Series 370A. 150 hp, 368 cu. in. OHV V-12 engine, three-speed Selective Synchro-mesh transmission, ¾-floating rear axle, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes with vacuum assist. Wheelbase: 140 in.

• Recent restoration by Bob Lorkowski, of L’CARS Automotive Specialties

• Includes owner’s manual, shop manual, and Fisher Body manual

• Highly regarded V-12 performance and drivability

• CCCA Full Classic

The year 1931 is considered by many the apogee of Cadillacs of the Classic Era. The GM division introduced a new V-12 series to fill the gap between the V-8 and the V-16. “The Standard of the World” was hardly an understatement among luxury marques with offerings of 134-, 140-, and 143-inch wheelbases; bodies by Fisher and Fleetwood; three different engine configurations; and the more moderately priced LaSalle as part of its lineup. This was the beginning of a trend that eventually led to Cadillac’s domination of the luxury car field in terms of sales.

The new V-12s sold surprisingly well, but at the expense of the larger V-16. The V-8 Cadillacs arrived in dealers’ showrooms in September, with V-12s arriving one month later. Both were catalogued in a choice of 12 Fisher-bodied models, as well as 10 semi-custom Fleetwood-bodied models.

Once part of the Imperial Palace Collection, this beautiful Cadillac Town Sedan was sold in 1991, undergoing a full restoration some years later. It is pictured on pages 10–11 of Vintage and Classic Auto Images – 70 Years of Car Design Evolution by Tom Brewitz. The current owner purchased the car in May 2004, after which he began an exhaustive four-year restoration to original, correcting many of the errors made in the previous restoration. Bob Lorkowski, of L’CARS Automotive Specialties, was chosen, completing the exacting body-off restoration of the two-tone maroon CCCA Full Classic in October 2010. Included are both shop and owner’s manuals, as well as a 1926–1931 Fisher Body Service Manual for closed body models. The car includes a restored original Cadillac accessory trunk and folding rack, and it is equipped with Senior Trippe driving lights. The owner describes the V-12 engine as “flawless, and it runs and drives exceedingly well.”

The car has not been shown since the completion of the restoration, allowing the new owner to debut it at the next CCCA, AACA, or CLC meet.