- Original engine, chassis, and body as verified by a copy of its original Cadillac build sheet
- Beautifully restored and reliable operational condition
- Protected, enjoyed, and driven sparingly in private collections
- Well-appointed with elegance, style, and power

As America's economy was still feeling the effects of the stock market crash of 1929, Cadillac continued to engineer, design, and produce some of the most advanced technical innovations of the day. While the V-16s of 1930 may have been a crowning achievement, winning praises from both the automotive press as well as the motoring public, the following year, a new V-12 engine was introduced that filled a gap between the V-8 and V-16. This made Cadillac the only car maker to have V-8, V-12, and V-16 engines in production at the same time, quite an impressive feat. By providing complete coverage of the luxury car market, and setting new pathways no others could follow, Cadillac would soon dominate the ever-shrinking high-end motor car segment. In October 1930, the new V-12 was released and featured a choice of 12 Fisher-bodied models as well as four regular Fleetwood catalog selections and up to 10 semi-custom-bodied models all from the Fleetwood shops. As with the V-16, this wide assortment of body styles was installed on 140-inch or 143-inch wheelbase chassis and for semi-commercial purposes, an extended 152-inch axle-spread could be ordered. Technical features abounded with Cadillac with their Selective Synchromesh transmission, twin-disc clutch, torque-tube shaft drive, vacuum-assisted four-wheel mechanical brakes and a ¾ floating rear axle.

With both the new V-12 and the mighty V-16 engines sharing many of the same engineering ideas such as dimensions and angles, as well as sharing numerous components, it was another accomplishment for Cadillac in maintaining its status as "Standard of the World." Despite the V-12's smaller displacement with 368 versus the V-16's 452 cubic inches, performance was nearly matched with the V-12 pumping out 135 HP and a strong 285 foot-pounds of torque, with top speeds clocked at 80 mph which closely matched the numbers posted by the bigger more powerful V-16s. Even with the tough economic situation, the V-12 Cadillac did attract an impressive number of buyers with 5,733 units produced for the 1931 model year. To honor this new model, the organizers of the 500-Mile Memorial Day Classic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway selected this new Cadillac, in roadster form, to pace the race with Willard Radar, Cadillac's chief test driver at the wheel.

The history of this V-12 convertible picks up with its acquisition by the Owl's Head Transportation Museum in the state of Maine. During its time at the museum, the car remained in a state of preservation before it was acquired by our consignor in 2011. He felt that this highly authentic Cadillac should be treated to a well-deserved restoration and, by 2013, the bodywork had been brought back to perfection and painted in a rich and deep high-gloss black. All chrome work was restored to its original appearance with soft trim completed by a well-known artisan of interiors, Mr. Mark Larter, who used supple green leather for the door panels and seating for both the driver and passenger as well as those lucky enough to have a ride in the fold-down rumble seat. Today, this splendid example of Cadillac excellence is fitted with dual front horns, a single Pilot Ray driving light, a protective grille screen fitted with badges from both the CCCA and Cadillac-LaSalle Club, the previously mentioned rumble seat, and a rear-mounted spare tire with a cover that matches the material used for the convertible top.

Our consignor reports that this is the most drivable open Cadillac you could hope for. Both of the Johnson carburetors are wonderfully adjusted and for the past 12 years it has aways been one of the most reliable cars in his extensive collection. Shortly after its restoration was completed in 2013, this stunning example was awarded a Best in Class award at the Concours of America in St. Johns, Michigan. With the car is a copy of the original Cadillac factory build sheet. While enjoyed by its owner, the car has been kept out of the limelight and stored in the climate-controlled comfort of his private facility. This Cadillac will offer the new caretaker of this beautiful convertible coupe opportunities to drive, display, and bask in the glory of ownership of such a magnificent machine.