1933 Cadillac V16 All-Weather Phaeton

Coachwork by Fleetwood

Engine No. 5000102

Body Style 5579

One of 8 V-16 All Weather Phaetons produced for 1933

One of four documented factory original All Weather Phaetons in existence

Documented by a copy of its original build sheet

Fresh comprehensive engine and rear differential rebuild with receipts

Previously presented at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic

452 CID OHVV-16 Engine

Dual Updraft Cadillac Single-Throat Carburetors

185 BHP at 3,400 RPM

3-Speed Manual Transmission

4-Wheel Vacuum-Assisted Drum Brakes

Few Cadillacs are rarer than the V-16 of 1933. Cadillac had optimistically planned to produce 400 examples of their sixteen-cylinder masterpiece when it was introduced for the 1930 model year. Instead, with the Great Depression continuing to erode sales, the final total was a mere 125. This was despite some of the most visually impressive coachwork of the time, with Cadillac fully adopting streamlining in the form of fully skirted fenders. It was the styling for which the 1933 cars would forever be known. Many collectors consider this design, with its triple cone horns, four blade bumpers, available stainless body and fender trim and many other details taken together, to be an Art Deco masterpiece.

This magnificent V-16, car number 139, was delivered new to Cadillac’s New York City Branch in August of 1933, according to the factory build sheet that accompanies the car. It is one of only eight V-16 All Weather Phaetons crafted by Cadillac for the 1933 Model year, and one of four full documented, authentic cars of this body style that exist today. Finished stunningly in black with elegant gray cloth interior with rare divider window, this classic Cadillac personifies the luxury and elegance of the art deco era.

The early history of this great car is largely unknown; however, it can be traced back to the 1980s when it was part of a stable of cars belonging to noted collector Gifford F. Oborne. In 1989, Fred W. Weber of Saint Louis, MO acquired the car and soon after commissioned a total restoration to the highest standards. Mr. Weber insisted on having the car painstakingly restored to the specifications detailed on the original build sheet, including the correct original colors and fabrics it wore in 1933 when it was new. Mr. Weber’s attention to detail was awarded when the car captured a First in Class trophy at Pebble Beach in 1992. Subsequently it passed through several well-known collectors of significant cars, including Robert Pass, Bruce McCall, Bill Chorkey and Steve Plunkett. The current owner exhibited the car at Pebble Beach in 2018 and successfully completed the Tour d’Elegance that same year. In 2022, the V-16 was treated to a comprehensive rebuilding of the engine and all related engine accessories. Additionally, a new clutch was installed and a new set of taller differential gears were fitted to afford effortless cruising at highway speeds. Over $100,000 was spent on mechanical work at a reputable restoration shop with receipts documenting the work performed. Since then, it has traveled less than 1,000 miles and is properly sorted and ready to be driven on tour with confidence. Today, the car presents beautifully and would be the cornerstone of any collection of fine classic cars.