1931 Cadillac v-16 Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton

This 1931 Cadillac has a genuine sport phaeton body, one of 85 built with known history dating back to 1935. Phaetons, derived from light and open four-wheeled carriages, were open-air automobiles without any fixed weather protection. They were popular from the 1900s until the 1930s when closed vehicles and convertibles became more widely available. Cadillacs' Sport Phaeton, however, was more than just a means of transportation; it was a status symbol filled with luxury options. The Sport Phaeton lacked roll-up windows, unlike its counterpart, the All Weather Phaeton or Convertible Sedan, but the model is a much rarer vehicle. This genuine V-16 sport phaeton was shipped new to the Hollywood, California, dealership of Don Lee on July 19, 1930. The first owner is listed as Douglas Fairbanks Sr., who had ownership for five years before transferring ownership to G. Thatcher Darwin, who enjoyed ownership of this car as his everyday automobile. He also chauffeured his mother and aunt on a memorable trip up Mount Wilson for a sightseeing journey. The coachwork was designed by Fleetwood Metal Body Co. in Fleetwood, PA, known for crafting high-quality, custom-built luxury bodies for many classic vehicles. The car was purchased just after World War II by Colonel George Van Deusen, commanding officer of the Air Force base in Tucson, Arizona, who enjoyed ownership until 1968, when it was sold to V-16 car enthusiast Paul Schinner in 1968 where it was dubbed "a forty-year project" of restoration. The restoration was finally completed in November 2024 with complete new leather upholstery, rugs, top irons, oak bows, and a new fabric top. Many correct parts were located and fitted to the completed project car, which included engine pans, side mount wheel covers, wind wings, trumpet horns, trunk rack, correct bumper hardware, and a completely rebuilt and restored V-16 engine. MODEL: 452A STYLE: 4260 CHASSIS NO: 7-2577 BODY NO: 50 BODY BY: Fleetwood VIN: MVD39694 DOCUMENTATION: Florida Title