Cadillac's V16 — America's first production sixteen-cylinder, with bespoke Fleetwood coachwork.
Cadillac launched its V16 in 1930, becoming the first American manufacturer to offer a production sixteen-cylinder engine — a 7,406cc 45-degree OHV V16 producing 165 bhp. Coachwork was supplied almost entirely by Fleetwood (Cadillac's in-house custom shop), with body styles ranging from formal limousines and town cars to dual-cowl Phaetons and convertible coupes. Approximately 4,400 of the OHV V16 were built between 1930 and 1937, after which a simpler 135-degree side-valve V16 (1938–1940) replaced it.
America's first sixteen-cylinder production car; Fleetwood-bodied open V16s are concours regulars.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OHV V16 (Series 452) | 1930–1937 | Not separately recorded | 7.4-litre OHV V16; the desirable specification. |
For pre-war and vintage cars such as the Cadillac V-16 Series 452, provenance is paramount. Chassis and engine number matching, period coachbuilder records, factory build sheets where available, continuous ownership documentation, original handbooks and any competition or concours history are the foundation of value. Body style (open > closed), Fleetwood coachwork, CCCA Full Classic status, continuous history.
The OHV V16 is sophisticated and refined; carburation and ignition are standard service items. Strong CCCA support. A pre-purchase inspection by a recognised marque specialist should include compression and leak-down testing, magneto and ignition checks, chassis straightness and frame survey, axle and steering wear assessment, brake system review (mechanical or hydraulic per period), and an extended road test on varied terrain to expose carburation, cooling and gearbox issues that only emerge under sustained running.
Pre-war coachwork is rarely truly original after a century of use. Establish whether the body is original to the chassis (period photographs, build records, coachbuilder plates), whether it has been re-bodied at any point, and the standard of any restoration. Quality of timber framing, ash health, panel beating and paint depth are all critical. Concealed structural rot, re-bodies presented as original, and 'tribute' cars built on later or unrelated chassis must be priced accordingly.
Fleetwood dual-cowl Phaetons, roadsters and convertible coupes lead values; closed bodies trade more modestly. CCCA Full Classic status underpins eligibility for CARavan tours and major concours including Pebble Beach and Amelia Island. Confirm the car's standing with the Cadillac & LaSalle Club V-16 registry and its concours or tour history before purchase.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-06 | Broad Arrow Auctions The Amelia Auction, Lot 273 | 1931 Series 452A V-16 Fleetwood Convertible Coupe | — | $500,000 Sold |
| 2025-10-08 | RM Sotheby's Hershey, Lot 179 | 1930 V-16 Sport Phaeton | — | $423,500 Sold |
| 2024-08-15 | RM Sotheby's Monterey, Lot 231 | 1930 V-16 Sport Phaeton | — | $797,000 Sold |
| 2024-03-01 | RM Sotheby's Miami, Lot 247 | 1930 V-16 Roadster | — | $1,077,500 Sold |
Open Fleetwood-bodied cars firm; closed cars are usability buys.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
