One of my all time favorite prewar collector cars is coming

May 30

One of my all time favorite prewar collector cars is coming up for auction again. I saw this in person back in Arizona 7 years ago the last time it sold. I have visions of this being an ultimate tour car. A 1936 Cadillac Series 90 V-16 Five-Passenger Town Sedan. The only one that still exists. The 1990s restoration was 350k.

Last time it sold for under 200k and it might sell for less this time. I LOVE THIS CAR!
https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/ql26_r0014/1936-cadillac-series-90-v-16-five-passenger-town-sedan

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May 30, 2026

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Replies (13)

· May 30

Here is a video I made last time it sold.

YouTube ↗

· May 31

On the subject of V16 Cadillac. This has been discussed heavily on the AACA forum. A "barn find" 1930 Sport Phaeton for 295k. Something you never see.

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· May 31

For comparison, this very nice new coachwork car is asking 650k.
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1930-cadillac-v-16-st.-louis-mo-2849695

· May 31

I had to google the cubic inches. 452 CI !!!! That is a big engine. How fast are these cars?

· May 31

Not the fastest car in their day but comfortable around 50-55 mph. Depended on the rear end gearing. We need a caddy guy to give us what the ratios were. They were very big cars, 154" wheelbase.

· May 31

That looks like a great car for two couples to do a caravan or some scenic touring in. Big and never Bashful….. how does a rebuild on a Cadillac 16 compare to a Packard 12?

· May 31

John, I'm sure you saw the discussion on the Packard 12 on the AACA. That is 75-100k and the V16 is just as much or even a little more. I would call it a 100k rebuild. How much you have to deal with accessories only adds to that.

· May 31

I like trolling Peter Kumar's site because he always has interesting projects for sale. I saw this V16. New price is 225k. Car runs and drives according to the description.

https://www.gullwingmotorcars.com/1930-cadillac-v16-series-452-c-4535.htm

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· May 31

Interesting choice between the running and driving convertible sedan and the sport phaeton that needs everything. If the convertible sedan does not need any engine work I probably take the running car, but if there is any noise or smoke I take the sport phaeton.

· May 31

I love looking at his stuff too. There are always three or four cars that make me think "maybe I could take this on"..........and then I snap out of it. The convertible sedan is interesting. The sport phaeton is a looker. The thread on the AACA about it had everyone's attention. Kent posted it and we've had a back conversation about it being on FB marketplace........I've stopped being surprised by the stuff people decide to move with that venue.

· May 31

The problem is when the family gets stuck with the car and they are not dialed in car people. I'm a dialed in car person (in my own mind) and I've struggled selling my dad's cars. Even at prices I thought were "free". Kumar's business model was brilliant for a long time as project cars can sit with no maintenance and there is no guarantees. The problem now is that you can't give away a project. Even the coolest ones. Although I'm sure there is a buyer for that V16 at some number.

· May 31

BroadArrow sold this V16 aero coupe at Monterey a few years ago for a million bucks. You can't tell from the photo but the color is funky. Also as a museum car it had sat. I would have said bargain otherwise.

· May 31

What color is it in person?