1930 - 1931 Cadillac V-16 Sedans
Provided by Hemmings

Cadillac's most dramatic challenge to Packard for American luxury car leadership came with the introduction in 1930 of the powerful and unprecedented V-16 models. Previously known for their excellent V-8 engines, Cadillac wanted to leapfrog Packard and other prestige marques, not with a V-12 (which Packard had developed as far back as 1915) but with an extravagant sixteen-cylinder car. The engineering of this new powerplant was excellent, with hydraulically silenced overhead valves and quad exhausts, among other refinements; but the timing of its debut was terrible, coinciding as it did with the onset of the worldwide economic depression. Consequently, the greatest Cadillac of them all suffered disappointing sales while earning critical international praise for the 452-cu.in 165-bhp Sixteen. Even the great W. O. Bentley, certainly no slouch as an automotive engineer, had this to say about a V-16 that he had been driving: “My chief memories of this automobile (although that term is inadequate) were its astonishing refinement with perhaps the most completely successful elimination of evidence that explosions were occurring under the bonnet ever obtained in a motor car. The word ‘torque' also took on a new meaning with the V-16, which could reach 90 mph with a sort of endless limousine body…” As much attention was paid to the coachwork on these Classic supercars as their advanced mechanical specifications. Harley Earl's GM Art and Colour (styling) department set to work and developed an array of fifteen closed and open body styles ranging in price from $5,350 to $9,200. These highly attractive cars, constructed like bank vaults by Fisher or Fleetwood depending on the style ordered, accounted for a disappointing 3,250 cars sold in 1930. Indeed, there is speculation among historians that if it were not for the companion V-12, with 5,275 sales in the same year, the V-16 might well have been written off at the end of 1930. Cadillac V-16s are, of course, recognized as full Classics today by the Classic Car Club of America. Despite their size (W. O. Bentley again: “…there was the impression of sheer size this car has left; and of attempting, like the captain of the Queen Mary during a tugboat strike, to maneuver this Cadillac through the gates of Hyde Park and into the dock basin at Marble Arch.” (London's busiest corners and a challenge to drive even today.) Their synchromesh transmission, vacuum-assisted brakes and flexible engine power (which has been likened to a Duesenberg) make these monsters quite pleasurable to drive compared to many other large cars of the time. Fully restored prize-winning open V-16s with custom coachwork can set you back $250,000. Even the ultimate closed V-16s, called the Madame X cars (you might say they were the Eldorado coupes of their day) have been known to sell in the $125,000-150,000 bracket. But 1930-31 V-16 sedans (not town cars and limos) can be had in concours condition for under 100 big ones. Plus, cars with excellent but older restorations could go for as little as 50 grand, depending just how much freshening the restoration needs. One word of caution: if your heart is set on one of these cars you're far better off paying the price for one that needs a little upgrading than a rough, unrestored car that needs the works. The unrestored sedan that appears to be a bargain to buy will become a black hole for restoration costs; and you'll likely find yourself upside down vis a vis the market value of the car. As with any car, but especially with big Classics like Caddy V-16s, buy the very best you can afford. It will be lots cheaper in the long run, and you'll have a car you can enjoy rather than regret.

1930-31 Cadillac V-16 sedans

Base price:	$ 5,350
Base weight:	5,055 lbs.
Body:	Five-place, four-door sedan, steel and wood construction
Frame:	Ladder type with X member
Wheelbase:	148 inches
Length:	222.2 inches
Width:	69 inches
Height:	73 inches
Track (f/r):	59/59 ½
Suspension:	Semi-elliptic front and rear with direct-acting shock absorbers
Steering:	Worm and roller
Brakes:	Vacuum assisted mechanical on four wheels
Engine:	45-degree ohv V-16, cast iron blocks with aluminum crankcase, five main bearings
Transmission:	Three-speed manual, selective sliding, synchromesh on second and high