1938 Cadillac V16 Series 38-90 Sixteen Convertible Coupe
Cadillac introduced an all-new V16 engine for 1938, replacing the overhead-valve design that had powered its flagship models since 1930. The Convertible Coupe body style offered open-air motoring atop one of America’s most exclusive chassis.
Styling reflected the Streamline Moderne era, with bullet-shaped headlamps integrated into pontoon fenders and side-mounted spares concealed beneath metal covers. Harley Earl’s Art and Colour Section took full advantage of the grand 141-inch-wheelbase chassis, combining graceful proportions with finely judged Art Deco detailing.
The 431-cubic-inch L-head (flathead) V16 featured an unusually wide 135-degree V-angle, making it lower and lighter than its predecessor. Twin carburetors, twin fuel pumps, twin distributors, and twin water pumps served the sixteen cylinders, producing 185 horsepower.
Only 315 Series 90 cars were sold in 1938, and just ten of those were Fleetwood Convertible Coupes, making these sixteen-cylinder Cadillacs exceptionally rare. The Classic Car Club of America recognizes all Cadillac V16s as Full Classics, a distinction reserved for the finest automobiles of the 1925-1948 era.
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