368ci OHV V12 Engine
Twin Updraft Cadillac Carburetors
135hp at 3400rpm
3-Speed Synchronized Manual Transmission
Solid Axles and Semi Elliptic Springs Front and Rear with Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
4-Wheel Vacuum Assisted Mechanical Brakes

*The pinnacle of pre-war Cadillac styling
*One of only six Fisher body designs offered
*Rarely seen Victoria Opera Coupe coachwork
*Recent restoration to high standards
*One of the best-driving prewar classics


The Cadillac V-12

As the 1920s drew to a close, General Motors, under Alfred P. Sloan, was in control of the widely diverse American automobile market. The Roaring Twenties was a time of opulence and excess and although America's rich and famous were looking to Packard and Duesenberg to fulfill their needs, the Cadillac division remained a seemingly unchallenged namesake in the automotive industry. This position was maintained by continually innovating and producing designs that, without fault, exhibited timeless elegance and styling individuality. Whether it was the sporting look of a V-8 roadster or the powerful magnificence of a V-16 sport phaeton, all of the Cadillac models exemplified their slogan, "The Standard of the World."

By 1931 Cadillac had reached the pinnacle of automotive styling. The 1931 model line offered four separate passenger car choices powered by eight, twelve or sixteen cylinder engines. Despite decreased sales volume brought on by the Great Depression, Cadillac managed to run its competitors into the ground, staking outright claim on the bulk of luxury car sales in America. There were a total of twelve body styles available and they included customer specified designs carried out by the prestigious American coachbuilders, Fleetwood and Fisher. General Motors employed an Art and Color styling department led by one of the most famous automotive designers, Harley J. Earl. Earl and his staff worked their magic on all of the 1931 Cadillac lines and the results were impressive.

The new for 1931 Cadillac V12 filled the large gap between the V8 and the V16 in Cadillacs line up. The V12 borrowed more heavily from its big sister and carried many of the features that made the V-16 so great. It received a hood equipped with doors instead of louvers, a beautiful dash board with full instrumentation similar to the V16s, and an engine that was nearly a dead ringer for the sixteen save a bit of length. The end result could have been the flagship of any competing manufacturers line. The accompanying coachwork was equally impressive and many designs were shared with the V16 chassis. A total of 30 body styles were offered for the V12; six by Fisher and twenty four by Fleetwood.

To celebrate the launch of the new Cadillac it served as the pace car for that year's Indianapolis 500.


The Motorcar Offered

This rare V-12 Victoria Coupe is a wonderfully stylish and sporty machine. The handsome coachwork by Fisher rides on Cadillac's 140" chassis. This Cadillac has been subject to a recent cosmetic restoration, presented in an appropriate Brewster green that compliments the lines of the coachwork. The car has been thoroughly done to a high standard of authenticity while maintaining as much of the car's originality as possible.

The interior has been handsomely re-trimmed in period correct broadcloth and features sporty folding bucket seats to allow access to the rear area. The mechanical end of the car has been thoroughly gone thorough and the car is reported to be in good driving condition.

Having just been restored using a good original car as a basis, this Cadillac has yet to be exhibited at any events. The new owner has the chance to proudly show this car for the first time at shows and on tours. Being an extremely rare variant of the already rare V12 chassis, this machine should be a welcome participant in any classic car event.

These Cadillacs are known for their great driving characteristics, with lots of looks and performance to match. The Victoria coupe offers a nice combination of sporty looks in the convenience of a closed car. Rarely seen on the market, this is a rare chance to acquire a V12 Cadillac coupe in pleasing, ready to use condition.

Without reserve