Cadillac

1930 CADILLAC SERIES 452 V-16 IMPERIAL SEDAN 4330

1930 Cadillac Series 452 V-16 Imperial Sedan 4330 -
Engine no. 700163

The Cadillac V-16 has gone down in history as one of the greatest cars of all time. Despite the onset of the great depression, American car manufacturers were still in a race to see who could create the biggest and most outrageous car with the most exotic engine. Duesenberg created their big double overhead cam straight eight, Stutz created their double and single overhead cam eight cylinder, and Cadillac answered with its overhead valve V-16. With sixteen cylinders, 452 cubic inches and 185 horsepower the V-16 competed not only with its U.S. competitors, but with the ultra refined European cars such as Mercedes and Isotta Fraschini. Offered in numerous body styles, open and closed, very few good original examples of any body style exist today and it is still one of the most coveted cars in the world.
Offered here is a very well preserved V-16 style 4330 Imperial sedan that has been a California car since new in 1930. It's largely well preserved original condition is due not only to it being from California, but it was kept in its original owner's possession well into the 1950's. The interior is remarkable with no tears or moth damage to the original wool broadcloth. The ornate woodwork is in wonderful condition and the rugs all appear to be well preserved and original. The headliner is equally well preserved including its original hat holders, as is the original lambs wool over rug. The dash features all its correct instrumentation and includes a very nice addition of a 1950s era radio showing proof of its long original service and well looked after existence. The paint shows well and does show patina, but is very fitting for such a nice original car. This is number 9 of 50 Imperial sedans originally produced and one of few in existence today. Although it is formal coachwork, it is very attractive with the swept panel hood and cowl as well as very finely proportioned roof line and body length, being overall a formal yet fairly sporty car. The quality of the car really shows what a V-16 is ll about. Mechanically the original double overhead valve V-16 engine is well maintained and in very good running condition and the transmission shifts as it should. Being such a good original car, all of its numbers and components on this car are correct and original to this car. If you are looking for a great classic era car, the V-16 is the ultimate and this particular car is as pure as they come. Contact us today for more information.


1930 CADILLAC SERIES 452 V-16 IMPERIAL SEDAN 4330
COACHWORK BY FLEETWOOD
ENGINE NO. 700163

452ci OHV V-16 Engine
Twin Updraft Cadillac Carburetors Fed By Twin Vacuum Tanks
185bhp at 3400 rpm
3-Speed Synchromesh Manual Transmission
Solid Axles Front and Rear with Semi Elliptic Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Vacuum Assisted Drum Brakes

*Cadillac's crowning technological achievement, the V-16
*Well preserved example from long term original ownership
*Great candidate for a Concours preservation class
*Extremely expensive model aimed at society's elite


THE CADILLAC V-16

Cadillac's development of the V-16 was shrouded in utter secrecy. It was an absolute success, a stunning accomplishment for an organization as large as General Motors and one that relied on a huge array of outside contractors and suppliers.

The new engine was sprung on an unsuspecting public in late 1929 in a flurry of announcements, dealer presentations, previews for privileged clients and public auto shows. While competitors publicly scoffed at the V16's size and complexity, privately they marveled and quickly retired to their drawing boards where twelve cylinder engines bloomed like flowers in the spring. Only Marmon even bothered to try to emulate Cadillac's feat of creating the V-16.

By adopting a relatively small 3" bore Cadillac was able to place the cylinders close together, minimizing the engine's length and, more importantly, the length of the crankshaft. The crank ran in five main bearings and the combination of short crank length and plenty of bearings eliminated annoying harmonics. The V16's narrow 45° vee angle was chosen to minimize the engine's width so it would fit comfortably under the hood. Overhead valves with hydraulic clearance adjustment were chosen for quiet, reliable operation and for easy access to the valve train for service. The better breathing and specific power output of overhead valves was a side benefit.

With "enough" power assured and quality and silence promised, Cadillac looked for something else to distinguish its V-16. GM had just landed the man to provide it, legendary designer Harley Earl from Southern California, hired by Larry P. Fisher to run GM's new Art and Color Department.

Art and Color's singular design statement for the V16 was under the hood. Hidden from public view but very important to Cadillac in conveying the sleek, refined, subdued image of the V16's quiet, confident power, the V16 engine was as much a triumph for the stylists as it was for Cadillac engineering. Everything suggesting the minutiae of function was hidden. The spark plug wires traveled from the distributor to the plugs under covers. The valve covers, manifolds and even carburetors were monochromatic with only carefully selected details and highlights. There were no exposed oil lines. It was a sleek, modern statement of machine age design, carefully detailed and refined.