Cadillac’s famed V-16 was initially offered in an extraordinarily broad range of body styles, encompassing a design for virtually every imaginable purpose. Among the most dignified and elegant was the Transformable Town Cabriolet, style number 4325. It was built by Fleetwood at its original works in Pennsylvania—hence the distinctive upright vee’d windshield, matched by a moulding that ran through the hoodline to become part of the car’s beltline design. Thirty-five examples of this design were built, few of which have survived.

According to its build sheet, this Transformable Town Cabriolet was originally shipped to the famous Uppercu Cadillac Company of New York City. It then moved across the country, as it was registered in California in 1946 to J.R. Adams of Los Angeles. The car was later acquired in unrestored condition by “Cadillac Jim” Pearson of Kansas City and sold to the prolific V-16 collector, Fred Weber. It would be the last V-16 fully restored for Mr. Weber by Marc Ohm, and at its completion was exhibited at the 1993 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it was a class award-winner.

The Town Cabriolet was acquired later that year by the respected collector John McMullen of Lapeer, Michigan, who, in a cover feature in the September-October 1995 issue of the Michigan Region CCCA magazine, Torque, described its acquisition as “the dream of my life.” Mr. McMullen displayed the car in CCCA competition, eventually earning a top score of 99.5 points and Senior Emeritus status in 2006. It was also awarded Best in Class at both the Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance and EyesOn Design.

The Cadillac remained in the McMullen Collection for 14 years before being sold in 2007 to the present owner, in whose collection its restoration has been well-preserved. Shortly after his acquisition, the car’s V-16 engine was rebuilt by RM Auto Restoration; in the years since the overhaul of this marvelous powerplant, the Cadillac has seen only limited road use.

A magnificent example of the grand V-16, this Cadillac remains in beautiful condition today; with its breathtaking formal coachwork, it is compelling testament to one of the most imposing and distinguished offerings of the Classic Era.