While the Cadillac Series 90 V-16 Convertible Sedan offered here is already quite rare as one of just 308 Sixteens built for 1938 (not counting bare chassis and test/development cars), it is rarer still as one of only 13 produced with five-passenger, convertible sedan coachwork. It joined John O. Bohmer’s growing collection of prewar classics in January 1963, when he purchased the V-16 for $1,000 from Paul Walter of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. According to delightful correspondence between Mr. Walter and Mr. Bohmer on file, Mr. Walter had purchased the grand Cadillac from a Long Island, New York used-car lot in July 1954 and applied $300 worth of service work to have it road-registered. Mr. Walter reported that his wife used the vehicle regularly as a second car during 1955.

Following his purchase, Mr. Bohmer and several friends drove the V-16 back to Brooten, Minnesota, during an extraordinary road trip that formed the subject of a three-part article, which is included in the vehicle’s file. While the Cadillac remained unused for the next three decades, it was eventually restored to its wonderful, current condition. The restoration included body work, a new paint finish, an engine rebuild, and methodical service to the Cadillac’s various systems. A wealth of itemized invoices and receipts regarding the restoration work are also on file. An extremely rare and desirable prewar icon, this CCCA Full Classic would make a great tour car or show entry.

*Please note that this vehicle is titled by its engine number.