1930 Cadillac V-16

Engine no. 701901

• Special-order Fisher Body Convertible Coupe documented by its original factory build sheet
• Retains its original matching-number V-16 engine, no. 701901
• Distinguished by unique Fisher coachwork unlike standard production V-16s
• Comprehensive historical research suggests it may be the only surviving example of its specific Fisher-bodied configuration and built for Lawrence P. Fisher
• Recently restored to an exceptional standard and finished in a striking red and black color scheme
• Accompanied by its original build sheet and extensive historical documentation

Few automobiles better represent the optimism and engineering ambition of the Classic Era than Cadillacs magnificent Series 452 V-16. Introduced for 1930 at the height of the luxury car market, the V-16 instantly established Cadillac as Americas technological leader. Its silky smooth sixteen-cylinder engine, effortless performance, and exceptional refinement elevated the marque into direct competition with the worlds finest motorcars. Offered exclusively on Cadillacs longest chassis and clothed in bespoke coachwork by Fisher and Fleetwood or independent coachbuilders, the V-16 quickly became the automobile of choice for industrialists, entertainers, and heads of state who demanded the very finest.

While every 1930 Cadillac V-16 is an exceptional automobile, some occupy an even more intriguing place in the marques history. Offered here is chassis 701901, a bespoke Series 452 Convertible Coupe whose surviving factory documentation indicates it was built under Special Fisher Order No. 7626, rather than as a standard catalog production automobile. The accompanying original build sheet repeatedly identifies the car as a Special Fisher Convertible Coupe and notes that the body was covered by Fisher Order 7626, with trim specifications directed through Irving H. Nie, assistant to Fisher Body president Lawrence P. Fisher, whom it is believed the car was built for. Unlike conventional production V-16s, the body is not assigned a standard Fisher or Fleetwood job number, suggesting a bespoke commission executed directly through Fisher Body management.

Further supporting the cars special status are numerous coachbuilding details that distinguish it from standard Fleetwood-bodied convertible coupes. Cadillac historian Chris Cummings has identified several notable features, including a dramatically raked body-colored windshield, a straight lower body sill in place of Fleetwoods characteristic dipped coach sill, unusually thin front-hinged doors, and a folding top profile that more closely resembles the sporting Fleetwood 4235 than later production convertibles. Collectively, these details strongly suggest that the body was independently engineered as a special-order design rather than adapted from an existing production style.

The original build sheet provides fascinating insight into the cars construction and specification. Originally finished in Samarkand Gray and Soissons Gray, it was equipped with chromium-plated wire wheels featuring vermillion hubs, dual side-mounted spares, whitewall tires, special DuPont convertible top material, and specially specified interior trim. Importantly, the car retains its original sixteen-cylinder engine, numbered 701901, further reinforcing its authenticity.

According to research accompanying the car, only 35 Fisher-bodied Cadillac V-16s were produced during 1930 and 1931, with just 16 Fisher-bodied convertibles constructed during that period. Based upon the surviving factory documentation and the cars unique coachwork, respected Cadillac historians have concluded that this example may well be the only surviving Fisher-bodied Convertible Coupe built to this exact specification. While factory records do not definitively establish its original purpose, the evidence strongly suggests it represents an extraordinary special-order commission executed outside normal production.

The Cadillacs documented history begins with its original delivery through Irving H. Nie before later ownership by Ian Kiltie, Mel Patterson, and Dennis Dow. During the 1950s the car was a familiar sight on the streets of Detroit, remembered by Cadillac enthusiast Theron Baganz before disappearing from public view for many years. The V-16 resurfaced in 2021 following lengthy negotiations with its then-owner before being acquired by its previous caretaker in early 2024, who recognized the cars extraordinary significance and commissioned a comprehensive restoration. During the restoration, the build sheet assembly number 2903 was found stamped on numerous components, further instilling the V-16s originality.

Today the Cadillac presents in a striking red and black livery with black leather upholstery, faithfully highlighting the elegance of its distinctive Fisher coachwork. Equipment includes a rumble seat, golf door, Appleton driving lamps, black wheels with stainless steel spokes, steel spare tire covers, and a fitted top boot, while the original factory build sheet accompanies the car. Additionally, a fresh set of double-white wall tires have been fitted to the V-16.

Elegant, imposing, and exceptionally well documented, this remarkable Series 452 represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most intriguing Cadillac V-16s known. Supported by its original build sheet, extensive historical research, and highly distinctive Fisher coachwork, chassis 701901 occupies a unique place in Cadillac history and stands as a compelling example of the bespoke craftsmanship that defined Americas greatest luxury automobiles.

Offers welcome and trades considered.