[ last update: 12.15.2014 ]

The (new) Cadillac Database©

The Cadillac V16

Part 1k
Roster of Survivors

Series 452-452A
1930-1931 [part 1
a]

Return to The (New) Cadillac Database© Index Page
or go back to Part 2 of the list of 1930-31 survivors
or to "Part 1b" of this section
or go back to the V16 index page

 

For many years I have been a keen admirer of the bespoke sixteen-cylinder Cadillac models built from 1930 through 1940. Only 4076 cars powered by the mighty sixteen-cylinder engine were built in that eleven-year period, that is an average of just 370 cars a year.  In fact, however, three quarters of them were built during the first year of production].

Fortunately for we admirers of beautiful classic automobiles, many of them have survived. Listed in these sections is the information about these survivors that I have gleaned over the last 40 years. Special thanks go to Rick LeForge, Craig Watrous and Terry Wenger, all V-16 owners and enthusiasts, for their research and for kindly providing me with the results thereof.  If any users of The (New) Cadillac Database© have additional or more recent information on any of these cars, I will gladly include it in this section. Due credit will be given to the person(s) providing complementary facts about these cars.

Information about surviving sixteens of both the first and second generations comes to me from a variety of sources and it is quite possible that some of these entries may duplicate each other. The only way to be sure if a specific car has survived is to get its engine and body tag numbers. But bear in mind the popular adage, caveat emptor [buyer, beware !]; things are not always what they appear on the surface; unless you have access to a copy of the factory build sheet for a particular V-16 engine number [fortunately we all do, thanks to Cadillac's Historical Services, ably headed by Greg Wallace], you may be looking at a car that has been converted from a sedan, limousine or enclosed coupe ...to a more desirable (in $$$) convertible sedan or convertible coupe. A Sixteen may also turn up with a body numbered in the Series 355 or 370 sequences V-8 or V-12]. These "situations" are OK provided that the cars are properly identified as having a swapped engine or body.

V-16 owner-enthusiast Rick LeForge kindly provided me with the bulk of his original research  material relating to the Cadillac. It come straight from his personal archives and some of it dates back as far as the early fifties! Among that historic material are a host of "fingerprints" of body tags from surviving cars or parts of cars as proof-positive of their existence.  These "fingerprints" were taken by Rick by pressing a white card onto the car's body tag and then rubbing over the surface with a soft lead pencil (a useful technique that preceded the current use of pocket-sized digital cameras!). An example of a "fingerprint" card is shown below.

I have informed Rick that as soon as I have processed the data and incorporated it in the Cadillac Database, I will commit the originals to the Museum and Research Center of the Cadillac & LaSalle Club, Inc., for safe-keeping.

Rub_Card.jpg (18571 bytes)

Let's keep the hobby "clean", guys !

 

I am counting on owners to supply prints
or digital images of their currently-owned V16s


Survivors among Regular Production Models

1. Bodies by Fisher

30-158

#3

701341
[replacement]

A wide variety of bodies were offered by Fleetwood on the V-16 chassis. A rare few bodies were built by Fisher, as in the case of the smart-looking three-window coupe offered here. Only three were built and this one carries #3; I'm not sure, however, if Fisher bodies were not listed in numerical sequence with identical V-8 and V-12 styles. The car was owned for a time by Dick Shappy, of  Rhode Island. While largely complete, it required extensive improvements, and an expensive, multi-year restoration was undertaken. The panel work was in surprisingly good condition, but needed repairs were carefully made, and all body wood was redone. The engine was replaced many years ago, and was reported by the prior owner to have been rebuilt. An inspection revealed it to be in good condition, so little was needed other than cosmetic improvements. Cadillacs of the period were identified and registered by engine number and build sheets are available from Cadillac Historical Services for virtually all sixteen-cylinder cars. Since the engine of this lovely Fisher-bodied coupe was replaced it is impossible to obtain the original documentation for the car. Nonetheless, the vendor determined that the original color was black, and as a result, the car was refinished in that color. Similarly, fragments of original upholstery allowed a similar wool fabric to be selected for the restoration. This car was offered for sale by RM Auctions in August, 2005. It found a new home ...but not for long, since it appeared again on the RM auction block at Amelia Island the following year (2006) when it sold (again?) for $132,000. Later, in the summer of 2007, it was advertised in Hemmings for $165,000. Then, in the fall (October, 2007) it appeared on the website of Hyman Ltd. Classic Cars with a $227,000 price tag. Late extra (summer 2010): I beleieve this is the car offered for sale for $190,000 by Al Prueitt, restorer par excellence, in Pennysylvania.
 

v6fshds3.jpg (13695 bytes)     v6fshds2.jpg (8144 bytes)     v6Fshrcp3.jpg (11193 bytes)     v6fshds.jpg (10064 bytes)

    v6shapf.jpg (8981 bytes)     v6fsh06.jpg (8691 bytes)     v6shap5.jpg (5991 bytes)     v6Fshrcp4.jpg (8141 bytes)     v6fsh07.jpg (5611 bytes)
This car is/was owned in 2006 by enthusiast, Bob Perry
[ Photos: Courtesy Dick Shappy ]

v6shap2.jpg (7586 bytes)     v6shap4.jpg (5837 bytes)     v6shap6.jpg (8636 bytes)

v6shap8.jpg (5329 bytes)     v6shap7.jpg (4284 bytes)

v6FshrCp1.jpg (10484 bytes)     v6Fshrcp2.jpg (8711 bytes)

    

 

30-259?

?

700106

This lovely Fisher-bodied sixteen is owned by Jim Van Loben Sels. To my knowledge, however, Fisher style "31-259" was a sedan for five passengers. Only one of these closed bodies [car #31] was ever put on a V16 chassis, but that was in 1932, so the engine number (VIN) would have to be between 703192 and 703251. Chassis/engine #700106 left the factory in March 1930; IMHO it is highly doubtful that it remained for almost two years without a body. Oddly enough, the body number of the only Fisher style #259 put on a V-16 chassis, is #31; this adds (potentially) to the confusion, considering Fisher's numbering system where the first two digits indicate the year of manufacture (e.g. "31") and the final three digits, the actual body style (e.g. "259"). A study of factory records carried out in the early seventies by Carl L. Steig of the CLC revealed that the numerical sequence for another Fisher sedan style [#212,  7-pass sedan, of which 47 units were built on the 1932 V-16 chassis] jumps from #30 to #32. From my own study of Fisher's body numbering system I would suspect that Fisher style #259 [which was a factory V-16 demo car] probably is that "missing" style #212 sedan with the jump seats removed.  But again, pure guess work on my part! I have suggested to Mr. Van Loben Sels to get from Cadillac's Historical Section a copy of the build-sheet for his car; that would provide an indication of what body was put on that particular chassis when it was delivered from the factory. I suspect that the original body was removed and replaced with this more desirable open body style.
 

V631259a.jpg (11216 bytes)

V631259b.jpg (7467 bytes)     V631259c.jpg (5220 bytes)
Note in the details (above) that the body sill has none of the characteristics of any regular V-16 series for 1930-31;
the bumpers appear correct for a 1930-31 V-16 model but the road lights appear to be after-market units

[ Photo: Courtesy Jim Van Loben Sels, owner ]

 

 

2. Bodies by Fleetwood
[ Madame X styles ]

Body
Style
Body Number Engine
Number
Latest available information
4108-C

#3

700004
then
700821

There is a good article on this unique, surviving Fleetwood style #4108C [owned by Steve Nanini of Tucson, AZ- formerly by Dave Towell of Akron, OH] in SS for April 1986; the car cost $9988 new [PHOTOS BELOW]. In the Self Starter for July 1966, Ann Towell (Dave's wife) tells the story of buying this car from Lorin Tryon and driving it from San Francisco to Kansas City
 

4108sv1.jpg (10706 bytes)     4108svb.jpg (9534 bytes)
When these two photos were taken, the car was still owned by Lorin Tryon

4108sv0.jpg (9511 bytes)
This photo and the next one show the car as owned by Dave Towell

V64108h.jpg (13163 bytes)     4108svf.jpg (8151 bytes)

4108svc.jpg (7031 bytes)     4108svd.jpg (6575 bytes)
The preceding three photos show the car after a full restoration by Steven Nanini

4108sve.jpg (4907 bytes)

The door handles were were put on upside down (left), then corrected (right)

v6_4108caa.jpg (8217 bytes)

    
[ Photos, lower 2 rows: Pebble Beach, 2008 ]

 

4130 (1)

#30

?

I have somewhere a photo of a surviving style 4130 "Madame X" limousine registered
LXW 534 [UK?]

4130 (2)

#30

?

This unidentified photo appeared in an older issue of the Self Starter. This is the rare version of the Madame X built in Fleetwood, PA, with an almost vertical, split "V" windshield.

V64130v5.jpg (9356 bytes)

 

4130-S(1)

?

?

This car listed new for between $7300 and 7875.  This survivor is located in France.  It belonged to the late Serge Pozzoli, former editor of the specialty magazine,  Le Fanatique de l'Automobile. I have often wondered if this might be one of the six sixteens that toured Europe in June 1930. In fact, it was not (there was a style #4175 on the itinerant tour). We know that the special phaeton [style #4260] remained in France and got a new body by Jacques Saoutchik; I am almost convinced that the town brougham too [style #4264-B] remained in Belgium and subsequently may have got a modified body by Bronkhorst in Holland; perhaps the convertible roadster [style #4335] stayed in Germany and got a new body by Voll & Ruhrbeck.  It's all just supposition, really; if anyone has the facts, I'd be glad to add them here. Late Extra (Apr. 2011): Dutch aficionado, Peter Nieuwlandt, is currently looking at the former Pozzoli car, which is still located in France. It is in relatively poor condition. Peter now must decide if it is worth saving, considering that the cost of restoration probably would exceed the value of the car. Only 39 of these "Madame X" sedans were built; I know of only one other survivor like it.
 

30Pozzo1.jpg (57155 bytes)     v6-4130Pozzoli.jpg (72382 bytes)

v630pozzoli13.jpg (76523 bytes)
I'm not sure which of these photos is the earlier one; the car at top, right has special disc wheel covers, which became popular in 1933

 

4130-S(1)

#26

702103

This survivor was owned in the '70s-'80s by Owen R. Crain. Pictures of it are included in two books I have: (1) Great Marques of America (p.41), © 1986 by Jonathan Wood, and (2) one that was published in France under the title Un Livre Decor - Cadillac, Octopus Books, © 1986. The car was offered for sale on the Internet (Ebay) in October, 2005; it appeared to be in much worse condition than when the pictures in the 2nd row (below) were taken; nevertheless, it sold for $69,350. A subsequent sale by RM Auctions, at Hershey, on October 12, 2007, achieved $93,500. Rick LeForge supplied "finger print" of body tag he got in the 50s. Late Extra (10/2011): Thanks to friend and V16 owner-admirer, Chris Cummings, for re-discovering the car in a museum collection in the Czech republic. The updated photos are from the Czech website.
 

4130sva.jpg (9928 bytes)     4130svb.jpg (10264 bytes)

4130S_b.jpg (33821 bytes)     4130Sx.jpg (39721 bytes)
Could this be the same car after restoration? It appears that the door handles were mounted "upside down"

 v64330x.jpg (41635 bytes)

4130Sb2.jpg (11148 bytes)     4130Sa.jpg (13806 bytes)     4130Sf.jpg (6487 bytes)

4130Se.jpg (11150 bytes)     4130Sc.jpg (8510 bytes)     4130Sd.jpg (8299 bytes)
[ Photos (above 2 rows):  Internet, 10/2005 ]

v64130x3.jpg (48743 bytes)     v64130x4.jpg (40412 bytes)    

          

v64130x5.jpg (50844 bytes)     v64130x6.jpg (38082 bytes)     v64130x2.jpg (43383 bytes)

New Photos - Oct., 2011
[ some time and effort obviously have gone into restoring this car ]

    

    

    


I guess the non-original, amber turn signals (front and rear)
are a requirememt of the Czech licensing authorities

 

4130-S

?

