Series 370-A. 135 hp, 368 cu. in. 45-degree overhead valve 12-cylinder engine, front and rear semi-elliptic leaf springs and four-wheel vacuum assisted mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 140"

- A California car from new

- AACA National First prize, 1974

- In the same Santa Barbara collection since 1977

Cadillac completed its array of luxury vehicles with the introduction of the V-12 engine late in 1930. Based upon the V-16, which had been introduced earlier in the year, the V-12 line offered cataloged bodies by Fisher and Fleetwood, all with luxuriously trimmed interiors by Fleetwood. In common with the V-16, the engine was styled by Harley Earl’s Art & Colour Section, giving the V-12 a particularly attractive under-hood presentation. The V-12s were manufactured to extremely high-quality standards and differed only in details of trim and, of course, the engine size and complication of the V-16.

The smart blue Fisher coachwork on this Model 370-A contrasts nicely with the interior, which was originally trimmed by Fleetwood. Inside the tan piping adds a lovely touch along the beige cloth seats, while the beautiful wood trim on the doors and dash further accentuate this Cadillac’s elegance. Other interior appointments include the rear-window shade, the arm rests and the convenient handrail. The exterior of this stately sedan boasts Pilot Ray driving lights, black wire wheels with wide whitewall tires, dual side-mounted spares with metal covers and a rear-mounted trunk painted blue to match. Underneath the hood, the Harley Earl-designed engine compartment remains clean and presentable, while atop the radiator, a Goddess of Speed ornament leads this dignified V-12.

This elegant example benefits from being a California car from new. It was restored in the 1970s and subsequently won an AACA National First prize in 1974. Soon thereafter, in 1977, the car was sold to a Santa Barbara collection where it remained until today. Amazingly the car has not been shown since it won its AACA prize in ’74, and despite being an older restoration, this Cadillac is still highly presentable. A copy of the GM build sheet is included with the car and confirms the original engine number as well as the original “Club Sedan” coachwork on this chassis.