One car which propelled the Cadillac name more than any other was the V16. Built to each customer's individual taste, it became an American icon of prestige and helped the company out-perform Packard and their V12. Cadillac initially prepared the V16 to prodigiously power its flagship model with more cylinders than anything else available.
This was the first V16 powered car to reach production status in the United States. Engine: 452 cu in (7.4 litre).
The Cadillac V-16 is today recognized as one of the finest automobiles of the prewar era! At a time when a custom coach-built body was a symbol of status and wealth, the V16 became the one of the most revered chassis. Cadillac wanted the engine to be as vibration-free as possible, and eight combustion cycles per crankshaft revolution combined with balanced internals meant that a V16 was one of the best available packages.
This 4235 Convertible Coupe was built in the Fleetwood, Pennsylvania factory and was the most expensive at $6900 (average annual income $1388).
The car sports 13-inch diameter main headlights that are in scale with this massive but elegant beauty. It also has eight-inch lower Pilot-Ray driving lights that turn with the front wheels, chrome fender-mounted lights and dual side mounted 19-inch wire wheels.
On a scale of 1/43 this model manufactured by several companies (Rio, Solido), but the absolute best of them is the Franklin Mint from set of The World's Great Classic Cars. Model from the year 1991 is difficult to find in good condition - there is a lot of details and extremely delicate hood ornament!
There is a golf bag compartment, running board storage areas, rumble seat with rear mounted trunk, and dual side mounts. Two-tone painting and chrome-plated parts complete the feeling of uniqueness. This Franklin Mint is unique and has no weak point. Opening suicide-style doors, hood and rumble seat are nice details.
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| Rumble seat and golf bag compartment |
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| Suicide-styled doors |
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| V16 engine was considered as aesthetic triumph |
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