703080

Formerly owned by Jim Pearson. Only the engine remains. Info from Rick LeForge.
4130-S

?

703180

This V-16 was shipped to Detroit on November 16, 1931. It was formerly owned by "Cadillac Jim" Pearson of Kansas City. Only the engine remains. Info from Rick LeForge.
4155

#13

703006

New, 2010  My friend Chris Cummings reports that this car was restored by Marc Ohm and Stan Francis. It was sold at Christie’s “Exceptional Motor Cars” auction in Los Angeles (Pebble Beach) on August 20, 2000 (the price including the buyer’s premium was $149,000). The purchaser and present owner is the Haynes International Motor Museum in Somerset, England.” 
 

V6Nordb3.jpg (66366 bytes)    

 

4155-C

#18

702834
702584

This extremely rare Madame X  landaulet is one of only five such landaulet body styles mounted on the Series 452 V-16 chassis. Somehow it found its way to Switzerland, where it still resides, near Zürich. It was used there for many years as a fire truck (!) by a small Swiss-German community. Acquired and restored as best he could by Walter Grell, it may be the sole survivor of the five units built. Among the flaws I noted were some non-original equipment such as the tail-lights (they appeared to have been custom cast), two out of four door handles (one of the originals was also mounted upside down) as well as European-style flick-up turn-signal indicators mounted on the A-pillars.  The sidemounts and RH rear wheel were equipped with what looked like snow tires or old truck tires. Imagine what this car could look like if it were restored to original specs by a professional !  Late Extra (10/2014): Chris Cummings wrote: I think the engine number for this car should be 702584. The number that’s currently with it in the Database entry is the same as the number for Paul Schinnerer’s ill-fated Series 4235 convertible coupe. Thiesen’s listing for the landaulette on their website uses the 702584 number. Thanks, Chris, for pointing out the discrepancy.
 

v6_4155scd.JPG (7529 bytes)     v6_4155SCa.JPG (10139 bytes)     v6_4155scb.JPG (7528 bytes)

v6_4155scj.JPG (7829 bytes)     v6_4155scm.JPG (9054 bytes)

v6_4155scg.JPG (6695 bytes)     v6_4155sch.JPG (6700 bytes)     v6_4155sce.JPG (4998 bytes) 

v6_4155sck.JPG (7327 bytes)     v6_4155scL.JPG (5192 bytes)

v6_4155scn.JPG (6616 bytes)     v6_4155sco.JPG (6664 bytes)     v6_4155sci.JPG (6900 bytes)
Photo:  © 1995, Yann Saunders

 

4155-S

#2

702054

This one was shipped on June 18, 1930. The low body number (#2) suggests that this is the first of this rare "Madame X" style to have been built with the flat windshield seen here. Records indicate that BOTH windshield types were used on this body style [the almost vertical, "V" type, built in the old Fleetwood plant in PA, and the new, flat, 18º slanting windshield, like this one, built in Fleetwood's new premises in Detroit, following closure of the old plant in April-May, 1930]. That simple fact would indicate that only body #1 was built in PA and the remaining six units in Detroit. When Rick LeForge had a look at this car in the former collection of Wayne Merriman, in the fifties, he described it as being in "original fair condition"; he sent me in May 2009 an old "fingerprint" of the car's body tag for the Database. Late Extra [June, 2009]:  the car has survived, has been restored and will be sold at auction ion September, 2009. Motorcar specialist, Ty Bennett, of Worldwide Auctioneers wrote: Thanks again for a terrific web site. I just wanted to let you know that the "Madame X"  V16 - Engine 702054 and Body 2 listed on your site - is going to be offered at auction with no reserve. It is part of the Sterling McCall Collection to be sold at the Worldwide Auctioneers “The Auburn Auction” on September 5, 2009. This, along with many others from the collection will be on our website soon.  Ty also kindly sent the pics below. Latest [July 2013]:  the car is to be sold during the Auburn fall auction in August 31, 2013, lot #5096 (info from Chris Cummings). It achieved a high bid of $135,000; I guess it did not meet the reserve and probably will come on the block again at a later venue. There is (was) an internet link about this car. Here are some extracts: Prior to joining the Ewing Collection, this example was previously in the Sterling McCall collection ... Cadillac records show that it was shipped to Don Lee, Inc, the Los Angeles dealer, on March 31, 1930 (???). Tastefully painted dark green with black fenders, it is subtly accented with a red pin stripe. The roof, with blind rear quarters, is covered in black leather. All of these, plus the tan cloth interior, are in very good condition, although the paint shows some age cracks. The passenger compartment is furnished with dual smoking sets, one on each side, and the left one includes a clock. Above the smoking sets are dual vanity cabinets, and the rear window is provided with a shade. The car has dual sidemount spares with tan canvas covers, leaving room at the rear for a trunk rack and full-size Cadillac accessory trunk with matching cover. The engine compartment and undercarriage are clean and sound, but have not been recently detailed. All Madame X Cadillacs are rare. With no more than six of this style built, Body No. 2 is surely one of the most coveted. Don Lee was the dealer to the stars. We can only imagine which star – or starlet – was its first owner.
 

4155S-2a.JPG (19916 bytes)     4155s-2c.JPG (26086 bytes)     4155s-2b.JPG (22707 bytes)

    

     

    

    
[ Photos , above 4 rows: Auctions*America web site ]

 

4155
or
4155-S

?

?

Rick LeForge kindly sent this photo of an unidentified "Madame X" style sedan or limousine. It was taken in the fifties or sixties.   It does not appear to be included among the many V-16s of which Rick "fingerprinted" the body tag at the time.

4155unk_LFrge.jpg (38115 bytes)
[ Photo courtesy Rick LeForge ]

 

4161-S
ex
4175

#34

702232

This car belongs to Pete and Sharon Sanders of McLean, VA. The engine is from a Fleetwood style #4175 limousine.  The owners rescued this car (already with its replacement motor) from a junk yard.  It had a bent frame (!) and a tree was growing up through the engine compartment. You have to admire the work that went into "reviving" this beauty that ended up taking Best of Show at the 2007 CLC Grand National venue in Savannah, GA, in August 2007. 
 

     v64155mmx.jpg (9833 bytes)     4161Sd.jpg (23051 bytes)
[ Photos: CCCA Classic Car magazine, left and CLC Self Starter, right ]

4161ssv2.jpg (12612 bytes)
[ Photo: © 2007 and courtesy CLC ]

 

4161-S

#38

700721

Basic info about this car came from an article by Bud Juneau that appeared in Car Collector for June 1981.  At that time the car belonged to Charles Jones of Woodland, CA. A previous owner was Jim Black, of   Tucson, AZ [info from C&P, July 1972, p.90]. The CLC directory listed the current owner as D. Kizziar of Altus, Oklahoma.  Chris Cummings was trying to contact the owner to obtain a clearer idea of the string of prior ownership. Unfortunately, Mr. Kizziar passed away in April 2011. We may not get now the full ownership  history of this lovely Madame X town sedan. Here is a description of the car as offered for sale at ajuction: Lot # 114 1930 Cadillac 452 V-16 Madame X Club Sedan, Body by Fleetwood; S/N 72705; Yellow, Black fenders and roof/Tan cord; Estimate $80,000 - $120,000; Older restoration, 3+ condition; Hammered Sold at $135,000 plus commission of 10.00%; Final Price $148,500 -- Orange wire wheels with stainless spokes, wide whitewalls, dual sidemounts with strap-on mirrors, radio, radiator stoneguard, Pilot-Rays, windshield visor. Restored in 1992 in vivid colors and featured in Car Collector and on the cover of Cars and Parts even before it was restored. Decent paint with some checking and minor cracks, sound major chrome with some weak trim bits. Good upholstery and interior trim. Don Kizziar Estate. No Reserve. A classy Cadillac with a quality restoration, this is attractive bodywork for a sedan. It caught the bidders' attention and brought a strong price for a closed car. With these brilliant colors it would be impossible not to attract notice.

 

4161ssv.jpg (8369 bytes)     v64161s.jpg (8688 bytes)    
The photo at left  was taken during the time Jim Black owned the car
I believe the RH photo is of the same car, after restoration

    
[ Photos:  © 1981, Bud Juneau and  Collectible Automobile ]

              
Photos in above 2 rows are from Car Collector for June 1981; thank you, Bud Juneau

    
Survivor photos

 
On the RM auction block in 2011

 

4161-S

?

702368

The engine from this car was apparently transferred to a Fleetwood style #4330-S sedan for 5 passengers, then to a roadster style #4302, replacing V-16 engine #700917; I assume this "Madame X" model was either  destroyed or sold for parts.

4175 (1)

#24

[701606]?
[701659]?

This limousine (imperial) for 7 passengers was shipped to Peoria, IL, on May 20, 1959. In the list of survivors prepared by Rick LeForge, this one is listed as owned by a Mr. Poway in Tulsa, OK.  I shall attempt to find out which of the two engine numbers is correct.

4175 (1)

#70

702746

[to be confirmed as a survivor]  This "Madame X" limousine was one of  12 units originally shipped to Madrid, this one in September 1930]; it is configured for RHD. I have it from a French friend and Cadillac aficionado that the car was offered for sale, in Germany, in 2002, by a company called "Mirbach" ; it was described correctly as a 1930 series 452 V-16 Madame X style limousine. However, my friend has got from the (current?) owner, Dierk Mueller of Soltau, Germany, the technical inspection report and appraisal (Gutachten) (in German) by Wolf Dieter Freiwald, certified senior engineer of DEKRA AG, Stuttgart, Germany, dated May 29, 1990. The car was inspected in March 1990 and is described there as a Cadillac "Series 452A" that was built on July 1, 1931 and delivered that same month; this does not jive with the factory shipping records. The body style is called a "Pullman Limousine, type 4175 [correct], Madame X type" [correct]; the colors are brown [for the fenders, belt molding and and lower body] and beige [upper body]; this corresponds with the photo below; it was repainted in 1977 with 2-component acrylic paint; all chrome, glass, tires and inner lighting all are in excellent shape; the car has wood artillery wheels with metal wheel covers. The front compartment is all original; the passenger compartment has been completely redone in turquoise (?) velour (?) with gold background (accents?) and a green velour (?) floor covering; the inlaid mahogany division and instrument board both are in   good condition; the engine and transmission were overhauled and appeared in good condition but the appraiser was not able to do a test drive. The chassis is shown as #70 [shown here, perhaps in error, as the body number]. Dekra confirms that the car's first owner was Gibraltar's governor at the time. The appraiser mentions a total production of 110 units of Fleetwood's "Madame X" style #7175; however, we know that 24 of them had the vertical windshield and split instrument panel; they looked very different from this car (I note that the report also lists Fleetwood style #4476 as a "Madame X" model when in fact that series comprises only 4-door cars; style #4476 has only a slanted windshield similar to the windshields on the "Madame X" models built in Detroit).  The car's estimated "collector car" value in 1990 was 400,000DM. I  have only poor B&W copies of the color photos taken of the car in March, 1990, at the time the inspection was carried out.
 

v6_702746.jpg (7332 bytes)
I believe the current owner (2010) is still Dirk Mueller, Germany,
[ Photo: courtesy Philippe Hulet de Limal and American Car Club be France ]

 

4175 (1)

#90

702880

Originally shipped to the GM facility in Antwerp [the V16 ledger shows final destination as "London"], I first spied this RH-drive V-16 in La Cad, the magazine of the Australian CLC, Winter 2002 issue, p.37 [and subsequent issues]. This one was ID'd by Aussie CLC president, John Hewitt. It is one of the rare RHD sixteens for use of U.S. Diplomatic Corps. It belonged formerly to Elliott Klein of AZ. Vin # was supplied kindly by V-16 enthusiast, Chris Cummings; body number provided kindly by Rick LeForge who supplied a "finger print" of the body tag that he got in the 50s; This car carries a CLC "Senior" badge; it is in very good condition and original in every respect. Late extra [6/2005]: offered for sale for $185,000 Australian Dollars [Contact: Phone 61-2-45778755 or office@elffarm.com.au]. Formerly owned by Akron, OH, Cadillac Dealer, Dave Towell, he had it for sale in the Self Starter classifieds, back in June 1966 for  ...$7,000 ! How the car got to Australia is not known at this time. It is owned there by Rob and Nora Tolson

 


This poor copy of an excerpt from the V16 ledger for 1931 shows the car as having been shipped first to London


v6_4175au.JPG (11753 bytes)
This lovely survivor belongs to Rob & Nora Tolson, of Sydney, Australia
[ Photo: "La Cad", magazine of the Australian CLC ]

v6klein2.jpg (12274 bytes)     V6_ModB.jpg (27440 bytes)
A total of 86 of these flat-windshield, Madame X
limousines were built; at least one [this one] had RHD

[ Photo (right): courtesy Australian CLC magazine, "La Cad" ]

30V6mmX.jpg (9368 bytes)     v6_4175.jpg (6875 bytes)
[ Photo (left): © 2008, Warren Hawtin ]

v6Mmex5.jpg (52822 bytes)
Our friendly "V16 sleuth", Chris Cummings, believes this one too is the car owned  by the Tolsons, in Sydney

 

4175 (2)

?

