One of 85 all-weather phaetons produced on the original Cadillac V-16 chassis, the example offered here is an early-production car, bearing engine no. 700395. Its factory build sheet, a copy of which accompanies, notes its delivery with body no. 39 via the Raritan River Railroad at Newark to the Beldon-Joiner Cadillac Corporation of New Brunswick, New Jersey, for use as a “demonstration car.” Designed to appeal to Cadillac’s somewhat conservative customer base, it was finished in a rather sober livery of all-over black with Old Ivory striping, Burbank top, and, unusually, a Wiese broadcloth interior, indicating use either only in the very finest weather or never with the top down! Dual sidemounted spares were specified; the only additional option noted was “a quart of alcohol.”

The car’s earliest known owner was Ray W. Rodgers of Warren, Ohio, who listed it in the Antique Automobile Club of America’s 1954 roster, and exhibited it at early CCCA events. In the early 1970s, enthusiast George J. Luchetti of Massachusetts acquired the Cadillac in Plattsburgh, New York; it was in completely original condition, but by now in need of restoration. Mr. Luchetti returned the car to original condition, performing much of the work himself. Five years later the Cadillac was bought from Mr. Luchetti by the current owners, and has now remained in their distinguished collection for the last forty years.

The restored car has made only one concours appearance, at Amelia Island in 2016. In fact, this is believed to have been the only show that the car has attended since its restoration was completed over four decades ago! It retains its sidemounted spares with mirrors, and is further accessorized with the Heron radiator mascot, stone shield, and dual horns. As one might expect, the restoration work now exhibits some patina, including cracking to much of the paint, stretching to the upholstery especially on the driver’s seat, and staining to the convertible top, however the engine compartment remains in fine condition and on a recent road test the car performed and drove superbly.

Accompanied by a reprint of the shop manual and a copy of the factory build sheet, this is a handsome V-16 from long-term enthusiast care, with unlimited potential for its future.