Justifiably the most popular body style on the original Cadillac V-16, Fleetwood’s design number 4375 was a regal seven-passenger Imperial sedan with division window, featuring the coachbuilder’s signature molding that flowed and divided over the length of the hood. A total of 438 examples were produced in 1930 and 1931 combined. Among them was the car offered here, equipped with engine number 702766 and body number 358. Per its build sheet, it was constructed to the order of the Cadillac dealer in Brooklyn, New York, only to be diverted to Philadelphia where apparently a buyer was waiting.

In its “enthusiast years,” the Cadillac moved to the Midwest. During the 1970s and 1980s the car was under the ownership of Elmer N. DeWitt of Shelbyville, Indiana, and while in his care was loaned for a time to the Auburn Cord Deusenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana for display. Mr. DeWitt eventually sold the Cadillac in 1990 to Bob Stubenrach of Canton, Ohio, well-remembered for his books on collecting vintage automobiles, including The Fun of Old Cars and Runabouts and Roadsters. Later the V-16 was purchased by the well-known Buckeye State collector Dan Hanlon and in his ownership was restored by Miles Morstatter of Bath, Ohio, after which it earned the Primary First award at the Classic Card Club of America Michigan Grand Classic in 2014.

Acquired by its current owner in 2015, the Cadillac still presents beautifully, restored in its factory color scheme of black and Alpenstock Green, with correct gold leaf striping, black leather and Weise broadcloth interior, black wire wheels, and dual side-mounted spares with covers and mirrors—exactly the specification described on its build sheet, a copy of which is included in the file. Correct sun visors were also properly reproduced, and general mechanical sorting completed. Only the substitution of the classic Goddess radiator mascot for the original Heron is noted.

In excellent condition throughout, this handsome machine is ready to appear at the shows of its new owner’s choosing, or to become an extremely comfortable and roomy choice for the entire file on CCCA CARavans and other events in the months to come. It has much to recommend it to the Full Classic connoisseur.