?

Here is a survivor whose current owner is not known.  I believe this car was in the collection of James C. Leake of Tulsa, OK, in the late seventies.  he wrote me in April, 1977, saying "I also have in restoration a V-16 Madam X Imperial limousine which I will also offer for sale at my [annual] auction".

V6p175v.jpg (16275 bytes)
Very rare, Pennsylvania-built Madame X style #4175, with vertical windshield

 

4175? ?

702818

This car currently [2000] is in Havana, Cuba, where it is in the care of Ing. Eduardo Mesejo Maestre, Director, Automobile Depot [Depósito del Automóvil], Office of the Historian of the City of Havana [Oficina del Historiador de la Ciudad de La Habana]; the car needs a complete restoration. The body tag has not been found. The front clip and door handles do not appear to be original; fender parking lights are missing too.

 

4375cub2.jpg (6643 bytes)     4375cub3.jpg (6434 bytes)

4375cub5.jpg (6501 bytes)     4375cub6.jpg (6619 bytes)

 4375cub7.jpg (8186 bytes)     4375cub4.jpg (7653 bytes)

 

4175 (1)

?

?

W. Rust, CA [CLC directory]

4175 (1) ?

?

J. Bohmer, MN [CLC Directory, 2002]

4175 (1)

?

?

B. Hughes, [CLC Directory, 2002]

4175 (1)

?

?

Tip from a Mexican friend, Javier Pesquera [May, 2007]; this badly deteriorated Madame X limousine is located in Mexico, owned by an elderly gentleman.  Javier is trying to buy it. The V-16 motor appears to be missing, as are also many trim and interior components.  Restoring this car (especially in Mexico may prove to be an arduous task).

 

V6Javier1.jpg (7522 bytes)     V6Javier2.jpg (7753 bytes)     V6Javier5.jpg (5087 bytes)

V6Javier3.jpg (6998 bytes)     V6Javier4.jpg (6577 bytes)

 

4175 ?2 703050

Only the engine remains. Formerly owned by the late Jim Pearson.  Info from Rick LeForge.

4175-S #42 702232

Formerly owned by the late "Cadillac Jim" Pearson of Kansas, this car was actually first delivered to Kansas City on July 1, 1930.  Info from Rick LeForge who kindly supplied a "fingerprint" of the body tag. The engine out of this car was transferred to a Fleetwood style #4161-S Madame X town sedan (body #34, above)

4175-S #74 702879

Quite a few survivors  This one was photographed at a car show in Canada in 1999 [PHOTOS BELOW].  V-16 "sleuth", Chris Cummings, believes this is the car offered for sale by Hyman Ltd. in April 2008, as stock number 3759.  We are checking and seeking confirmation as well as VIN and body numbers. From what Chris is able to make out with a magnifying glass, he believes the VIN is 702809. Latest [4/2008] :  Shawn Dougan of Hyman Ltd. provided the actual VIN and body numbers, now shown here. The car came from a Michigan collection but was originally in Canada.

 

V6p175nd.jpg (12251 bytes)     4175sv.jpg (12971 bytes)     v6_30_4175.jpg (6010 bytes)
LH photo: © 1999, Stephen Nadon - RH photo: © ConceptCarZ [Internet]

4175HYMk.jpg (7318 bytes)     4175b2.jpg (6310 bytes)     4175mmx2.jpg (6480 bytes)     4175mmx1.jpg (6029 bytes)

4175e.jpg (5036 bytes)     4175f.jpg (4404 bytes)     4175g.jpg (5069 bytes)     4175HymM.jpg (6557 bytes)
[ Photos: © 2008 and courtesy Hyman, Ltd. ]

 

4175 (1)

?

703050

This car remained at the factory. It was completed on May 1, 1931. It was once in the collection of "Cadillac Jim" Pearson of Kansas City.  According to Rick LeForge's notes, only the engine remains.

 

3. Bodies by Fleetwood
[ Styles with initial digits "42..." ]

Body
Style
Body Number Engine
Number
Latest available information
4220 ? ?

One survivor is owned by James Harman.   I've seen it mentioned in SS, 1972 and 1985.

4220 ? ? R. Crane, NJ [CLC directory]

 

    
I don't have the owner's name; it could be one of the above, or even a third party; the car looks freshly restored

 

4225 ? ?

One survivor is owned by Jack Nethercutt of San Sylmar, CA [Merle Norman collection]; it was featured in an article in AQ, for the fourth quarter 1984.

4225 ? 702029

One survivor is owned by Jack Nethercutt of San Sylmar, CA [Merle Norman collection]; it was featured in an article in AQ, for the fourth quarter 1984. This car once belonged to film director, Cecil B. De Mille

 

v6DeMille.jpg (82709 bytes)

   4225sv.jpg (8554 bytes)
Photos:  (top and left, below) Self Starter magazine, 2/2005; (right)  © Dennis Adler

v64225a.jpg (12188 bytes)     v64225b.jpg (10060 bytes)

4225Netherc.jpg (10958 bytes)

 

4235 #7 702363
????

I photographed the car below at a show in Pennsylvania in the early eighties. It has survived, still, and is currently in Sweden in the private collection of Anders Läck (photo below, right). I'm not sure of the engine and body numbers. However, engine number 702363 is fitted with this Fleetwood convertible coupe body style and such a car was reported in Sweden in 2000. Mr. Läck owns a number of collectible Cadillacs (and other makes too); he rents them out, with a chauffeur, for special occasions such as weddings.

 

v6p235d.JPG (11252 bytes)     v630cvcp.jpg (10744 bytes)
Photo (left): © 1982, Yann Saunders; (right)  © Anders Lack

 

4235 #45 702573 This car was reported owned by a Mr. Robert [Bob] E. McGinnis of San Diego, CA.  In 2009, when Rick transferred the bulk of his archives to be incorporated into the "Cadillac Database", he provided a "fingerprint" of the body tag that he had taken in the fifties.
4235 #59 702655

The owner of Fleetwood style 4235 convertible coupe #82 (Kjell Kraakmo of Norway), believed that this car was undergoing a complete restoration in the USA, in 2003; he did not have its engine number. Late extra [Jan., 2008]:  the car has been acquired by collector-enthusiast, Brent Merrill.  Brent said :  The car was originally destined for Uppercu Cadillac in New York, but was diverted for delivery to Plattsburgh, NY, in the summer of 1930.  The ownership history can be traced back to 1939 and we believe that, including me, there have been five owners of the car.  Two of them were long term owners (30 plus years each).  We are hoping someone might contact us to fill in the nine years we are missing between 1930 and 1939 or tell us if there was ever a Cadillac dealer in the 30's in Plattsburgh so we can trace the history to new [try contacting Knight Cadillac, Plattsburgh. NY].  The car has had a ground-up Concours quality restoration, completed three years ago by Bob Bachman in Virginia. The previous owner had the good fortune of having the original sales order for the car, so it has been kept true to original. The paint, including the pin stripes and wheels, are all the original color identified on the build sheet. One of the owners painstakingly searched out the correct colours over a period of years. The upper panels are Joselyn Gray and the lower panels and trim are Trafalgar Gray. The pin stripes and wheels are Winooski Green. Since the restoration was completed it has been driven just once. It is kept in indoor storage.  It is in EXCELLENT condition, including the paint, chrome, top, and interior. There is not a nick or scratch anywhere.  The top has never been put down, it is perfect including the bows and the fabric. Latest (3/2010):  I got this complementary information from Mr. Merrill; he wrote: ...I thought you might be interested in a funny story.  When I bought this 1930 Cadillac V16 convertible coupe ... I did a bit of investigation into the prior ownership. One of those long term 30-year owners was Willy Meffert. In our telephone conversation he asked me if I owned any other cars and I mentioned my 4335 with engine 700898. He said that he thought the number sounded familiar. He checked his records and, sure enough, he had owned this car also at one point. But had sold it once he got his model 4235. Well, isn’t it interesting that I did the same thing. Willy and I both owned the same cars and bought and sold them in the same order…I still have the 4235. Isn’t that amazing. I mean what a coincidence ... PS. I kind of regret selling the old girl, but a fellow can only have so many V16 Cadillacs!!! Maybe one day I can buy back the 4335 ... Ha ha.

 

4235Merrill1.jpg (71448 bytes)     4235Merrill2.jpg (78311 bytes)

4235Merrill3.jpg (77269 bytes)     4235Merrill4.jpg (51355 bytes)

4235Merrill5.jpg (83828 bytes)     4235Merrill6.jpg (61905 bytes)
[ Photos: © 2010 and courtesy of the owner ]

4235wallace.jpg (59191 bytes)
This lovely image from enthusiast Holland Wallace

    
Looks just as nice with the top up

 

4235 ? 702381

Was offered for sale in the classifieds of the Self Starter, in June 1966, by Dave Towell, a Cadillac dealer in Akron, OH.  He described it as "one of the top cars in the country". It was beige with dark brown fenders. Anybody know where it is today ?   Could it be this one, owned by Dayton Card and featured in an article in AQ, for the fourth quarter 1984.

4235ex.jpg (22801 bytes)
[ possibly this car? ]

 

4235 #38

702551

I believe the photos below are of one and the same car. Jefferson M. Brown of the Peerless Motor Car Club recognized the LH photo from the 2000 NAPA parts store Collector's Edition calendar. The owner was identified at the time as Dale E. Fowler; no location was given. Late Extra [6-2011]V-16 owner-enthusiast, Chris Cummings, found the photo on the right. I am guessing it's the same car. Chris said  this Series 4235 convertible coupe was to be auctioned over Labor Day weekend [2011] by Worldwide Auctions at their Auburn sale. Chris got a copy of the build sheet, giving the VIN and body numbers shown here in the two LH columns; the car was ordered all black with a silver pinstripe, chrome-plated hood doors, chrome wheel spokes and cloth spare tire covers in black to match the top material [missing in these photos]. The car was shipped first to Dave Towell’s dealership in Toledo, OH.  The build sheet has these interesting instructions: “Phone J. Stokes”,  “Tag Harbour” and “RUSH”. The rear axle is the quicker-than-standard 4.07:1 ratio.   Thanks for all that info, Chris. 
 

