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The Great Depression continued to effect the
automobile industry. Cadillac announced that it
would limit 1933 production of V-16’s to 400
motorcars. Only 126 were manufactured. 70 body
styles were offered. 35 different body styles were
actually built. Interior iterations constitute the
slight differences between body styles. Half of the
V-16’s delivered were 5 or 7 passenger sedans. The
largest number of similar body styles delivered was
32 units.
The majority of Cadillac V-16’s bodies were built by
Fleetwood. The example on display is the only Fisher
Body convertible coupe constructed in 1933.
V-16's were built on a 149” wheel base, had the Vee-shaped
grille/radiator shell, skirted fenders, and no-draft
ventilation common to the full line. Detail
distinction was achieved with a new, winged goddess
mascot; large, spinner hub caps; absence of
crankhole cover in the grill; and an awkward,
four-bar bumper. Hood side panels carried two
vertical doors plus three stylized horizontal
louvers. Vertical louvers on front fender skirts,
shown in promotional literature and used on
mockups, were replaced in "production" by three
horizontal louvers matching the hood louvers.
Mechanical changes were few. A higher compression
ratio was available to utilize improved gasolines.
Except on early production, wheel size was reduced
from 18" to 17". |
