1933 Cadillac V-12 Town Sedan

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$78,400 USD | Sold

The Gernatt Collection

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  • One of just 953 V-12s produced for 1933
  • Documented by a copy of its Cadillac build record

The upright, almost carriage-like look of Cadillacs began to disappear in 1933. A face-lift, simple in execution but startling in effect, transformed the 1933 Cadillac into a more streamlined automobile. Both Cadillac and their companion LaSalle received modern skirted fenders, vee’d radiators, and more swept-back windshields. Roll-up windows were now commonplace, so Cadillac introduced “No-Draft” ventilation in the form of vent wing windows. Just 6,655 cars among four different models were sold for 1933, including 953 V-12s and 126 V-16s, the marque’s lowest output of the decade.

The V-12, first introduced in 1931, afforded lively performance at a cost of about $700 over comparable eight-cylinder models. The Twelve was nearly the performance equal of the big Sixteen, with strong torque and similar top speed. From its 368 cubic inches, the engine produced 135 hp and 285 foot-pounds of torque and was capable of a top speed of 80+ mph. The town sedan was offered in both V-8 and V-12 versions, both on the 140-inch wheelbase with bodies by Fisher.

Cadillac build records, a copies of which are included on file, show this town sedan to be restored as originally configured. The car received its AACA First Junior in 2012 and its Senior award in 2013 along with its CCCA Premier First Place award in 2013.