4302BLK.JPG (14794 bytes)     702551-38.jpg (39484 bytes)

 

4235 ? 702619

This one is included in the roster of survivors prepared by Rick LeForge. He says it was shipped to Milwaukee then on to Minneapolis on 19 August, 1930.   When Rick first saw it, in the fifties, it was a sound, complete and semi-restored car.  In 2001, it was part of the Otis Chandler collection (Vintage Museum). The first owner is not known but previous owners include Elmer Franzen of Minneapolis, MN (1961-1967), the late Cadillac Jim Pearson of Kansas City, KS (1968-1983) and Bud Tinney (1983-1997). Enthusiast Chris Cummings believes it is now (2005) owned by Jim George of Haymarket, VA. Jim provided the story of his car, as well as some lovely photos, in an article published in the April 2006 edition of the Self Starter.

 

4235G.jpg (6702 bytes)     4235E2.jpg (7607 bytes)     4235F.jpg (6502 bytes)
At the Potomac Region show, Oct. 2005
[ Photo: © 2005, Dan Reed ]

4235DG.JPG (12018 bytes)     4235D2.jpg (29819 bytes)
Left: retouched designer's drawing from 1930 V-16 product brochure
Right: profile view of  Jim George's car does justice to the original design

4235A.jpg (24146 bytes)     4235B.jpg (20063 bytes)     4235C.jpg (21285 bytes)
[ These photos and previous row, right, courtesy Self Starter, April 2006 ]

 

4235 #91 702807 Info from Rick LeForge. This car was shipped to Chicago on 30 November 1931.
4235 #82 702876 K. Kraakmo, Norway. This car is undergoing a full restoration. The owner informed me in March, 2003, that the engine was cast in July 1930.  It was delivered to Uppercu Cadillac Co. in New York on Christmas Eve, 1930.
4235 #92 702834 Former owners were (1) John Osborne and (2) Paul Schinnerer. Info from Rick LeForge who supplied a "finger print" of the body tag that he got in the 50s. The car was stolen in May of 1976. It had many special features.
4235 ? 702886 This partly legible excerpt from the shipping ledger for 1931 gives the original destination as "Factory". The car is not known to have survived.

 

4235 #961 703220 1 According to the owner of the preceding car (#82), ninety-six of these convertible coupe bodies were built by Fleetwood and this one carries Body #96. Factory records thoroughly researched by Carl Steig and others show that only 94 such bodies were mounted on the V-16 chassis. I surmise, therefore, that the two "extra" bodies were mounted on V8 or V12 chassis; there are other instances of V-16 body numbers exceeding the known V-16 production total. Perhaps Mr.William Meffert, THE authority on Fleetwood style #4235, can resolve the mystery of this high body number (BTW, he believes there are some 10 survivors worldwide).
4235 ? ? Rick Carroll [article in AQ]
4235 ? ?

J. Bohmer, ME [CLC Directory]  

4235 ? ?

T. Derro, MA [CLC Directory]

4235 ? ?

J. Pascoe, MI [CLC Directory]  

4235 ? ?

B. Scheef, WA [CLC Directory]  

4257-A

?

?

Only two large Fleetwood touring cars like this one are listed in the Master Parts List of cars actually built (my copy is dated July 1, 1933).  I believe the  car featured here (that is not known to have survived) is unique Fleetwood style #4257-A. This car features a straight  whereas the majority of Fleetwood body styles identified by the prefix "42..." has a curved or "coach" sill. So far as I can ascertain from all the photos I've seen most 4-door convertible V16 "custom" jobs (unique or very limited production models) also had the delicate door handles seen on this car and others like it. I wonder why?
 

4260asm.jpg (9651 bytes)     4257A2.JPG (9973 bytes)
The rear styling, the hood and and belt design at the windshield on this custom Fleetwood job #4257-A (?) is quite different
from the surviving "4257-H" model described below;  this car has front-hinged doors and a straight sill!

 

4257-H

?

?

Only two large Fleetwood touring cars like this one are listed in the Master Parts List of cars actually built (my copy is dated July 1, 1933).  I believe the  car featured here (that is not known to have survived) is unique Fleetwood style #4257-H (the "H" suffix designates a departure from the standard roof Height for such cars; it usually signified an increased height of 3-4 inches from normal. This car features the regular curved or coach sill used on the majority of Fleetwood body styles identified by the prefix "42...".
 

4257H4S.jpg (19038 bytes)     


Compare the roof height on this touring car with the one above it;
both cars have the front-hinged rear doors ... but the lower car has a straight sill!

 

4257-H
or
4257-A

?

701849

Thus large Fleetwood touring cars, much like the one featured above, has survived; so far as I know, it is neither of the two touring cars included in Factory production records. It could a modified version  (or conversion)  from recorded Fleetwood style #4257-A, of which a have added a designer's drawing & factory photo below). The owner, Joe Moore, left this message on the Cadillac-LaSalle Club, Inc.'s message board on June 21, 2002:   I have a 7-pass, one of a kind [touring car] with scroll hood [ornate body sill molding]. I need any parts & accessories including any information of original sales data. The car was delivered new to a dealer in NYC. It is Fleetwood body #16-688, engine # 701849. It is currently in complete restoration [as you will see from the photo below, restoration is now complete]. Any help will be greatly appreciated.  In the 2002 CLC Directory the owner was listed as B. Massman, CA. The car features the raised, curved panel hood and horizontal sill  of regular Fleetwood body styles identified by the prefix "43...". In addition, it features a custom "scroll" belt line as seen on the designer's line drawing for the custom Fleetwood sport phaeton style 4257-A (below). The door handles too are mounted in the same position as on style 4257-A; however, the car designated as style #4257-A in Fleetwood production records is NOT  an open touring car but rather a sport phaeton (i.e. with dual cowl and secondary, folding windshield; the reatr ensemble of the latter car also is quite different from this one.  Mystery?
 

    


The finished car - outstanding!

    
Now look at this car again; it has the straight sill (as above), but rear-hinged front doors,
note also the increased roof height of the car in the B&W factory photo and designer's drawing!
[ The actual interior roof height is 53", whereas it was usually 49-50" on regular Fleetwood  convertible models ]

 

4260

#1

?

This car was for sale in California (there was an ad in SS for Nov.-Dec. 1967, p.15).  It is believed this is the car acquired in June-July 1930 by one Baroness Von Rosenberg of Vienna, Austria
4260 #82 700665 This car was sold for $150,000 as lot #1136 at a Kruse auction in Auburn, IN, in August 2000. It was blue outside and in; although an older restoration, it is still in fine condition, with a new top, covered sidemounts and mirrors, trunk rack and spotlights. Numbers were supplied kindly by Timothy Pierce who represents Robert De Mars Ltd. Automobile Appraisers/Historians in West Palm beach, Florida USA. The low engine number suggest that this is a re-body; perhaps someone has info about the original body that was used with engine #700665.  Tim says the car is currently [March 2001] available for sale for $235,000

4260srvb.jpg (12875 bytes)

 

4260

#2

701554

There is a long, interesting story to this car. The chassis # is 7-101(?); it is body #2 of the 85 units built and has been duly authenticated for its last but one owner (Steven Nanini of Tucson, AZ); the current owner (2012-2013) is Dennis Sobieski, named below as the owner of this or of an identical V-16 sport phaeton. This sport phaeton was Fisher order #2587; the factory build sheet lists the model (in error) as an "all-weather phaeton" whereas it is definitely a dual windshield, special phaeton. It is one of five V-16 models shipped to Copenhagen, Denmark in June, 1930 for a promotional tour through 9 European countries. Upholstery was Radel Spanish grain leather #2400, trim style 19 (or 1930?);  the entire hood, cowl and body panels were painted in R&M Indiana gray (Duco #20157), as were the wheel hubs, spokes and felloes.  The molding and the hood and cowl vents all  were painted Saxon gray (Duco? #2445519);  fenders and chassis were painted Ravenwood brown (Duco #5782). The finish moldings on top of the belt were chrome-plated. Wire wheels (six) were mounted, including two in the fenders; the original tires had black side walls.  A travel trunk was mounted in the rear. When the tour ended, the car was acquired by Paris coach-builder, Jacques Saoutchik; he removed (and disposed of?) the sport phaeton body- which is believed to have been put, later, on another V16 chassis.  Meanwhile, Saoutchik designed and built on this chassis a custom, semi-convertible sedan described more fully on this page (v6srv30b.htm) of the Cadillac Database. Many years later, the original sport phaeton body (#2 according to the factory shipping records) reappeared on another V-16 chassis and it was decided to pair the two (body & chassis) together again. The task was accomplished by Fran Roxas and Fred Weber. At that time the Saoutchik body was put on an authentic V-16 chassis  (VIN 700979) so that the sport phaeton returned to its original 1930 state. This is CLC Senior car #141.

 

V6p260in.jpg (7186 bytes)
Photo: © 1998, Yann Saunders

 

4260

ex- #2

ex-
701554
now
700979

Chassis # 7-101(?) (see below - this chassis was re-bodied by Jacques Saoutchik of Paris, France - the original sport phaeton body (#2) was mounted, later, on another V-16 chassis (see preceding car)

4260

#42

702401

Was last sold at auction in January, 2006, for $363,000 [tip from V-16 owner/enthusiast, Chris Cummings]. This car has been retrofitted with power steering. The build sheet shows it to have been delivered first to Cadillac’s Philadelphia branch. It was later diverted to New York and sold there. Owned by collector Robert Chamberlain, Maryland, in the seventies, he sold it in 1981 to the late Philip Wichard of Hauppage, New York, who had it fully restored in the late 80s. The car has scored 100 points in CCCA Grand Classic judging. Sold by Christie's in 1995, it was acquired by Charles Cauley who sold it to the current vendor in 1998. The driver’s compartment remains in show condition. Accessories include a “lo-boy” trunk, Pilot Ray driving lights, radiator stone guard, twin windshield mounted spotlights, wind wings, and metal sidemount covers. Late Extra [1/2008]the car is slated for sale, again, at RM Auctions’ Automobiles of Amelia Island Auction, March 8, 2008.  Estimate was between $400,000 and $500,000. The car sold for $522.000! Late Extra [8/2008] According to Chris Cummings, this car is to be sold again at the coming RM auction in Monterey, CA.

 

v62401c.jpg (19111 bytes)

4260srvGryGry.jpg (68929 bytes)     4260srvGryGry2.jpg (45212 bytes)

     4260srvGryGry3.jpg (37565 bytes)

 

4260

?

