Richard Warren, Auburn, Massachusetts (acquired from the above circa early 1950s)
Homer Fitterling, South Bend, Indiana (acquired from the above in 1955)
George J. Luchetti, Weston, Massachusetts (acquired from the above circa 1975)
Bob Bahre, Oxford, Maine (acquired from the above in 1983)
Ervin “Bud” Lyon, Lexington, Massachusetts (acquired from the above circa early 1990s)
Dave Kane, Bernardsville, New Jersey (acquired from the above circa 2005)
J. Peter Ministrelli, Troy, Michigan (acquired from the above circa 2006)
The Munday Auto Collection (acquired from the above in 2009)
Coachwork by Fleetwood
Chassis: 702406
Engine: 7-2246
Prime Example of Cadillac’s Magnificent 16-Cylinder Engine
Dashing Fleetwood Sport Phaeton Coachwork
Retains Original Engine per Factory Build Record
Enjoyed and Maintained over Its Life by a Distinguished List of Automotive Enthusiasts
One of Just 11 Examples Known to the CCCA and Cadillac & LaSalle Club
452 CID OHV V-16 Engine
Twin Updraft Single-Throat Carburetors
175 BHP at 3,400 RPM
3-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Vacuum-Assisted Mechanical Drum Brakes
Front Beam Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
The January 1930 reveal of Cadillac’s 16-cylinder 452 model startled the automotive world with an unmatched blend of mechanical brilliance, seamless performance, effortless driving ease, and visual beauty. The 452 model designation referred to its cubic inch displacement, besting the engine size of American cars at that time, and its mechanical genius was complemented by an array of attractive Fleetwood designs. For 1931, these cars carried the 452A designation and the Sport Phaeton offered here serves as an ideal representation of Cadillac’s finest hour.
The engine was a mechanical marvel, featuring twin banks of eight cylinders positioned at the optimal 45 degrees that multiplies power and subdivides it into a continuous flow. Producing 175 hp, it propelled passengers swiftly and with remarkable ease. The engine was also appreciated aesthetically – lifting the hood panels revealed plated and enameled components, with wiring and plumbing ingeniously concealed from sight. Cadillac showcased the visual brilliance of this powerplant through a series of photographic essays by noted artist Anton Bruehl.
Cadillac aficionado Roy A. Schneider compiled body style and production figures for all 16-cylinder Cadillacs in Sixteen Cylinder Motorcars: An Illustrated History, noting that 3,251 examples were built for the 1930 and 1931 model years. The vast majority of the more than 70 body styles offered were formal sedans, limousines, and town cars. Among the limited open designs was style number 4260, the Sport Phaeton, arguably Fleetwood’s most athletic design fitted to the generous 148” wheelbase chassis. Production saw just 85 examples, which were priced at a lofty $6,500.
The accompanying build records indicate this car was shipped in July 1930, and destined for the Cadillac Auto Company of Boston, Massachusetts. An area resident owned the car until the late 1940s, and by 1950, Harry King of Worcester, Massachusetts, was its owner. A few years later, it was purchased by Richard Warren of Auburn, Massachusetts, who treated the car to new paint and upholstery along with installation of a 1932 V-16 engine. Mr. Warren retained its original engine which was included in the sale of the car to well-known collector Homer Fitterling of South Bend, Indiana, in 1955. In the mid-1970s, the car, along with its original engine, was purchased by CCCA member George J. Luchetti of Weston, Massachusetts, who embarked on a comprehensive restoration. Its original engine was reinstalled and the car was finished in its current color combination of black paintwork and contrasting red interior. Following the restoration, the Cadillac was entered at the CCCA Eastern Grand Classic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in July 1977, scoring 96 points.
By 1983, prominent East Coast collector Bob Bahre of Oxford, Maine, added the Cadillac to his impressive collection of Classic Era automobiles before selling it to Ervin “Bud” Lyon of Lexington, Massachusetts, in the early 1990s. Two other CCCA collectors of note subsequently cared for this car, including Dave Kane of Bernardsville, New Jersey, and J. Peter Ministrelli of Troy, Michigan.
During Mr. Ministrelli’s ownership, the car was regularly maintained by Classic and Exotic Services before it joined The Munday Auto Collection of Austin, Texas, in 2009. As part of this collection, the car has been driven sparingly.
The V-16 is finished in gleaming, solid black paintwork, accented by an interior finished in crimson leather upholstery and carpeting. It is well accessorized with dual side-mounted spares with mirrors, a chrome grille guard, Pilot-Ray driving lights, wind wings, trunk rack, and the signature Cadillac Heron radiator mascot. Rear-seat passengers are protected by a wind-down rear windshield that disappears into the gently curved cowl encompassing the rear compartment. The black canvas top folds flush with the rear body, providing a sleek, uninterrupted profile.
A mere 11 other 452 and 452A Sport Phaetons are currently known to the Cadillac & LaSalle Club and the CCCA, making this an exceedingly rare offering. This example has been enjoyed and maintained by an impressive list of automotive enthusiasts for seven decades, all of whom have appreciated its historical significance. When Cadillac division President Lawrence P. Fisher announced the 452 series in 1929, he stated, “The Cadillac V-16 will be custom built – the very ultimate in luxury, comfort and security.” That characterization is still applicable more than 90 years later, and this fine example can be appreciated for both its mechanical superiority and visual beauty at rest and on the open road.
