1930 Cadillac V16 Madame X Five Passenger Sedan

Specifications: Model 4130-S, 175hp 452 cu. in. overhead valve V16 with three-speed synchromesh transmission, leaf spring front axle and torque tube rear axle and four-wheel power assisted brakes. Wheelbase: 148"

In 1930, Cadillac stunned the fine car market with the introduction of its breathtaking, $6,900, new sixteen cylinder models. The cars instantly catapulted Cadillac – which until then had been a mid-priced car – to the head of the luxury class. Until then, only Bugatti had produced a "U" shaped sixteen cylinder engine. Cadillac's V16 was the first true 16 cylinder engine designed from scratch. For the next several years, Cadillac's competitors scrambled to keep up. The enormous cost of this development effort combined with a shrinking market for fine cars due to the nation's economic situation, created financial pressures from which the companies would never recover.

Designed by Owen Nacker, Cadillac's V16 was an engineering tour de force, incorporating several unique features. Its 45-degree cylinder bank angle and overhead valve design kept the engine narrow, while the external manifold provided good access. Cadillac's V16 was the first engine compartment ever to be "styled", with all the wiring hidden and plenty of gleaming polished aluminum, shining porcelain, and a pair of beautiful valve covers with brushed aluminum ridged surfaces featuring the Cadillac emblem.

In the face of a declining luxury market, Cadillac managed to survive, thanks in large part to the financial support of General Motors. Nevertheless, the cars were brilliantly designed, and while the failing market meant that the V16 was produced only in tiny numbers, the few that remain offer us a glimpse into one of the most exciting automotive eras of all time.

One of the more rare body styles that was available is displayed on the example offered here, style no. 4130-S. According to the V16 Cadillac Database, there was only 49 model 4130-S produced. These models were more commonly known as the "Madam-X" Cadillacs; they were great looking, extremely solid cars that were constructed like bank vaults. Despite their handsome looks, these were fast and powerful cars as well. "Madam-X" Cadillacs carried a Fleetwood series 4100 body. The most distinctive styling feature of a "Madam-X" is a raked, one-piece flat windshield with extremely thin side pillars and fine chrome moldings around all side windows. The car's close-coupled lines are well complemented by its more formal straight sills, a feature that made the body appear even more impressive.

The Cadillac was built on July 7, 1930 and shipped to the Akron Branch of Cadillac, then on October 10th it was diverted to Canton, Ohio where it was sold. The body style is confirmed by further documentation as a 4130 S with body no. 26. The car's original coachwork remains solid and rust free, though it displays signs of modern paint touch-ups. The vendor relates that the Cadillac underwent a partial restoration some time ago that now exhibits some aging. The Cadillac's brightwork shows well with only minor pitting in areas. Fitted with the correct large 13-inch headlights, it also has eight-inch articulated lower driving lights that turn in sync with its front wheels (an industry first), chrome pilot fender lights, painted spoke wire wheels accompanied by dual hard cover side mounted 19-inch spoke wheels that set off the car dramatically.

This driver level 1930 two-tone blue Cadillac, bodied by Fleetwood is indeed a rare example as only a handful Madam X examples are known to exist today. The current owner has an authentic buildsheet copy from the Cadillac Museum for this exact car that is to be passed on to the next owner. Notably, the Fleetwood logo is still stamped on the wood floor on the passenger side front area.

Given the car's current condition it would be ideal for use in various tour events, or if you prefer the show fields, this particularly rare series 4100 body example would most certainly be an excellent candidate for a complete restoration.