702406

[NEW, Dec. 2008].  This car was offered at auction by the Gooding Co. for their January 2009 venue in Scottsdale, AZ.  It has been fully documented.  Here is the auction catalog description supplied kindly by collector-enthusiast Jon Riley of Chicago: This spectacular Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton was delivered to its first owner in Brookline, Massachusetts, through the local distributor, Boston Cadillac, LaSalle and Oldsmobile. While the name of the original owner is unknown, a later owner, Richard Warren, had done much research on the car and believed that this rare Sport Phaeton was primarily used at the summer home of its original owner, located in Vergens, Virginia. By the late 1940s, the original owner had parted with his exceptional Cadillac and the car was in the care of a local garage owner. In 1950, the garage owner sold the car to a prominent collector, Harry King of Worcester, Massachusetts, for the outrageous sum of $125. Some years later Richard Warren of nearby Auburn purchased the car from King for the same price of $125. Evidently King became tired of the car by this time and simply felt that he merely receive his minor outlay in return.Warren kept the car for some time and during his ownership he installed a fresh 1932 V-16 motor to keep the car on the road. Thankfully when he sold the car to Homer Fitterling in 1955, the original engine went with the car [Mr. Fitterling still had the car in 1959; he was a member of the CLC at that time]. When Fitterling passed away in the mid-1980s, the car, along with its proper, original engine, was sold at auction to George Lucetti of Springfield, Massachusetts. Lucetti spent the next four to five years treating this important car to a comprehensive restoration. Not simply content with restoring the car cosmetically, he completely rebuilt and reinstalled the original V-16. After restoration Lucetti sold the car and for a number of years it resided in the collection of noted collector Bob Bahre. In the mid-1990s, Bahre sold the car to another noteworthy collector, Bud Lyon, who retained it for nearly a decade, a strong testament to its outstanding quality. Lyon then sold the car to Dave Kane, yet another collector of great American classics. Since Mr. Kane’s ownership, the car has had only two subsequent caretakers, the last of which has gone to great lengths to ensure it remained in pristine condition throughout. Beyond careful cosmetic upkeep, Classic and Exotic Service, Inc. in Michigan has ensured that this V-16 has been properly maintained in every respect. Today the car is beautifully presented in a very fitting color scheme for such a grand, luxury automobile, and it sports a number of desirable accessories including a pair of Pilot Ray auxiliary driving lights, dual side-mounted spares, radiator stone guard, chrome wire wheels, wind wings and the beautiful Jaeger Eight-Day trip clock and speedometer in the rear compartment – a feature only found on the prestigious Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton. The interior, with its machine-turned dashboard, uncluttered gauges and ample legroom is a truly inviting space for open touring and the whole car has a lovely feel to it, as would be expected from such a solid, well-cared-for example. The original Cadillac shipping documents support that this is one of the original, always desirable V-16 Sport Phaetons. If it was an exceptional car in its day, it is even more so over 75 years on, as so few have survived with their original bodies, chassis and engines. This example is one of the fortunate survivors, and it is one of the most important examples of the Olympian Classics produced in Detroit’s golden era. The 1930 and 1931 Cadillac V-16s are the ultimate development of the classic narrow body, flat radiator automobiles developed during the 1920s. The Sport Phaeton is, to many, the most desirable of all. This V-16 is a marvelous example of one of the most legendary cars in the history of the American automotive industry and it will continue to serve as an excellent contender in concours d’elegance competition, a faultless touring car and a proud example of General Motors’ glory years. The car is black with a red interior. The car changed hands for $632,000, which exceeded the auction estimate.

4260

#34

702408

The car was first shipped to Philadelphia on July 19, 1930. It is  included in the list of survivors prepared by Rick LeForge. The original owner is cited as "Senator Woods"; could this be Senator James E. Woods (1858-1931)? Woods was a lawyer, served as city councilman, mayor, commissioner of the fire department, director of the public library and school trustee. He was State representative from 1911 to 1919 then State Senator from 1919 to 1923. He died in 1931, so it is possible that the car was subsequently owned by his son. There exists an article and photos of the car; unfortunately I do not have a copy.

4260

#33

702425

Owned by Dick Gold, article in "Torque", Jan-Feb. 1982 [this V-16 style  listed at $6150 on 1.1.1930, then $6500 on 10.15.1930]; in the CLC directory it is listed as being under the ownership of C. Selick, NY. I wonder if this is the car shown on p.29 of the Australian CLC's La Cad magazine for spring 2004; there the owner is identified as Charles Selick. Unlike other "4260" models, this one has a "43**" series scalloped hood and horizontal sill.  Is it possibly a re-body? V16 owner-enthusiast, Brent Merril., pointed to this web site by Christies's of London, where this particular car is mentioned. Here is a salient excerpt from that site whose one time owner was a Mr.Lüscher, from Germany: Mr. Lüscher's stunning V16 Cadillac is without argument one of the most impressive automobiles from his collection. There are probably around 18 original sport phaetons in existence and, as a result of their limited number, impressive engineering and sleek bodies, they are one of the most desirable models available. According to its build sheet, this car was first sold on July 22nd 1930 in New York City. We are told that the car was featured in Motor Trend magazine in 1958, although we have not seen a copy. At around this time the owner was Russell Strauch from Toledo, Ohio and by the 1960s it was in the ownership of Clarence Stalts. In around 1977 Richard G. Gold of Minnesota acquired the V16 and in all probability at this time the car underwent a meticulous restoration. In 1978 the car won a National First Prize from the Antique Automobile Club of America. The following year at the Classic Car Club of America meeting in Boca Raton, Florida it became a senior winner (no. 0873) with a perfect score of 100 points. It was featured in the March 1980 issue of The Classic Car, the club's magazine. Richard Gold was later to become the President of the Classic Car Club of America (1988-89). In the late 1980s the V16 sport phaeton was sold (as a pair with the V16 roadster, see Lot 27 in this catalogue) to another noted collector, Fred Weber from Missouri and in its last showing in the USA at the annual meeting of the CCCA in January 1990 at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida, it won its senior division with a score of 99 points. Later the same year both V16s were again sold as a pair and joined the Lüscher Collection.

4260

?

702452

[NEW - 2/2011] The story of this restored phaeton was told in the Spring edition of "Classic Car" for 2011. It was bought in 1957 by teen George W. Holman ... and sold to future CCCA Caravan chairman, Ken Fahnestock ... who resold it to George a few years later. It was not until 2008 that George decided on a full restoration that was completed in time for Pebble Beach in 2010 ... where it took FIRST PLACE ahead of a superb and newly restored Marmon Sixteen roadster owned by my friend Brent Merrill of Toronto, Canada. The full story of George's car is told in the "Classic Car" and is definitely worth a read.  

 

4260-702452a.jpg (54167 bytes)     4260-702452b.jpg (41436 bytes)
[ Photos: © 2010 and courtesy  "Classic Car" ]

v6_4260R2.JPG (92155 bytes)
Could it be this beauty?

    

 

4260

#55

702478

This phaeton was delivered originally to Don Lee Cadillac in Los Angeles for the actor Richard Arlen. The original color was Talina brown and the factory invoice is dated June 13, 1930. Subsequent owners include a Mr. Brinkerhoff, then Jim Brucker, owner of Cars of the Stars, museum who customized it and loaned it out for use in the movie The Carpetbaggers, starring Alan Ladd (it was outfitted with longhorns atop the front grill, cowhide (calf skin) seat covers and six-guns as door handles). Enthusiast-historian Rick LeForge provided me in 2009 with a "fingerprint" of the body tag that he had made in the fifties; his notes to me mention that the car had poor white paint (obviously the car had not been stripped prior to painting); it was equipped with 18" wheels from a V8 model; the wrong trunk was installed in the rear; it was missing the the entire rear instrument board and crank handle; the rear-view mirror was the wrong model; "Pep Boy" sidemount mirrors had been installed; the wind wings were the wrong type; the tail-light brackets too were the wrong type; the engine compartment looked OK but lacked the splash aprons; otherwise Rick described it as a "very sound car". When the Cars of the Stars museum closed down, the car was acquired by Don Westerdale, then by "Cadillac Jim" Pearson of Kansas City, then Rick Carroll and later Donald Mayora who returned it to original factory specs around 1985 and restored it  fully in 1990. In 2002 it was owned by Ed Dauer of Coral Springs, FL (2002). It is CLC Senior car #142 [my own former '42-75 is #601]. The car is now fire-engine red; it was on show in Pennsville, NJ, in 1991). The story of this V-16 is told in CC 12/92 pp.32-37 and  CLC 4/93, pp.3-4. This particular car was offered for sale by the Kruse auctioneers as lot #655 (...but which year?).  Latest (2009/2010?): I saw this car listed as sold by "The Auto Collections" (Imperial Palace, Las Vegas).  I'm not sure of the date or the amount of the sale.

 

    
Two scenes from the movie, "The Carpetbaggers"

v64260c2.JPG (10420 bytes)     v6laddb.JPG (11984 bytes)     4260col.jpg (8432 bytes)
(Left and right) The Carpetbaggers car after a first restoration; the original color was Talina brown
and (Center) ...after a second, subsequent restoration when it was painted "prize-winning red"

    4260TOUP.JPG (8489 bytes)     4260adlr.jpg (11791 bytes)
These two photos and the one below by Dennis Adler for Car Collector magazine

4260REAR.JPG (10647 bytes)

 

4260

?

702514

[There may be confusion between this car and car #702797 or #702998, below]. This one is said to have been acquired by Aaron Weiss, circa 2006.  Late Extra (1/2008): The car was listed for sale at the annual RM auction that took place on January 18, 2008 (lot #138). Value estimate was between $300,000 and $350,000, the car sold [to Mr. Weiss?] for $302,500.  In the text description accompanying the catalog entry, it was stated that this car had remained with its current California owner for 20 years.  It is a re-body although the first body is thought to have been the same as this one (a sport phaeton). It was sold to the former owner [the one before Mr. Weiss?] by Fred Weber in the mid-80s.

 

v6pha1a.jpg (6285 bytes)     v6pha1b.jpg (6195 bytes)

v6pha1c.jpg (6745 bytes)     v6pha1d.jpg (5819 bytes)     v6pha1e.jpg (7725 bytes)
[ Photos:  RM Auction web site ]

    

 

 

4260

#2494
????

702515

Thanks to enthusiast Ray A. Holm,  a relative of the family of an early owner, we now know that this car was once owned by Joseph B. Runyan of Pasadena, California. Mr. Runyan restored this vehicle in the late 1950's (I believe), and owned it until his death. The vehicle was sold to Otis Chandler by the surviving family members [daughter Constance (Runyan) Pace]. Ray knows the car well and had occasion to drive it. Thanks for the "inside information", Ray. A color photo of this car is featured in Maurice Hendry's definitive Cadillac History; at the time Mr. Runyan first restored the car, he had it painted black. During a later restoration he changed the color to bottle green, as may be seen in the snapshots below.
 

4260_ot.jpg (12069 bytes)    

 

4260

#41

702588

According to Rick LeForge, this special phaeton was shipped first to Philadelphia on August 14, 1930. At the time Rick encountered the surviving car, in the fifties, it was owned by a Mr. Cole.

4260

?

702751

Owned by Patrick Ferchill, TX

4260

#70

702797?
702998?

[There may be confusion between this car and  car #702514, above] This one is owned by collector-enthusiast, Aaron Weiss, who informed me in Feb., 2008 that it was a part of his superb collection.  I am wondering if this is not the SAME or a VERY SIMILAR car as listed above, with VIN #702514? This car or (again) one very much like it was on the block at another RM venue [as lot #229]. The car sold for $495,000 [commission included]. It was said to have been restored in 1987 for Bill Lassiter and is an AACA national first prize winner. A previous owner was Rick Carroll. Christie's had sold this car in March 1999 for $299,500.

 

Weiss4260x.jpg (61942 bytes)    

AaronW1.jpg (54680 bytes)     AaronW2.jpg (48868 bytes)     AaronW3.jpg (36704 bytes)

    AaronW4.jpg (36147 bytes)     AaronW5.jpg (33504 bytes)     AaronW6.jpg (30154 bytes)

AaronW7.jpg (31563 bytes)     

 

4260

94

702877

One enthusiast wrote:  the silver and blue 30 or 31 V-16 sport phaeton is owned by two guys from Kalamazoo, MI.  They also own the tan-colored 1940 V-16 convertible coupe that sold about four years ago for $360k. Late Extra (April, 2014): Chris Cummings (always on the ball and ready to help keep the roster up-to-date) found some missing information about this car. The car was shipped first to New York City on December 24, 1930. In February 1931 it was sent back to the factory and on September 28, 1931 it was shipped to Philadelphia (and presumably sold there). It was offered at the Kruse Auburn Auction in September 1998.
 

v64260xc.jpg (22583 bytes)

 

4260

?

702884

May not have survived; the V16 ledger excerpt, below, shows final destination as "Factory".

 

4260

?

702889

May not have survived; the V16 ledger excerpt, below, shows final destination as Chicago.

 

4260

?

