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American  |  Profiles, Reviews and Buyer's Guides from the March, 2000 Issue

1933 Cadillac V12 Sport Phaeton Review and Buyer's Guide

1933 Cadillac V12 Sport Phaeton

Although the US was engulfed in the Great Depression in 1930-1931, Cadillac brought out an absolutely splendid line of cars. One of them, unveiled at the National Automobile Show in January 1930 was the world’s first production V16 automobile. The Cadillac V16 and V12 engines were designed by the long-time head of the engineering division, Ernest Seaholm, with the assistance and expertise of designer Owen Nacker.

One of the most distinctive features of the V12s and V16s was the highly stylized engine compartment. The motor was designed to have nearly no extraneous components. All wiring was almost completely hidden from view and its overall appearance was finished in truly elegant fashion with polished aluminum valve covers and porcelainized manifolds. When combined with a sport phaeton body these cars offered their owners not only the best in engineering but one of the smoothest and most pleasant driving experience any car of the time could deliver.

This 1931 sport phaeton is reported to be a highly original, three-owner example and retains much of its trim and accoutrements. The current owner purchased it several years ago from a small collection. It is reported that the car was last painted in 1965 and has had only limited work on it thus far. It features the very rare “lowboy” trunk and dual-sidemount spares. The motor and engine bay are in highly original condition and the car is reported to be a smooth and good runner. The interior is believed to be in overall original, unmolested condition. Work done on the car has been on a “need only” basis and as a result has been mainly limited to seal and gasket replacement. The carburetor is that of a 1932 V12 but the correct 1931 carburetor will accompany the vehicle at the time of the sale. Additionally, the owner advises that for continued driving, the rods and mains should be checked for proper clearance. These V12 sport phaetons are considered Full Classics by the CCCA and are welcome entries in club events and tours nationwide.

This 1933 Cadillac V12 Sport Phaeton Review and Buyer's Guide appeared in the March, 2000 Issue of Sports Car Market Magazine.

  The SCM Analysis 
Details
Years Produced1931-1937
Number Produced4,303 V12s V16s in all body styles
Original List Price$4,045
SCM Valuation
Tune-up Cost$1,000-$1,500
Distributor CapsApprox. $600
Chassis # LocationOn frame near steering gear
Engine # LocationBoss on end of left block
Club InfoCadillac-LaSalle Club, PO Box 1916, Lenoir, NC 28645
Websiteclick to visit
Alternatives1930-31 Packard 740 and 840, 1931 Lincoln K
Investment Grade

This Cadillac sold at No Reserve for $68,500 including 15% buyer’s premium at Christie’s Pebble Beach Auction on August 29, 1999. Only at a Christie’s Pebble Beach sale would not one, but two of these multicylinder Classics be on offer. The car under discussion here was, as the catalog stated, a highly original and unhurt example that was ready to show or drive (perhaps after attention to those rods and mains . . .).

That it brought $10,000 below its low estimate—plus premium—can be somewhat explained by the presence of the other V12 sport phaeton, a 1931 model which had a provenance that was absolutely impeccable. It was a special-order car from the factory, boasting a chromed hood, chromed wheel covers fitted over the standard wire wheels, V16 headlamps and a small built-in trunk, among other custom touches on its Fleetwood body. This second Cadillac also was as close to totally original as one could hope to find, having had only sympathetic cosmetic work where necessary through the decades. Slate-gray paint and black leather added to its striking appearance. And when the hammer fell, this car brought $40,000 more than its V12 brother pictured above.

It’s interesting to speculate what the car featured here would have brought without the in-house competition stealing part of the limelight. We’d reckon it would have made at least another ten grand more. But few of the American Classics hit the jackpot at this sale. A 1926 Locke-bodied Lincoln and Harrah Gold Star restoration passed unsold at $55,000. A 1921 Rolls-Royce Springfield Ghost Pall Mall tourer likewise was passed at $75,000. However, a 1929 Packard 640 convertible with a fresh restoration did sell for $60,000 plus premium, which probably didn’t cover the costs of its refurbishment.

It could be argued that the Pebble Beach buyer isn’t deeply interested in American Classics, but will walk the plank for great foreign marques. That certainly was the case at the Christie’s sale in 1999. But it could also have been the beginning of a market trend that really manifested itself at Barrett-Jackson this year, where a number of US Classics with a capital C went into the tank. If this slide continues, anyone who has ever wanted a great American Classic car has only to bide his time for the next few years and he may be able to buy cars like this Cadillac for 50 cents on the dollar.—Dave Brownell