Cadillac ushered in the multicylinder rivalry with its 16-cylinder model in 1930. By 1934, significant mechanical and styling improvements had been made, however a mere 56 examples of the 452D series were built across the myriad body styles offered that year.
\nPontoon fenders blended smoothly with the body, and integration of exterior components such as Art Deco-style biplane bumpers, and single-blade wheel center caps contributed to a contemporary design that evoked quiet luxury within a commanding presence.
\nAccording to a copy of its build record, this stunning 1934 V-16, numbered 5100024, was built as a flat-windshield Seven-Passenger Limousine and certainly had an auspicious beginning. It was ordered by and exported to the Rolls-Royce works to research multicylinder technology for the development of the 12-cylinder Phantom III.
\nNone other than W.O. Bentley was tasked with testing the car – covering 10,000 miles throughout Europe – and reporting his findings. W.O. was later quoted that the car had achieved “…perhaps the most completely successful elimination of evidence that explosions were occurring under the bonnet ever obtained in a motor car.” Later, 5100024, having returned to the US, came into the ownership of a respected East Coast-based collector who had sourced an original 1934 Town Sedan body from a V-8 example and installed it on this car’s chassis.
\nIn 2016, the current owner, a recognized authority in the restoration of V-16 Cadillacs with numerous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® wins to his credit, acquired the V-16. A longtime devotee of Cadillac’s 1934 model year, and the seldom-seen Town Sedan – of which none of the sleek, flat-windshield examples were built on the V-16 chassis for 1934 – he commenced a no-expense-spared, concourslevel, nine-year restoration of the grand Cadillac.
\nAmong the most elegant of all closed Fleetwood bodies, the Town Sedan features a short-coupled passenger compartment strictly built for five. The low, rounded roof and handsome, integrated trunk effectively accentuate the massive 154\" wheelbase and balance the extremely long hood, creating a vehicle of the loveliest proportions.
\nThe V-16 is finished in Cadillac’s Gettysburg Blue paint enhanced by the iconic, 1934-only biplane bumpers and judicious use of brightwork. Inside, tan mohair graces the front and rear seats and door panels, with matching, edged, wool carpets and footrests. The attention to detail is astonishing, from the Jaeger gauges of the gleaming instrument binnacle, and the chromed banjo-style steering wheel, to the solid walnut dash cap and window surrounds.
\nThe engine compartment is on another level entirely. Following Harley Earl’s orders, V-16 engine bays were styled with smooth, porcelainized components and hidden wiring; it is truly a sight to behold.
\nOnce complete, the restored V-16 was featured in a feature article in the Cadillac La Salle Club’s publication The Self Starter, then in late 2025 the Town Sedan starred in an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage. During filming, Mr. Leno and the owner marveled not only at the car’s overwhelming presence and build quality, but also at the car’s advanced engineering and impeccable road manners.
\nLauded for its styling, exclusivity, and sheer presence – and this example ranking among the finest of its kind – this astounding Cadillac is best experienced in person to be fully appreciated, not only for its size but for the stunning level of detail throughout the car. Built in the marque’s pinnacle year, this spectacular V-16 will make a refined and elegant addition to any distinguished collection.
\nNotes\nPlease note that this vehicle is titled by its engine number.
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