1930 Cadillac 452 V-16 4335 Convertible Coupe
$ Inquire
Spectacular V-16 V-Windshield Convertible Coupe. ONE OWNER FOR 67 YEARS!
Cadillac developed their legendary V-16 in complete secrecy during the late-1920s. Lawrence Fisher hired engineer, Owen Nacker, away from the Marmon Automobile Company where Nacker was working on a V-16 design. With the nearly-unlimited resources of General Motors behind the Cadillac project, the V-16 was debuted in December of 1929 and stunned the automotive world. The revolutionary power plant had a displacement of 452 cubic inches, split between two overhead valve straight eights mated to a common crankshaft in a 45º angle "V" configuration. With a cylinder bore of just 3 inches and a piston stroke of 4 inches, vibration was virtually eliminated. Yet this quiet powerhouse produced upwards of 185 horsepower (compared to a 1930 Ford Model A's 40 horsepower.) There was truly nothing else like it on the road. In addition to its power, the V-16 was also beautifully finished. The GM styling Department, headed by Harley Earl, streamlined the engine appearance by concealing the spark plugs and wires, and making liberal use of black porcelain enamel, polished aluminum and chrome under the hood.
To showcase this remarkable new engine, Cadillac offered an amazing 57 different variations of body styles on the V-16 chassis, built by Fisher Body in Detroit and Fleetwood Body Company near Reading, Pennsylvania.
This particular car, Model 452A, Style 4335 was ordered on March 12,1930 from Nagelvoort-Stearns Cadillac on the corner of 12th and East Madison Streets in Seattle, Washington. It is termed a "2-4 Passenger Convertible Coupe"; with seating for two in the driver's compartment and an additional two in the open rumble seat. This body style features a 2-piece "V" windshield, raked at a sporty 7º angle. (This windshield configuration was also used on the enclosed Fleetwood "Madame X" Limousines and Sedans.) Unlike the open Roadsters, Style 4335 also offered roll-up windows in the doors, making it a logical choice for an owner in the Pacific Northwest, where weather any day could fluctuate between sunshine and rain showers. This is car #72 from a total of just 99 Model 4335 V-16's that were built by Fleetwood in 1930.
After a two-month building process, the completed car was shipped to Seattle on May 21, 1930. Finished in Heathcote Brown and Tartan Tan with Beige pin striping, it was an uncatalogued color combination custom-ordered by the owner. While the original owner is unknown, the car saw limited use and remained in the Seattle area for most of its early life. By 1951 this V-16 was living in Portland, Oregon, owned by Barney Lewis, a young veteran of WWII. At this time the Cadillac had been re-painted in solid Tan and Black. (See photo.) Following Barney Lewis' unexpected passing several years later, the V-16 was re-painted with black body and red wheels and offered for sale on a used car lot on NE Sandy Boulevard in Portland. It was purchased there in 1958 by George Choban, a 29-year-old Classic car lover who recognized the significance of the automobile that many others of the time looked at as just an "old used car."
Over the following years, as George's collection of Classic cars continued to grow, he always looked at the V-16 as being one of his most significant acquisitions. While it looked worn and well-loved, he knew that this "diamond in the rough" would one day shine again.
After 44 years of ownership, that day came in 2002 when George decided to return the V-16 to its original glory beginning a 2-year, comprehensive restoration. The body was disassembled and all components stripped and refinished in the correct original color combination. George was adept and did much of the disassembly and reassembly himself, with the help of several friends. Not content with this being just a "check book restoration," it was truly a hands-on project for him. Interior and rumble seat upholstery was recreated in saddle tan leather by Guy Recordon at Guy's Interior Restorations in Portland, who has upholstered several Pebble Beach cars. Guy also faithfully recreated the intricate tan Burbank canvas landau convertible top, including the tan wool headliner inside.
The remarkable original V-16 engine, which had not run in a decade, was recommissioned. With just 59,000 miles it was disassembled and found to be in remarkable internal condition - testament to Cadillac's quality engineering. Porcelain parts were refinished and mechanical components were restored or rebuilt as needed. When reassembled and started, it again ran as it likely had in 1930.
Upon completion it was shown at the 2003 Forest Grove, Oregon Concours d'Elegance (one of the oldest concours shows in the west) where it received The President's Award as one of the outstanding automobiles at the show. George used the car sparingly, preferring to keep it safely in the the daylight basement living room of his home, parked below a small chandelier. It was covered unless being shown to admiring friends and guests.
Following George Choban's passing in 2022, the V-16 remained in his home as a silent sentinel. In 2025, his family made the decision to offer this Cadillac for sale through Charvet Classic Cars, as David Charvet has been a longtime friend of the family.
The Cadillac was removed from the basement (after removing two sliding glass doors to allow it to roll outside) and was transported to the shop for evaluation. After a few adjustments it started easily and ran smoothly on all 16 cylinders. Further adjustments were made, including rebuilding one of the carburetors and vacuum tanks. A new 6 volt Optima battery was installed. Fluids checked, drained and refilled as needed.
All of the original gauges work and register accurately (including the gas gauge.) The only instrument not working is the original clock. On the road this car drives beautifully, holds the road well with excellent acceleration and power. The four-wheel, vacuum-assisted drum brakes stop the 5,500 pound car smoothly and quickly. It is a true pleasure to drive and a sensory experience unlike that of any other automobile.
This is one of just twelve Model 4335 Convertibles now known to survive.
Sale includes copy of the original factory build sheet, historic photos, some spare parts and a custom fitted car cover.
Please call with any questions.
WE HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS WORLDWIDE AND CAN ASSIST WITH SHIPPING ANYWHERE.
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