine had overhead valves with cylinder blocks splayed at 45º.

The Great Depression lumbered on through 1933. Sales of V-16’s for the three model years 1930 to 1932 had been an impressive 3,551 units. Lawrence Fisher, president of the Cadillac Motor Division announced a sales goal of 400 units for 1933. At the end of the production run only 126 had been sold as 1933 proved to be the trough of the Great Depression. Unemployment in 1933 reached 25%. People were either unemployed or extremely conservative with their resources, reducing the demand for luxury automobiles.

The Great Depression continued to effect the automobile industry. Cadillac announced that it would limit 1933 production of V-16’s to 400 motorcars. Only 126 were manufactured. 70 body styles were offered. 35 different body styles were actually built. Interior iterations constitute the slight differences between body styles. Half of the V-16’s delivered were 5 or 7 passenger sedans. The largest number of similar body styles delivered was 32 units.

Considered by experts as the Holy Grail of Cadillac V-16 automobiles, the 1931 Sports Phaeton was at the time of its introduction a phenomenon. An aurora of majesty continues to surround this vehicle as it is difficult to find another motor car that surpasses its distinctive style, design and monstrous sixteen cylinder engine.

The sport phaeton is easily identifiable by its unique retractable dual windshield and rear fascia that features both a chronometer and speedometer.

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.