Both the 1930 and this identical 1931 Cadillac V-16 452A Coach Sill Convertible Coupe are based on a 148-inch wheelbase chassis supported by parallel semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear and solid front and live rear axles riding on 19-inch steel-spoke wheels with V-16 center caps and mounted with 7.50-19 wide whitewall tires. Stopping is provided by vacuum- boosted mechanical drum brakes at all four corners. Power is sent to the rear axle by a floor-shifted 3-speed synchromesh transmission. This chassis is No. 7-2921 and is fitted with the identifying matching Engine No. 702807. The Cadillac 45-degree 452 CI overhead-valve V-16 develops 165 HP and is equipped with dual single updraft carburetors and hydraulic valve silencers to offer an extremely quiet running experience. The valve covers and center valley cover are finished in glass black enamel, and the spark plug wires are hidden from view along the length of the engine, making the V-16 one of the most beautiful engines ever in an American automobile. The firewall cover hides all of the usual lines and wiring. This coach sill convertible coupe, Body No. 91, is designed with a flat, slanted windshield and a curving “coach sill,” used only on the 4200 series bodies. This is one of only seven known to exist of the 94 such bodies built in 1930 and 1931. The body is finished in two-tone Soissons Gray and Samaranda Gray with Vermillion pinstriping. Front and rear one-piece chrome-plated bumpers complete the impressive look of this Cadillac. The radiator is adorned with an iconic Cadillac Heron mascot, and the front of the car is enhanced by accessory Pilot Ray lights that turn with the front wheels. The cabin interior is trimmed in soft tan cloth with tan wool velvet carpeting and a bright engine-turned instrument panel. The leather-trimmed rumble seat features built-in armrests, and the folding convertible top is light green with chrome- plated Landau irons. Originally ordered and built to be displayed at the Chicago Salon at the Hotel Drake, this Cadillac was shipped on October 30, 1930, and was delivered in early November to be ready for the show opening on November 8. The Chicago Salon was especially important, as it was the first of the official Automobile Salons. A known ownership history from new accompanies this car, with former owners including Pat Carr of Casper, Wyoming, Mr. Dolph of Goose Egg Springs, Wyoming, Oscar Annis of Alcova, Wyoming, Arvin Martensen of Loveland, Colorado, John Berquist of Loveland, Colorado, Lawton Clark of Amarillo, Texas, Jim Pearson of Kansas City, Dick Gold of Minnesota, a past president of the Classic Car Club of America, and its most current owner, George Ferrell of Loveland, Colorado. A meticulous multiyear nut-and-bolt restoration by Cadillac marque experts Jim Pearson and Sonny Elliot was completed in 2019, with the Cadillac being faithfully restored to the Chicago Auto Salon form based on a Cadillac build sheet supplied by the GM Historical Services Archive and the undercarriage detailed to concours standards. This stunning V-16 is certain to be the centerpiece of any Cadillac or classic car collection, as well as a winner for its fortunate new owner at any major concours or club event.
