In 1931, only a year after the introduction of the famed V-16, Cadillac introduced another multi-cylinder engine, a V-12 based upon the same architecture, displacing nearly 370 cubic inches and producing 135 silky-smooth horsepower. It was well-balanced and a smooth highway performer, and offered much of the V-16’s snob appeal and imposing design at a cost some $2,500 lower—making it an appealing bargain for customers in the depths of the Great Depression.

The V-12 offered here was bodied as the seven-passenger touring, Fleetwood style number 4757. It was delivered on consignment account to Mabbett Motors of Rochester, New York, and later diverted to a waiting buyer in New York City. Interestingly, the build sheet in its history file notes that the Cadillac was originally fully black, with the Heron radiator mascot, chromed trunk rack and hood doors, and stainless steel wire wheels, which would have made an especially striking livery.

Restored many years ago in its present color scheme by Dale Sotzing and Dave Myers, reportedly for a collector in Ohio, the car was later owned by Leo Kahn of Arizona, from whom it was purchased by Clive and Janet Cussler for their collection in 2018. Its cheerful two-tone green colors are quite charming and accessorized with dual horns, Pilot Ray driving lights, a chrome grille guard, and two options listed on the build sheet, a luggage rack and side-mounted spares with mirrors. While the finishes throughout show significant patina, the overall appearance is one of honesty, and the car appears to have been well-preserved prior to the restoration, as it retains much of the original structural woodwork, still stamped with Fleetwood identifying numbers on the floorboard. Furthermore, the car retains its original engine and chassis frame, both with numbers matching the build sheet.

Ideal for tours and CARavans, in which it will provide wonderful panoramic views of surrounding scenery, this handsome Cadillac exhibits all the quality that endeared V-12s to luxury car buyers in 1931—and still does today.