702927

Commissioned from Cadillac in 1930 a special, Fleetwood style 4260 sport phaeton with right-hand drive. It was reportedly built for Maharajah Bhupinder Singh of Patiala1 who subsequently gifted it to his friend, the Maharajah of  Tikari, in India. At that time it joined the Maharaja's other 151 private cars and he is reported to have used it on tiger shoots!  The car was acquired in 1938 by Maharajkumar Fatch Singh but spent most of the next 10 years in storage on account of war rationing (of tires and petrol).  It came back to the USA in 1966, after an 18-month struggle with Indian authorities to get it out of that country. No fewer than 4270 man-hours were put into its restoration by Robert Lonsdale of Montgomery, AL. Russell Head, its subsequent owner, put in another 400 hours to bring the car up to concours condition.  A multiple prize-winner, this car is considered by most as the crown jewel in one of the finest West Coast auto collections.   Enthusiast, David Hayward (e-Mail address: gmhistorian@btopenworld.com) wrote in July, 2002: The r.h.d. 1930-31 Sports Phaeton # 702927 has belonged to an acquaintance of mine, Ron Hickman, on the Island of Jersey for many years. It has also been featured on a Jersey stamp (thanks for the info, David). More reading: Fit for a Maharajah, by Arch Brown, CC&CC. Sept., 1983.
_____________________________________________________
1 The story goes that the Maharaja of Patiala was snubbed by snooty British salesmen at a Rolls Royce showroom in the U.K.; he is reported to have got his own back by buying up the entire consignment of 50 vehicles on display and turning them into garbage trucks back home. An English paper printed a picture and the story, which sent company representatives scurrying to Patiala with an olive branch. It is interesting to note that the Maharajah  never bought another RR in his life, nor did his children. As Capt. Amrinder Singh remarked, "He hated Rolls Royces for the pomp and snobbery attached to them". The family were great fans of American Cars.

 

V6p260tk.jpg (11518 bytes)     TIKARI.JPG (15556 bytes)
Photo [left]: © 1982, Yann Saunders

V6TIKAR2.JPG (12900 bytes)

V6TIKARI.JPG (7316 bytes)     V6TIKAR3.JPG (8655 bytes)
The car was a real eye-catcher at the super-Cadillac-meet organized
in England, in September 2003, by CLC member Robert Maidment;
teenager on RH photo, above is Sven, the son of Dutch enthusiast and friend, Dirk Van Dorst
[ Photos above two rows: © 2002 and courtesy Dirk Van Dorst ]

V6TKARI2.JPG (10985 bytes)
Photo:  Robert Maidment, CLC - UK

 

42...

?

702891  According to the V16 production ledger this car, in the "42" group, went to Chicago. It is not known to have survived.

 

4260

?

702987

Info from Rick LeForge. Only the engine remain. It was installed in a '34 Ford (article in 1946 issue of Motor Trend).

4260

?

703060

This car was shipped to Buffalo, NY, on February 14, 1931. According to Rick LeForge, only the engine remains.

4260

#85

703225

Formerly owned by Pete Brogea, then  Cadillac dealer Dave Towell of Akron, OH. Info from Rick LeForge who supplied a "finger print" of the body tag that he got in the 50s.

4260

#33
or
#71

703249

Rick LeForge's listing shows the body number as 71 and the owner as Ray Jones. This is the second to last V-16 of the 452-452A series; it  was brought to my attention by the current owner, in October 1999. It was sold originally by Cadillac's Ohio dealership to the first owner, Joseph Vanmeter of Piketown, OH who is reported to have kept until the early fifties. Subsequent owners are not known until 1984, when the car was owned by aficionado,  Fred Weber [Fred has been involved with at least one other style "4260" phaeton, above]. Fred sold the car to Steven Nanini of Tucson, AZ, who had the car fully restored by Tom Sparks and subsequently sold it back to Fred; subsequent owners include Pat Ryan of Montgomery, AL, the Hogan family and ultimately Ray Jones. Late extra [April, 2007]: the car changed hands again at Amelia Island, in March 2007 [sold by RM Auctions for $561,000]. Thanks to Chris Cummings for this update. Here is the rather lengthy, but justified description of the car, as published in the RM Auction catalog [paragraph spacing eliminated to save entry space]: Although constructed in 1931, car #703249 was not sold until 1932, when it was transferred to an Ohio Cadillac dealer, who arranged delivery to its first owner, Joseph Vanmeter of Piketown, OH. The Vanmeter family kept the car for many years – reportedly well into the 1950s. Subsequent ownership history is not known, but by 1984 the car was in the care of Cadillac V16 aficionado Fred Weber, of St. Louis, MO. In 1985, Weber sold the car to Tucson collector Steve Nanini, who immediately sent the big V16 to Tom Sparks, a noted Hollywood, CA based restorer. Sparks reported that upon disassembly, 703249 proved to be in remarkable original condition. Nonetheless, he embarked on a comprehensive, professional restoration to the highest standards. It was a true “nut and bolt” restoration, including a full mechanical rebuild and the installation of a high speed rear axle to permit relaxed touring at modern highway speeds. Among V-16s, 703249 is instantly recognizable by its stunning color combination – a rich, dark blue that appears black at first glance, accented by a lovely blue leather interior. The combination clearly impressed the judges at Pebble Beach as well, as the car won its class – first time shown. Multiple concours victories followed while Nanini and Sparks continued to refine the restoration; their efforts were rewarded the following year at the prestigious Meadow Brook Concours d’ Elegance, where the car not only won its class, but brought home best in show honors as well. Club judging results were equally impressive, with the car earning its AACA National First Senior award, as well as scoring a perfect 100 points in CCCA judging. Unable to resist the car, Fred Weber repurchased the V-16 from Steve Nanini, although circumstances led him to sell it shortly afterwards to Montgomery, Alabama collector, Pat Ryan. Ultimately, Ryan sold the car to the Hogan Family Foundation, from whom the vendor acquired the car about three years ago. An extremely detail-oriented and highly focused businessman, the vendor commenced a program of upgrades to what many would have said was already a perfect car. In total, he spent more than $50,000 with noted restorer Steve Babinsky on a host of improvements, including engine work, a new tan top, correct sidemount covers and mirrors, chrome updates (including all the top bows), and a comprehensive program of detailing intended to return the car to the very highest echelon of competitive concours cars. The result was another string of accolades, including top awards in 2005 at both the Greenwich Concours d’ Elegance and the Concours d’ Elegance of the Eastern United States. Although the restoration is now nearly twenty years old, the vendor’s updates have achieved the desired goal - the car still presents beautifully, and gives little sign of the years that have passed since the restoration was completed – a reflection of both the quality of the workmanship and the high regard its owners have felt for this astonishing sixteen-cylinder masterpiece. It is important to note that even under close examination it seems that the V-16 also retains all of important original components, including all gauges and instrumentation. The driver’s compartment remains in show quality condition, fitted with the correct Jaeger eight-day trip clock and speedometer, while the rear compartment features an additional speedometer and chronograph – a feature completely unique to the V-16 Sport Phaeton. Accessories include chrome wire wheels with stainless spokes and wide whitewall tires, Pilot Ray driving lights, a radiator stone guard, twin windshield mounted spotlights, dual side mounted spare wheels with the extremely rare correct metal covers, accessory mirrors, and a correct Cadillac Heron radiator mascot. As one of just eighteen original V-16 Sport Phaetons remaining, this beautiful and correct original-bodied example is one of the most sought after classic cars from the period. The quality of the restoration, and the care taken in its preservation make it quite possibly the finest example of its kind extant.

 

4260srva.jpg (9481 bytes)     4260sv2b.jpg (6468 bytes)

4260sv2d.jpg (6571 bytes)     4260sv2a.jpg (5821 bytes)     4260sv2c.jpg (6156 bytes)
Since the previous owner kindly supplied these photos, the car has acquired a new tan top, authentic, Cadillac V-16
metal side-mount covers [below] as well as a new "Heron" hood ornament in lieu of the original "Goddess"

703249ornot.jpg (12329 bytes)
This car? Possibly, but note the metal spare wheel cover

 

4260

?

?

This one is currently owned by the Cadillac Division of GM;  called the Red Devil on account of its red-red-red color scheme (originally Satan red with Puritan white wheels), it was donated to the Division in 1973 by the original lady owner, Mrs. Little.  At the time she acquired the car, she had a private 'plane painted in an identical color scheme. There are articles about the car in Torque, the SS and  AQ

 

V6p260rd.jpg (8147 bytes)     v6redevl.jpg (6349 bytes)     v6redvl2.jpg (6201 bytes)

v64260RedDevil.JPG (92917 bytes)

v6rdvl4.jpg (7167 bytes)     v6redvl3.jpg (8281 bytes)

Two_V16.jpg (15034 bytes)
The old and the new ...Cadillac "Sixteen" (1930 and 2003)

 

4260

?

?

Owner anyone?  This one looks very much like an updated "Red Devil" (like the red-red-red style 4260 special phaeton that was donated to the Cadillac Motor Car Division by the widow of the original owner, back in the 70s- (see previous entry)  

 

4260RedMaroon.jpg (68530 bytes)         

              


[ Photos in above two rows were taken at the GM Museum in Detroit ]

 

4260

?

?

As yet unidentified photo:
 

4260srv.jpg (9634 bytes)    

 

4260

?

?

P. Schinnerer, CA [CLC Directory].   Is THIS the car? It was shown at the 2006 Grand National in Anaheim,. CA, where it was photographed by Dave Armbruster, director of the St. Louis Missouri region CLC.   The hood was wired shut for transport so Dave was unable to get the numbers off the body tag. Paul has also a style 4280 AWP.

v6Shinrr06.JPG (24395 bytes)
Photo: © 2006 and courtesy Dave Armbruster

 

4260

?

?

Mike Alabaster, Australia [CLC Directory] - Many B&W photos to be seen in Australian CLC's La Cad magazine for Summer 2004 / 2005; Aussie CLC member John Hewitt who kindly supplied the photos, below, mentioned that Mike had built this BEAUTIFUL car from the ground up. I shall try to get more details (donor car, numbers, restoration photos, etc.)

 

4260aus2.jpg (9678 bytes)     4260alab.jpg (7578 bytes)     4260ala2.jpg (7610 bytes)
[ Photos: © and courtesy John Hewitt, CLC Australia ]

4375Eng.JPG (54234 bytes)
Could this be the body tag from the parts car that Mike used for his reconstruction job?
The engine and drive train were sold by Paul Schinnerer "to an Australian collector" in 1993

 

4260

?

?

(1931) Owner:  Thomas La Rue, of Thomas Cadillac, Los Angeles (SS, cover 9/96); this car was offered for sale at auction in the nineties [lot #1051 - which year, which venue?]; it was described as a fabulous concours quality body-off restoration of an outstanding car with original paint and one of 18 documented originals. AACA National first and CCCA Senior... No sale ensued at that particular auction, where the car was bid up to "only" $325,000.

4260LaRue.jpg (14797 bytes)

 

4260

?

?

Dennis Sobieski, Downers Grove, Illinois ? [The Classic Car, Autumn, 2001 and winter 2006] ... or is it the former car restored by Fran Roxas for Fred Weber (see VIN 701554, above)

 

v6sobski.jpg (10749 bytes)     v64260larueX.jpg (8779 bytes)
I wonder if this might be also the former La Rue car (same color)?

 

4260

?

?

Owner, anyone? This is an older, color PC and probably shows a museum car.

 

4260

?

?

Owner, anyone?  This is an older PC image.

v6_4260srv.jpg (11096 bytes)

 

4260

?

?

[unidentified]

 

v64260RM1.jpg (13544 bytes)     v64260xx.jpg (18911 bytes)     4260unident.jpg (29693 bytes)
Possibly one of these two (?) unidentified cars - note that one of them has got chrome hood vent doors
[ Photo:  RM Auction catalog ]

 

4260

?

?

...>>>>> to be completed

 

v6_4260Fitt4.jpg (11823 bytes)
Before restoration

v6_4260Fitt2.jpg (10527 bytes)     v6_4260Fitt1.jpg (15092 bytes)

   

v6_4260Fitt3.jpg (16645 bytes)

 

4260

?

?

R. Benach, IL [CLC Directory]

4260

?

?

C. Harper, NH [CLC Directory]

4260

?

?

R. Ritterbeck, OH [CLC Directory]

4260

?

?

