In 1938 Cadillac introduced the second generation of its fabled V-16 engine, this time a new flathead design with “square” bore and stroke, which managed to produce more horsepower than the old design while being more economical and easier to live with on the open road. In fact, this model is now widely recognized as being one of the finest road automobiles of its era, with smooth, flexible performance and nearly modern handling and road manners. It was available with a smaller but no less impressive roster of Fleetwood “semi-custom” bodies, and lasted in production for three seasons, after which the grand sixteen-cylinder engine became part of the fabled past.

A copy of the build sheet, which is on file, notes that this V-16 was originally built as a convertible sedan, as it appears today, with body no. 2, and was delivered by the Randall-Donaldson Cadillac Company of Brooklyn. While its earliest ownership history is not known, it was formerly part of the well-known Jack Royston Cadillac collection in Pennsylvania, and was later acquired by Joel Adelstein, who maintained it for many years. At some point the original engine was replaced by a 1939 unit, virtually identical to the 1938 V-16 in all but its numbering, and which remains under the hood today.

The Calumet Collection purchased the car from Mr. Adelstein several years ago, and set about recently freshening its restoration, with a full, proper engine rebuild and complete restoration of the interior, with beautiful new tan leather upholstery. Inspection during the work revealed that the body remains very solid, with much of its original woodwork featuring the assembly numbers and markings from Cadillac’s craftsmen. The chassis and engine compartment were both fully detailed to bring them to the standards of the rebuilt engine itself, while the dashboard and gauges were all fully restored and much of the chrome refinished.

Recently completed, the V-16 is now in beautiful overall condition, and ready for a continued spate of show appearances with a proud new caretaker, or for CCCA CARavans, where the modern performance of the “new” V-16 is ideal.