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CadillacSixteen-S

SPECIFICATION


Engine:
54 degree V16; 76.2 x 101.6 mm, 7413 cc; pushrod ohv; max power 165 bhp at 3,400 rpm

Transmission:
Three speed manual gearbox.

Suspension:
Non-indpendent, semi-eliptic springs, hydraulic shock absorbers

Brakes:
Drum brakes

Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 148 in (376 cm);
Track: Front an Rear: 59 in (150 cm)

Max speed:
According to bodywork, up to 93 mph (150 kmh)
Cadillac Sixteen 1930/31



Under the General Motors umbrella, Cadillac was able to continue to develop and produce luxury cars though the depression years. It's V16-engined cars of the 1930s were serious contenders for the "Best car in the world" title which a british rival considered its property. Under the chief designer Ernest Seaholm, work on the magnificient engine that was to be the heart of the car started in 1927, and was first seen at the end of 1929 for a 1930 model year introduction.

Refinement

Cadillac had ample vee engine experiance to draw on for its V16, which had two cast-iron cylinder blocks on a cast-alloy crankcase. Thoughout care was taken with quality, in such apects as "hydraulically-silenced overhead valves". Out and out power was not an objective, and with 165 bhp it was intended to be flexible, responsive and smooth. It was mounted in a chassis derived from the V8 range and some components were common.

Modest succes

It was claimed that 33 body styles , by Fisher and Fleetwood (another GM company) were available. Invariably large on that generous wheelbase a 100 mph/161 kmh was beyond these cars. The Sixteen came at a time when ostenation was out of fashion so in its two years, production amounted to no more than 3,250

A two-seater body seems an extravagance on that long wheelbase, but the overall result was very elegant.

Photo Autopresse
MCMXCI, Edito-Service S.A. D1 078 01-153

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