Offered for sale in the Self Starter classifieds for Nov.-Dec. 1966 by Don Cole of Columbus OH, who said it had been bought new by his father.  He said, "it looks horrible, but it is excellent".  It may be one of the cars listed above.

4260

?

?

The owner of this dual-cowl phaeton contacted me in  May, 2004, pointing out that the car was in his family's collection since 1958. He reports that it entered the renowned collection of D. Cameron Peck in 1941; the current owner, Patrick Ferchill, TX, retains a copy of the title in that name. Around 1947 the car was sold to a Raymond Utter of Shawnee, OK before being acquired by Mr. Ferchill's dad in 1958.

4260
special
d/c

#25

702677

Body #25 of 85, in fact this is one of three sport phaetons built by Fleetwood with a folding secondary cowl and equally folding secondary windshield (regular 4260 styles had a crank-down secondary windshield); it was owned for many years by our friends Ray and Dorothy Radford of Portland, OR, then later by Bob Laravee; there is an article about this V-16 in AQ. This car may have been owned also by Ted Hohman of Grand Rapids, MI [mentioned in CLC 1/96, p.12]  Rick LeForge's records show the car was shipped to San Francisco on 30 August 1930.  Late Extra (July 2012).  V16 researcher extraordinaire  Chris Cummings, discovered the car for sale at auction by RM at its Monterey, CA venue in August 2012. The full story may be viewed in RM's catalog description; here are some salient excerpts for those who do not have time to read it all: 1931 Cadillac Series 452 V-16 Special Dual Cowl Phaeton by Fleetwood [...] sold for $465,000 [...]  One of three examples originally built with dual cowls [...]  built to order with folding rear cowls [...] ordered on April 30, 1930, through the famous Don Lee Inc. distributorship of San Francisco, California. “Double Cowl” can be seen specified under the “Extra Equipment” field [...] Ray and Dorothy Radford acquired the car in 1962 [...] letter from the parts department of the Cadillac Motor Car Division to Mr. Radford [...]  (sold to) Robert Larivee Sr., of Pontiac, Michigan, in 1979  [...] (a later full restoration cost) a then-staggering $115,000  [...]  (there is) Another authoritative article by historian and noted expert cutaway artist David Kimble (Volume 23, No. 1 of Automobile Quarterly), along with a detailed, illustrated cutaway of the entire car  [...] equipped with Pilot-Ray steering headlights, a radiator stone guard, dual Klaxon horns, a trunk rack, dual taillights, fanned tips on the dual exhaust, and full metal covers with pedestal mirrors on the side-mounts  [...] a mere three of these were originally equipped as dual cowl examples.

 

4260SpPha.jpg (16461 bytes)
Cutaway of the special, dual-cowl sport phaeton by Ron Kimball for Automobile Quarterly

V64260sp.jpg (11658 bytes)
The D/C phaeton at the time it was owned
by Ray and Dorothy Radford of Portland, OR
[ Photo: ©1973-74,  and courtesy Ray and Dorothy Radford ]

Radfrd2.jpg (7929 bytes)     Radfrd1.jpg (7787 bytes)

 V16RADFR.JPG (10612 bytes)     v6laravee.jpg (29605 bytes)
[2nd row, above]: the car prior to its restoration by Bob Larivee
Lower row (left): possibly from an auction catalog of the eighties
Lower row (right): © Automobile Quarterly
[ Note how the car was repainted "award-winning"red ! ]

    

    
[ Photos (these 3 rows):  RM Auction web site ]

 

4264-B

#1?

700001

According to enthusiast-historian, Rick LeForge, who kindly donated all his historical notes to the Cadillac Database in May 2009, this was the first (or second) V-16 to leave the factory. It was shipped on December 28, 1929, bound for the Astoria Hotel in NYC, venue of the 1930 Motor Show. It's fate is unknown.

4264-B
[4291]

[#14]

[703164]

It is believed that none of the original, six Fleetwood style #4264-B razor-back town broughams survived; only three of these featured the French cane finish applied to the rear body. Designed in October 1929, this Fleetwood style listed between $9,700 and $10,275. This particular car is a conversion from a Fleetwood style #4291 town car [listed below]; that car had silver leaf pin striping and six stainless-steel spoked wheels. The conversion work was completed over a period of more than twenty years (from 1965 to 1985) for Dave Holtzman of Birmingham, MI, a wealthy real estate developer and owner of several classic cars. Dave commissioned Herb Brown of Farmington Hills, MI to do the conversion [Herb owned the restoration shop that serviced Mr. Holtzman's cars]. I saw and photographed the fabulous "finished product" in 1994, at the home of its then owner, in Ohio. Later, I saw it listed in a Kruse auction [year ???] as lot #705. In April 2002 the car was again offered for sale in the Self-Starter for $365,000!  V16 enthusiast, James McLynas, contacted me in February 2008 and provided much of the historical background to this car.  Here are some excerpts from his long Email: "I was at the Concours d'Elégance at Meadowbrook Hall in Rochester Michigan in the late 80’s when this car was present and shown. It won an award that day and was introduced [wrongly] as THE New York Auto show car [actually, two V-16s were on display at the NY Salon in January 1930; one was a Fleetwood Madame X  landaulet, style #4108-C, the other was one of the six AUTHENTIC style 4264-B town broughams - NOT this conversion]   ... Back in the late 70’s I worked for Herb Brown who was commissioned by Dave Holtzman to replicate the New York show car from a clean, open front V-16 Towncar with a rounded rear roof design. The [donor] car was originally all black [as confirmed by the build sheet] and was in remarkable condition, including the original needlepoint interior [that the Ohio owner showed me, in 1994; the build-sheet shows that special trim as Wiese #3035, with needlepoint medallions] ... Herb had a master craftsman named Ron [Clark?] who did the actual body transformation. They had all of the original photos enlarged and made full size drawings (from the photos) of the body and roof. The original car was also converted to the "half coach" sill design during the transformation ... at the time I worked there I remember thinking how sad it was to cut apart that wonderful original car with its original paint [James believed the "donor" car might have been owned by the Wrigley Gum family; in fact it was the property of a West Virginia businessman - more below] ... I remember filing smooth those wonderful door handles that were recast out of solid brass. Ron had also replicated the lower running board compartment door chrome bezels out of solid brass too. One of my tasks was to sand the sheaths that were placed over the rear leaf springs ... Herb diligently worked on a replica of the original tool used to apply the cane-work. He only had pictures of the tool to work from. It was kind of like a cake-icer with wheels that would somehow squeeze the thick paint out of an orifice leaving it in a half-round configuration as it went along. The trick was laying the lines even and letting one line dry before applying others over it [regrettably, the "cane" was applied wrongly, with the double lines diagonally through the single lines instead of the opposite] ... The car was still in Herb's shop, off of Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills Michigan, when I left ... I remember feeling sad about the demise of the original open front V-16 towncar, a rare and desirable car in and of itself.  James believes - but is not 100% sure - that the donor car had the solid rear quarters (no rear windows); in fact the build sheet shows that it was most definitely one of the 14 Fleetwood style #4291 town cars built that year]. Late Extra [4/2008]: Thanks to V-16 sleuth, Chris Cummings, I learned that the car had been offered for sale in Hemmings Motor News, May 2008 (on-line version); no price was shown. The caption to the color photo read 1981 [1931?]  Cadillac Town Brougham - Cane Bodied Town Car, the most expensive V-16 produced, the only known example (the ad lists a phone number in Ohio). Even later [June, 2008]: Chris Cummings sent me a copy of the build-sheet he had got for the car, as well as a brief history of it. The original town car was ordered through Thackston Motor Co. of  Huntington, WV, on August 12, 1931 and delivered on October 8, 1931.  The buyer was Charles Wellington Watts, a prominent local figure. Mr.Watts was a successful business man. He had risen from bookkeeper to president of one of Huntington's leading wholesale houses. Born at Webster, OH, in 1867, he was the son of James M. and Nancy (Collis) Watts; his father, who had spent most of his active life in the iron industry at Jackson, OH, was a Virginia native and his mother was from Maryland. Charles was the second in a family of three children. He was schooled locally. In 1887, at the age of 20, he was keeping books for a firm at Point Pleasant, WV. The following year he came to Huntington where he was for two years bookkeeper for the Barlow-Henderson Company that was succeeded by Biggs, Watts & Company. In 1906, the company became the Watts-Ritter Company, wholesalers of dry goods, with Mr. Watts as president. He was a director of the First National Bank of Huntington and member of the executive committee; he was president also of the Blue Jay Manufacturing Company, overall manufacturers; he was vice-president of the Empire Furniture Company and a director of several other companies in Huntington. In 1895 he married a Miss Elizabeth Biggs, from KY; unfortunately, she died in 1904. He re-married in1916 to Ouida Caldwell, daughter of prominent Huntington banker and capitalist, James L. Caldwell. Ouida had completed her education at the Mary Baldwin Seminary, in Staunton, Virginia. The car had been purchased by Mr. Watts for his wife. The late "Cadillac Jim" Pearson of Kansas City, MO, was the next owner. When he sold it in 1962 to Dave Holzmann, it had a reported 12K miles on the odometer. The restoration was begun in the shop of Ray Jones, most of the work being done by Herb Brown, as reported above. Around 1969 the car was moved to LaSalle Body under the direction of Ron Clark. As work progressed, it was moved to Fran Roxas' shop in Chicago. The upholstery work is credited to Chris Nurstheimer [or Nierstheimer?]. The project was overseen by the late Dave Holls former GM Vice-President of design. The car was completed in 1988 in the shops of  Classic and Exotic Services, in Troy, MI, by Mr. Brian Joseph. Late extra [Jan. 2009]: These additional comments are from James McLynas who also got to work on this fabulous car: I read your updated account of the Fleetwood style #4264-B razor-back town brougham. What a wonderful read. I commend your efforts to compile the history of these fine cars. You stated "The restoration was begun in the shop of Ray Jones, most of the work being done by Herb Brown, as reported above. Around 1969 the car was moved to LaSalle Body under the direction of Ron Clark." A little more clarification to set the record straight. Yes, Ron Clark WAS the master craftsman that had overseen the reconstruction details of the conversion while I was at Herb's. I could not remember his last name until I read it in your article. He had a large mustache and was friendly, but a serious kind of guy. You stated below that around 1969 the car was moved to LaSalle Body under the direction of Ron Clark. Sorry, but there was no way that Herb Brown, Ron Clark OR Mr. Holtzman would have allowed LaSalle Body Shop to touch that car. LaSalle Body Shop was the shop that was right next door to Herb's shop and as Herb would say, they were "Cake Icers", which was a term used to describe body shops that would slather their cars with bondo and carve a wavy panel from the mess. It was a dusty, dirty typical production body shop and Herb or Ron would never have "supervised" any form of work done in those conditions. LaSalle’s only claim to old car expertise was a late 30’s 6-door woody airport limo that Herb said they had "butchered" and did look very rough that they would park out front for advertising. Herb's shop was behind the lighting fixture store next door to LaSalle behind a private gate. If you didn't know it was there you would never guess that there was a Bugatti or an Isotta Fraschini or a Stutz or this V-16 hiding behind those doors. Perhaps someone drove by and looked at the addresses and assumed that LaSalle was somehow involved in the restoration since the lighting store did not look like a restoration shop. The lighting store owner also had a black E-type that Herb would work on occasionally. Furthermore, I apprenticed at Herb’s shop from about 1977-1979. The town brougham was there the entire time, therefore it could not possibly have been at LaSalle’s in 1969. The bodywork was complete, the car was painted and the re-assembly was well under way with the chassis complete, the engine in place and running and all but the fenders hung on the car while I was there. The fenders were painted in Lacquer and had been hanging in the attic for over 8 years "curing" so that they would be rock hard for sanding and buffing. During that time we cut and fit the glass, made new handles and chrome fixtures for the car, fabricated the running board aprons, lower compartment doors and dash gauges and concentrated on general assembly. Work was VERY slow and methodical. If it did not come out absolutely perfect, it was started over. I hope this helps put the accurate pieces together for your historical record. Herb was connected to Barney Pollard and helped him work on several of his rare finds. But at the time I was with him he mainly worked on Mr. Holtzman's cars and a few others. Later still [March, 2012]: The car was offered at auction on Ebay  - by Peter's Motorcars, 4915 State Route 601, Norwalk, OH  44857 - with a starting bid of $635,000. The following excerpts from the vendor's description complements the preceding information:  1931 Cadillac V-16 Fleetwood 4264B Town Brougham. Open Front Town Car. The Cane Body Town Car. The most expensive of all V-16 Cadillac's ever produced of 4386 over 11 years. Classic Car Club of America Full Classic. Exceptional Automobile. Multiple Concours d'Elégance Winner. Many Best in Show Wins. The Only example [a recreation] known to exist. Cadillac built only three examples [as well as three more without the canework applied to the rear body]. Restored for David Holtzman by a Dream Team of Automotive Historians and Craftsmen, Over a period of twenty years. The team included Ray Jones, Herb Brown, Ron Clark, Chris Nurstheimer, and Brian Joseph. Under the direction of renowned Automotive Designers Fran Roxis [Roxas] and David Holls (Director of Corporate Design, General Motors Corporation. ) Mr. Holtzman wanted to restore a 4264B open front town car for many years. After an extensive search yielded no 4254B open front town car to restore, a 4291 open front town car was found and restored to 4264B open front town car standards. Chassis 703164 with Known Ownership History from new. This Cadillac was delivered 10-8-1931 as a early Christmas present for Mrs. Ouida Watts by her husband Charles Watts of Huntington West Virginia. Mr. Watts was a Capitalist involved with Coal, Banking, and Dry Goods. Copy of original build sheet from General Motors Historical Services ... Excellent road manners. Ready to drive and enjoy on the open road. Ready to wow the crowd at any show. As its resumé proves, 1994 Eyes on Classic Design: Best of Show, interior. 1996 Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance: “Most Elegant” trophy. 1998 Eyes on Design: Honored Coach Builder Class, Designer’s Choice Award. 2001 Eyes on Design: The Salon Experience, Designer’s Choice Award – Interior. 2002 Concours d’Elegance of the Eastern United States, Best Closed Award: pre 1940 and Anniversary Marquis Award: Cadillac. 2004 Cranbrook Concours d’Elegance: Sweet “16” Group. Ready for the next show today. This Cadillac was measured by Jo-Han Models David Low and is now [actually since the mid-60s] a 1/25 scale model kit. It is featured on the dust cover of Richard Burns Carson's "The Olympian Cars" [since 1976]. Walter M.P. McCall's "80 Years of Cadillac LaSalle" had this to say about the 4254B "Probably the most ostentatious Cadillac ever built." One of the Most important automobiles in existence.

