Cadillac – V16 (1934)

Ironically, the only 16-cylinder car ever manufactured in significant numbers came onto the market during the Great Depression. The Cadillac V16 had a displacement of 7.4 litres and generated some 180 hp. Built on a 3.91 metre wheelbase – generous even for a seven-seater saloon body – it was used here to support a two-door coupé coachwork. This was truly one of the largest cars that only two people would ever be able to drive in style. The wheelbase was so long that in today’s world you could fit an entire hatchback between the two axles. Technically, the model year 1934 is distinguished by the introduction of independent front suspension and aesthetically by all-new, advanced modern styling. The body for this rare Stationary Coupe style was built by Fleetwood – as indeed was the majority of V16 Cadillacs, styled to a design penned by Harley J. Earl. The result was crowned by an ultra-long bonnet augmented by streamlined bonnet ornaments and a low roofline to give owners an imposing and enduring appearance. The elegant and balanced proportions belie the true size of this veritable behemoth. The relatively small number of 60 chassis for the Cadillac V16 were sold in 1934 and this is one of just five Coupes built. The original livery of this car was Quebec Gray and French Blue and this particular automobile is one of just four surviving from the period between 1934 and 1937. Originally delivered new to F.E. Davison of Toronto, Canada, the Coupe passed into the custodianship of Wendell Flynn, New York, in 1939. He held tenure until 1975 when the Cadillac was sold to John Serafin of Long Island, who retained stewardship until 2020. This monumental two-seater has now been faithfully restored to its original livery in Quebec Gray and French Blue, in accordance with the factory build sheet and exactly as delivered in 1934.