In 1930, Cadillac astonished the fine car market with the introduction of its stunning new sixteen-cylinder models. The cars instantly propelled Cadillac, which until then had been a mid-priced car, to the head of the luxury car class.

For the next several years, Cadillac competitors scrambled to keep up. Among others, Pierce-Arrow introduced its V-12 in 1932, Marmon a V-16 in late 1931, and Auburn a V-12 in 1932. For most of these companies the massive cost of this development effort would combine with a shrinking depression market for fine cars, creating financial pressures from which the companies would never recover. Rather than rest on its laurels, Cadillac delivered another blow to the competition in 1931 with the introduction of a V-12 that shared most of the luxury features of the V-16, but at a sharply lower price. Although not one casting was shared, the V-12 was clearly a visual replica of both the V-8 and V-16 Cadillac, except for emblems and the number of ports on the hood side panels.

The coachwork itself was refined rather than redesigned from 1931. The fenders and running boards now flowed smoothly from one element to the other. Roof heights were dropped to a more modern appearance, which was heightened by continuing the body sides right down to the running boards, eliminating the frame covers, and sills. The radiator was now entirely enclosed in a grille shell, and the headlights were free-standing without a tie bar to bisect the radiators imposing presence.

Many observers, Harley Earl included, feel the 1932 Cadillac was the culmination of classic Cadillac design, expressing selected elements of evolving aerodynamic design with the best features of classic Twenties design in a platform that was harmonious and refined. Enclosed body styles now vastly outnumbered open cars in Cadillac’s prolific offering of cataloged bodies. The finest and most luxurious Cadillac’s were now large, enclosed cars with luxurious appointments, equipment and upholstery. These features would have even been impractical on convertible sedans, which might occasionally be exposed to the elements.

This 1932 Cadillac 370-B V-12 Imperial Seven-Passenger Sedan was previously a part of the Sterling McCall Cadillac Museum. It exemplifies this body type and demonstrates its undeniable allure of quality, comfort, and luxury. Equipped with a rollup divider window, it is in limousine configuration with black leather upholstery in the front and soft, brown cord cloth on the permanent and occasional rear seats. The rear seating area is lavishly fitted with quality accouterments including a smokers kit, a Jaeger clock and accessory case. The rear quarter windows and the back window have rollup shades for privacy. The interior black lacquer and varnished wood trim are highly polished and in excellent condition. It is finished in onyx black and has dual side-mounted spares in hard covers with rear view mirrors, body-color wire wheels with chrome trim-rings, wide whitewall tires and a luggage rack flanked by dual blue dot taillights. The car has been restored to very high standards and remains in excellent condition for its age.