 

    
Factory photos of Fleetwood town car style #4291 (left),  the donor car, and Fleetwood's town brougham style #4264-B with canework (right)

[ note that the buyer ordered the donor car in conservative black and specified   blackwall tires all round ]

4264b.jpg (10488 bytes)
Conversion work under way in the mid '60s   

4264b2.jpg (9684 bytes)     4264b6.jpg (9729 bytes)     v6p264w1.JPG (11937 bytes)   

 4264b5.jpg (7570 bytes)     4264b7.jpg (6661 bytes)     4264b4.jpg (6983 bytes)   
The completed car in 1994
[  Photos (above two rows): © 1994, Yann Saunders ]

     v16-4264b.jpg (27716 bytes)     4264b1.jpg (41070 bytes)
The converted car, as completed
[ Photos (left): Internet, (right)  © 1999, Steve Brown]

 

4264b1.jpg (10328 bytes)     cane5590.JPG (19265 bytes)
U
nfortunately, the restorer applied the double French cane strips diagonally (left) instead of  vertically (right), per the manufacturer's recommended designs
At right (above) are samples of French cane in sizes "55" and "90" from the French L'Auto-Carrosserie (circa 1919)
When correctly applied, the double beads of paint lie horizontally and vertically, while the single bead runs diagonally through them

 

As offered on Ebay in March, 2012

    

            

         

         

         
[ Photo (centre): "horn" phone receiver, by chauffeur's left ear; (right) Umbrella receptacle on RH side of chauffeur's compartment ]

    

     
[ Photo (left): RH opera seat faces rear; LH one (not shown here) faces right; RH photo illustrates ceiling mounted package nets, silk roller blinds and small, oval backlight ]

v6tc12i.jpg (6042 bytes)     V6p364i.jpg (6351 bytes)
The original seat back inserts, with the ornate  petit point motif
typical of this model, have been saved

    
Style of distributor cap suggests an earlier motor than VIN #703164;
we must assume that the original motor from car #4391 was replaced?

 

 

4275

#47

702414

This 7-pass. limousine was shipped originally to London, UK, on July 21, 1930.  According to Rick LeForge, who kindly provided a "fingerprint" of the body tag he had taken in the fifties, the car later returned to the USA and was owned  at one time by a Mr. George Muddlestone. Rick described it is a "very good" car with RH drive.

4275

#411
???

703108

Nicknamed "Blue Boy", he car was owned formerly by "Cadillac Jim" Pearson of Kansas.  Now Ben LeForge, CA [CLC Directory, 2002]; Ben is the son of enthusiast-historian Rick LeForge.

4276

#17

702246

This entry is based on the "fingerprint" that Rick Le Forge took of the car's body tag, back in the '50s. He mentioned that the engine might have been replaced. Late Extra (3/2010):  Interestingly, owner-enthusiast and impassioned V-16 researcher, Chris Cummings, informed me that a blue series "4376" coupe [the version with the straight sill] with black fenders and with this same engine number was owned by the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. It was reputed to have been owned formerly by singer/songwriter Neil Young. It had the optional V-16 step plates installed on the running boards. My curiosity having been piqued,  I went to the Museum's home page and cropped out the image below; I think this car has the curved or coach sill of style #4276, and not the straight, horizontal sill that would identify it as a "4376".  Of note is the fact that the Museum is closing its doors at the current location.  I wonder where they will  move the collection.  Latest (7/2010): Enthusiast Denis Lutman informed me that this car still resides in Maggie Valley in the museum Wheels Through Time. The museum has elected to stay there and is currently open. 

 

4276MuseumNC.jpg (17196 bytes)    
Left:I cropped this image from a larger one on the Museum's home page
Right: This photo was supplied kindly by a CLC member on the Club's "Message Forum"

 

4276

?

702261

This car was shipped to Buffalo, NY, on July 3, 1930. Formerly owned by the late "Cadillac Jim" Pearson of Kansas City, MO, it is included in Rick LeForge's list of survivors.   Apparently the body was destroyed; only the engine remains.

4276

?

702291

Nice original in white and black (originally all black), brought to my attention in October, 2004, by Norwegian enthusiast Kjell Kraakmo.

4276

#54

702486

This one was first shipped to Portland, ME, on August 1, 1930.  It was later registered in California, some time in 1931. Rick LeForge sent a "fingerprint" of the body tag that he had made on a used car lot in California. A former owner was Dean Brown.

4276

#71

702594

According to Rick LeForge, this car was shipped to Buffalo, NY, on August 14, 1930. Rick provided me with a "fingerprint" of the body tag that he took in the fifties.  Initially owned by a Mr. R. Blake, subsequent owners were Wayne Merriman and  Dean Brown. Info from Rick LeForge, 2009.

4276

#32

703132

One of these was owned in July 1970 by William A. Johnson (SS, 7/70); it may have been sold to one of the other owners, below.

v6p276sv.jpg (7744 bytes)

 

4276 ? ? The Kruse organization listed  a Fleetwood Coupe for sale at their Scottsdale, AZ, venue in January 1999 [lot #1087] and January 2000 (lot #1029). It was said to be in condition  #3. But was it this car? Apparently it was sold in 2000 for $79,000 although it had been bid up to $100,000 and NOT sold in 1999.  It was described in the auction catalog as V16, unknown exterior [???] - this car was owned by Malcolm Kincaid from 1988-1990, then Imperial Palace in 1991. According to my friend  Chris Cummings, an earlier owner of this car was Ray Salentine (the car was previously shown here as a separate entry - the photos have now been combined as a single entry). The car is a former CCCA national first place winner. It was last seen in two shades of red. Latest (2009/2010?): the car is listed in "The Auto Collections" (Imperial Palace, Las Vegas) as having been sold.  Chris tells me the car is curently owned (2011) by Tom Kidd of Zionsville, Pennsylvania. Mr. Kidd told Chris that his car had been owned from the 1930s into the 1980s by Mr. Salentine; it was painted red relatively recently. The single Pilot Ray light with the very long support bar does seem to suggest/confirm that this is one and the same car; note that the recent photos show the car without  spare tire-mounted rear-view mirrors.]
 

v6raysal.jpg (7603 bytes)     V6p276.jpg (9451 bytes)

     V6p276aq.jpg (13210 bytes)

v6_4276b.jpg (8473 bytes)     4276red.JPG (56701 bytes)     v6_4276c.jpg (6973 bytes)

         

    


Thanks to Ross, in Perth, Australia, for this excellent shot

 

4276

?

?

This car (one of 70 of this model built by Fleetwood) probably did not survive; shame really, because it has quite a story, as relayed to me by a sharp-eyed Chris Cummings. You can read more about it on Internet (Google "John Volpe Cadillac"). The cropped press photo, below, has been deftly colorized in a particularly appealing 2-tone shade of green (apparently the car's original color). The first owner of the car was the notorious "politically backed" gangster, John Volpe. He and 2 of his brothers were gunned down by police in a mid-day battle in the summer of 1932. Here is an excerpt from a press account of the event: A  tow truck was summoned to move John Volpe’s luxurious 16-cylinder Cadillac to a Webster Avenue garage for examination. The vehicle bore a “trick” license plate [what we would call today a "personalized tag"], which read “JV8” — a combination of John’s initials and the number of sons Ignazio and Rose Volpe had borne. How John obtained such a plate soon became a matter of great speculation in the press. Such custom plates were difficult to come by without substantial political connections. The auto company that sold the vehicle to John [probably a well-respected Cadillac dealer in Pittsburgh] was very interested in getting it back [I'll bet!]. John owed the company $7,500. Company owners, however, decided that driving the vehicle on city streets would be too dangerous. What if the Volpes’ killers were still in town, looking for other targets? Anyone driving John’s audacious vehicle could be a target. So the Cadillac remained for several days in the Webster Avenue garage.
 

 

4276

?

?

Story in older CC (same car as above ?)

4276

?

?

E. Petter, FL [CLC Directory, 2002]

4280

?

700847

An entry like this one breaks my heart.   Only THREE of these beautiful, custom Fleetwood styles were built.  This one apparently was for a time in Mike McManus' wrecker's yard and broken up for parts !!! Info from Rick LeForge.

4291

#13

703000

This car was delivered to HRH the Crown Prince of Thailand;  today it is owned by his son, who carries the same title. The car is currently (9/2000) being cleaned up in Brussels, Belgium [this info received from John M. Mereness of the CCCA]
4291

#14

703164

This V-16 was shipped to Huntington [WV?] on September 18, 1931. The car has survived but was converted in the seventies to a Fleetwood style #4264B town brougham, the one with French cane applied to the lower rear body; you will find it also on this page under that number.  The latter car was owned for many years by a Cadillac collector friend in Ohio.  It is in superb condition and as close to a Fleetwood original is was humanly possible to achieve.

 

Return to The (New) Cadillac Database© Index Page
or go back to Part 2 of the list of 1930-31 survivors
or to "Part 1b" of this section
or go back to the V16 index page

 


© 1996, Yann Saunders and the Cadillac-LaSalle Club, Inc.
[
Background image: Surviving Fleetwood style #4375S; Yann Saunders' collection ]