1931 Cadillac Series 370A V-12 Convertible

BEAUTIFUL STYLE 4760 FLEETWOOD COACHWORKONE OF JUST 128 EXAMPLES PRODUCEDFORMER SPURLING COLLECTION CAROWNED BY DR. BARBARA ATWOOD UNTIL 2009 BEAUTIFULLY PRESERVED & DETAILED RESTORATIONSTRIKING TWO-TONE ORANGE/BROWN LIVERYHIGHLY EQUIPPED W/ MANY PERIOD ACCESSORIESWELL-APPOINTED BROWN LEATHER INTERIOR FIRST MODEL YEAR FOR 135 HP 370 CI OHV V-12 ENGINESYNCHROMESH 3-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSIONDUAL WINDSHIELDS, SIDE CURTAINS & TOOLKITINCLUDES COPY OF FACTORY VEHICLE INVOICEFORMER AACA & CCCA AWARD WINNERCCCA FULL CLASSIC STATUS & EVENT ELIGIBILITYCAREFULLY SELECTED BY THE LAST DETAILFRESHLY INSPECTED, SERVICED & DETAILED Following General Motors' stylistic revolution, which began in 1927 with the hiring of Harley Earl and his establishment of the "Art and Colour" Department, the industrial giant's Cadillac Motor Division immediately redefined automotive design. Cadillac's engineering prowess also reached a high-water mark with the company's V-8 models joined by the V-16 for 1930 and the V-12 for 1931. In fact, no other automaker on either side of the Atlantic could lay claim to offering a full range of V-8, V-12, and V-16 model lines all at once. In 1931, while the nation was deep in the throes of the widening Great Depression and sales of luxury cars were in freefall, Cadillac forged ahead in its quest to dominate the U.S. luxury car market, and the new V-12 line was a key factor in the plan.Renowned as one of the smoothest-running and silent engines ever produced, the Cadillac V-12 chassis was available in 140- and 143-inch wheelbase lengths. Internally designated Series 370-A, Cadillac's V-12 line was introduced in September 1930, priced from $3,795 during the inaugural 1931 model year. A wide range of 10 body styles was catalogued from GM's Fisher and Fleetwood body divisions, supplemented by a vast array of custom bodies from external firms. Fleetwood's renowned craftsmen fitted the interiors for all V-12 models. This dashing 1931 Cadillac Model 370-A V-12 Five-Passenger Phaeton is a wonderfully restored and well-preserved example throughout. One of just 128 examples produced with Style No. 4760 coachwork by Fleetwood was part of the renowned classic car collection of Dr. Barbara Mae Atwood for many years until her cars were dispersed in early 2009. Most recently, it was under the care of the noted Bill and Patty Spurling Collection. Riding a commanding 140-inch wheelbase chassis, this Series 370-A V-12 Five-Passenger Phaeton carries a decidedly sporting presence with its outstandingly proportioned open body accentuated by a "Jazz Age" Orange paint finish with Brown fenders, and Dark Brown cloth convertible top with Light Brown piping. The renowned 368 cubic-inch Cadillac V-12 engine is exceptionally well detailed and features Black porcelain and polished components, a signature Cadillac feature of the era. A synchromesh 3-speed manual transmission delivers the V-12 powerplant's power and abundant torque output. In addition to the captivating dual-cowl Phaeton bodywork, highlights include the aircraft-style folding rear windshield, which folds and lowers into the rear passenger compartment. Period accessories are many, ranging from the Pilot-Ray accessory lights, which swivel with a link to the steering gear, plus a chrome radiator grille guard, Cadillac's Art Deco "Goddess" radiator mascot, and front-fender lights. Twin side-mounted spare tires in steel carriers grace each side of the Cadillac's long hood and include engraved chrome side view mirrors. Moving rearwards, accessories include cowl lights and wind wings on each side. To the rear, an access panel, a folding luggage rack, a trunk, and twin taillights are present. Period-style Whitewall tires surround Brown-painted wire-spoke wheels matching the finish on the fenders. The spacious passenger compartment is trimmed in Tan leather upholstery with Light Brown carpeting and includes convenient storage pockets inside each door panel. The visually striking engine-turned dashboard houses useful instrumentation, housed within a central oval-shaped bezel. The rear passenger compartment includes twin folding footrests and courtesy lighting. In addition to the cloth convertible top, weather gear includes a complete set of side curtains, housed within a storage pouch. A toolkit is also present. A former AACA and CCCA award winner, this first-year Cadillac Series 370-A V-12 Five-Passenger Phaeton is, of course, eligible for a multitude of classic tours, shows, and concours events, benefiting from a fresh inspection, service, and detailing. A copy of the factory vehicle invoice is also included. Spring is here, with many summer classic-car events soon to come. Contact us today to see this carefully selected Classic Era V-12 Cadillac, obtain full details, and add it to your collection of one to many American luxury legends!