Initiated in 1926 with development led by Owen Nacker, the breathtaking Cadillac V-16 debuted for sale as a 1930 model and ruled the rapidly shrinking elite-car market through 1937 with its original overhead-valve design, followed by the simplified L-head V-16 engine for 1938-39. Offered with a stunning array of 72 body styles, the 1930 edition represents the bulk of V-16 production, with 3,251 examples built. All surviving Sixteens are highly collectible, with this dashing Fleetwood-bodied 2/4-Passenger Coupe exemplifying the sporty side of these mighty CCCA-recognized Full Classic legends.

Part of the Fleetwood-built 4300 series of bodies for Cadillac's V-16 chassis, the style number 4376 2/4-Passenger Coupes were produced at the original Fleetwood works in the Pennsylvanian town of the same name. A dramatic and sporty coupe, in grand scale with a 148-inch wheelbase chassis, it features beautiful styling cues including delicate chrome moldings surrounding the side windows, a daring "Pennsylvania" split windshield, and visually striking two-tone paint delineated by Duesenberg-style sweep panels extending through the hood line. Few people in the world could afford a Sixteen, especially such a fabulously impractical Coupe in the early 1930s. Accordingly, only 98 examples are understood to have been built to this design.

History is fascinating, documented in Chris Cummings's book, Cadillac V-16s Lost and Found. The very existence of this example is miraculous today, given its reported use in demolition derbies during the early 1950s, when luxury cars of the 1930s were more common and not as highly prized as they are today. The late Karl Kahlberg, a classic automobile enthusiast from the Chicago area, rescued this rare V-16 and at the time, it showed plenty of damage to its front fenders but otherwise remained remarkably intact. Eventually, Mr. Kahlberg sold the vehicle to Grover C. Philips, of Chillicothe, Missouri. Following Mr. Philips's eventual passing, the Sixteen was restored in Kansas City, Kansas, by "Sonny" Elliott and Jeff Pearson of Pearson Restorations. Shortly after the restoration was completed, it was acquired by a new owner, who elevated the restoration and addressed its details. The current owner acquired the Sixteen in October 2015.

Featuring a handsome, period-correct color combination of Black and Light Metallic Pewter, the Sixteen retains its glamorous original Fleetwood-built "V-windshield" body. Power is delivered by 452 CI V-16 Engine Number 701540, which was transplanted into this chassis earlier in its history. The wire-spoke wheels are believed original to the car and mount wide Whitewall tires. The passenger compartment is trimmed in custom-fitted Tan Torino leather. Post-restoration, the V-16 was invited to the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it completed the Tour d'Elegance and achieved 2^nd in Class honors.

As offered, the V-16 has enjoyed collector care, and it is confirmed to be a fine, drivable example of these iconic and mighty 1930s luxury cars. Prior to listing for sale, it benefits from inspection and professional detailing, rendering it ready for showing and touring enjoyment as desired. Extremely rare, handsome, and accompanied by interesting published provenance, this iconic 1930 Cadillac V-16 2/4-Passenger Coupe is ready to enhance or establish your collection of true Classic Era greats. Contact us today and see it for yourself, obtain full details, and make it yours in time for the upcoming spring and summer show and touring seasons!