gototopgototop
1930 Cadillac Sixteen Roadster - Page 2

1930 Cadillac Sixteen RoadsterThe V-16 was, in effect, two engines in one, sharing a crankcase and crankshaft. Each block had a complete fuel system, including carburetor and vacuum tank, and its own exhaust. There was one distributor but two coils, which were recessed into the radiator’s header tank. The engine’s power pulses overlapped to produce smoothness, since they occurred every 45 degrees of rotation. Developed brake horsepower was initially 160; eventually it rose to 185, and torque it had aplenty: 300 pound-feet at idle.

Aesthetically it was a work of art, said to be the first powerplant that was truly styled, a feature attributed to Owen Nacker. Wood and clay models were made of the engine as development progressed and studied for simplicity and appearance as well as serviceability. They were also useful for the “show and tell” sessions during which the program was sold to management. All wiring and hoses were concealed to the extent possible, hidden behind covers or in raceways. Viewed from outside the engine compartment, there was no clutter whatsoever.

1930 Cadillac Sixteen RoadsterThe engine, of course, was of little use without a body, and there were lots to choose from. There were 54 in the catalog, roadster to town car, all from Fleetwood. Some were built in Fleetwood’s original facility in Pennsylvania, others from the new Detroit plant. Many of them did triple duty, available also as V-12 or V-8, for nine months later the sixteen had a twelve-cylinder brother, created by removing the end cylinders on each bank. The wheelbase was a whopping 148 inches; by 1934 it would grow to 154, the longest of any American car. A few chassis were bodied by outside coachbuilders, such as Murphy, but not many. After the V-16 had made the circuit tour of US shows, a trio of cars was sent abroad to Europe, where they were enthusiastically received. This was also true at home, and 2,887 found customers by the end of the year.

[Source: RM Auctions] Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2010, Courtesy of RM Auctions

For further information, please contact: RM Auctions

About RM Auctions
RM Auctions is the world's largest auction house for quality automobiles. With over three decades of experience in the collector car industry, RM's vertically integrated range of services, from restoration to private treaty sales, auctions, estate planning and financial services, coupled with an expert team of car specialists and international footprint, provide an unsurpassed level of service to the global collector car market. RM proudly holds four of the top five all-time records for the most expensive motor cars sold at auction. RM’s restoration division has achieved unprecedented accolades earning “Best of Show” honours at the world’s top concours events.