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2020 Shannons Autumn Timed Online Auction
Lot
71

1933 Cadillac V12 370C 7-Seater Sedan (LHD)

PASSED IN

Wednesday 3 June 8.09pm AEST*

Melbourne

Passed In

Specifications

Engine 368ci V-12
Gearbox Three-speed manual
Body Work Limousine
Colour Black
Interior Cloth
Trim Fawn
Wheels Wire-spoked
Brakes Drum/drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

The Cadillac V-12 was manufactured from 1931 through to 1937 as its top-line model, surpassed only by the famous V-16 version. All were built in very small numbers. 1931’s Model 370A V-12 had a shorter wheelbase than the V-16, with a choice of 3556 mm or 3632 mm lengths, compared to the V-16's 3759 mm. Like the bigger-engined car, the Model 370A was offered the choice of Fisher or Fleetwood semi-custom bodies in five and seven-seater configurations. It was thus difficult to tell a Cadillac V-12 from a Cadillac V-16, unless you were close enough to read the "12" badge mounted on the headlight bar. Detail body differences were a shorter bonnet and smaller headlights and horns, while importantly the V-12 cost about $2,000 less for each body style, and so immediately outsold the V-16. The 1932 Series 370B V-12 model featured a radiator shell that flared at the top, more flowing fenders and curved running boards. Mechanical changes included a stiffer frame, a Cuno self-cleaning oil filter, and dual Detroit Lubricator carburettors in place of the Cadillac/Johnson units that had been standard equipment on Cadillacs for 20 years. Styling changes to the 1933 Series 370C (as here) included a V-shaped grill that blended into the painted radiator shell, a radiator cap hidden under the bonnet and skirts on the front and rear fenders for a more streamlined look. Fisher no-draft individually controlled front vent windows were a new standard feature. Just 953 cars were made in 1933, making a total of only 10,903 Cadillac V-12s over its seven-year model run. It was Cadillac's first, and to date, only standard production V-12 powered model.