1931 Cadillac 370A V12 Imperial Limousine

1931 Cadillac Other Description

You are bidding on a 1931 Cadillac 370A seven-passenger Imperial Limousine (body by Fisher, style 163). According to the Cadillac and LaSalle directory, only 598 of these body styles were produced, and two are listed in the directory. This is a very well-preserved original car with no rust or rot anywhere. The car has dual side-mounts with original chrome tread covers and Cadillac mirrors, stone guard, Trippe lights, goddess hood ornament, Klaxon trumpet horns, original Cadillac trunk with restored wood interior, manual crank divider window (de-laminated), jump seats, lap robe and pulls, footrest, push button signal in rear compartment and speaker in chauffeur compartment, exterior windshield visor and interior visor over driver's seat (not currently attached), rear ashtray and cigarette lighter, window shades and exterior courtesy lights above the running boards. The wheelbase is 143 inches.
The front seat is leather while the rear compartment is upholstered in gray wool broadcloth. The headliner and side panels are snug and do not sag. Interior door and window trim is black, and all windows open/close easily. The dashboard features centrally-positioned gauges, all of which work as they should; wind-up clock also works; windshield wipers move laterally as the original vacuum system works fine. There is no radio but the original heater (not installed) is included along with the original switch. The steering wheel features horn button, manual throttle and headlight controls, all of which work as they should. Choke and spark advance are mounted on the dash. All the lights operate including the Trippe lights off of the original switch, and the dash lights. There is a battery cut-off switch discretely mounted in the chauffeur's compartment. The leather roof insert is in terrific condition, with no tears or leaks anywhere. Even the original leather wrappings near the front wheels is in tact! Parking brake is located in the center of the floor, to the right of the shift handle. The engine is started by a button just to the right of the gas pedal.
The V-12 engine starts easily and runs smoothly, and the brakes operate effectively with no screeching or pulling to one side. The engine was rebuilt by the previous owner, and the dual downdraft carburetors have given me no trouble, nor has the original vacuum tank fuel system. The car shifts easily, and the synchromesh transmission (2nd and 3rd gears) is quiet with no chattering or scraping.
The chrome on the car is in excellent condition, with no pitting or chips. The fenders have one respray, but the belt-line paint is original, with a few areas of cracking typical of lacquer paint. The original light blue contrasting pinstripe is in excellent condition as well. There are a few minor scratches on the body but overall the appearance is very good. I have recently repacked the water pump, cleaned and lubricated the starter, given the car a tune-up with new points and condensers, installed 6 NOS spark plugs and new cork seals on the headlights. One horn will require a new wire connection easily accessible under the exterior cap on the horn assembly.
This car is not in concourse condition but is a very solid and beautiful driver which I have taken to several local shows within a 50 mile radius of my home. The car is nimble at speed and handles very well.
The car is located in St. Clair, PA (approx. 95 miles northwest of Philadelphia and is available for inspection. Please call Robert at (718) 721-4802 during the week or (570) 429-0310 on weekends with any questions or to arrange a viewing time. Buyer is responsible for transport of the vehicle after purchase. I accept as payment wire transfer or certified bank check. A deposit of $1000 is required within five days of the close of the auction.