In January 1930, the reveal of Cadillac’s 16-cylinder 452 model startled the automotive world with an unmatched blend of mechanical brilliance, seamless performance, effortless driving ease, and visual beauty. The model designation referred to its cubic inch displacement, besting the engine size of American cars at that time. The engine was a mechanical marvel, featuring twin banks of eight cylinders positioned at the optimal 45 degrees that multiplies power and subdivides it into a continuous flow. Producing 175 hp, it propelled passengers swiftly and with remarkable ease. The engine was also appreciated aesthetically – lifting the hood panels revealed plated and enameled components, with wiring and plumbing ingeniously concealed from sight.

Roy A. Schneider’s Sixteen Cylinder Motorcars: An Illustrated History notes that 3,251 examples were built for the 1930 and 1931 model years, and its mechanical genius was complemented by an array of attractive Fleetwood designs. The vast majority of the more than 70 body styles offered were formal sedans, limousines, and town cars. However, among the limited open designs was style no. 4260, the Sport Phaeton – arguably Fleetwood’s most athletic design – fitted to the generous 148” wheelbase chassis. Production saw just 85 examples, which were priced at a lofty $6,500.

According to a copy of its factory build record on file, this Sport Phaeton was ordered in February 1930 and shipped new that June. The records further confirm that the engine number (702369) and body number (10) match those still fitted today. Interestingly, while many of these cars have since been restored in a black over black scheme, this example was originally delivered that way, with a light cream coachline. Another notable feature is the adjustable driver’s seat back.

The original supplying dealer for the V-16 was Uppercu Cadillac of New York City, a detail endorsed by a modest agency plate, discreetly tucked away on the fuel tank cover panel to this day. The buyer appears to have been Allen Brothers Inc. of Greenwich, Connecticut.

The Cadillac remained in the Greenwich area and eventually joined the well-known collection of David Tunick, and later passed to New Jersey-based collector Gifford Oborne. In 1989, Southern California collector Barry Hon purchased the V-16 from the Oborne estate auction and displayed it at that year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. During summer 1999, Stan Lucas negotiated its purchase from Mr. Hon, and the Sport Phaeton would remain in Mr. Lucas’s collection for the next quarter-century. It made a return appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in 2001, but has remained secluded within the collection ever since.

The Fleetwood Sport Phaeton built for Cadillac’s V-16 in this period is quite simply one of the most perfect sporting cars of its era. The form of the body is pure and refined, exemplified by the fluidity of the fenders, valances, and neatly sloped tail – all of which are beautifully showcased by the two-tone treatment of this car, with its silver body tub and evergreen dark fenders and moldings. The structure of the cabin – from its elegant V-shaped windscreen to its crank-down rear windshield – embodies the refined styling associated with the era’s most flamboyant coachbuilders, delivered with understated sophistication. Other distinctive details include a compact Bakelite Philco radio control set into the dash and a walnut-trimmed rear-passenger panel featuring an AC speedometer and Jaeger chronograph – luxurious appointments whose discreet placement helps the Phaeton maintain its spartanly sporting style.

This car’s restoration, which likely dates from the 1980s, has now mellowed somewhat; however, in its unusual paint scheme, it still displays a particularly striking look and could either continue to be displayed as-is, or serve as an excellent basis for refurbishment – perhaps back to its original black.

Unquestionably one of the finest cars that Cadillac has ever built, the V-16 Sport Phaeton has captivated generations of discerning collectors. Today provides a rare opportunity to join that elite group.