The 1931 Cadillac V-12 370-A Convertible Coupe

The 1931 Cadillac V-12 370-A Convertible Coupe

Check out Lot 129 selling at Gooding & Co. Pebble Beach 2021 selling at no reserve. Estimated at $75,000.00 to $100,000.00

www.goodingco.com

Introduced in October 1930, Cadillac’s 370 model was powered by a new 12-cylinder engine, positioned just beneath the firm’s legendary V-16. Cadillac General Manager Lawrence P. Fisher remarked that “the V-12 engine is of the same type and built to exactly the same standards as the V-16.” While most chassis were equipped with production bodies, this model 370-A is identified as body no. 201 with body style no. 4735, a rumble seat Convertible Coupe by Fleetwood.

According to a copy of its build sheet, the car was delivered to prominent Los Angeles Cadillac dealer Don Lee in March 1931. That document also lists black exterior paint complemented by ivory trim and Burbank cloth for the convertible top. The car was acquired by William Gottwald of San Diego in the late 1950s or early 1960s and still carries its California black license plates issued in 1963. A mechanical engineer by trade, Mr. Gottwald maintained a diverse collection of preservation automobiles that were rarely driven and stored indoors.

Its body provides a solid foundation for restoration with top irons and seat frames still in place. It comes complete with front and rear bumpers, six wire wheels, metal side-mount spare tire covers, running boards, and a trunk rack. Preserving it in its current state provides a less ambitious approach to enjoying this car and respects its original aesthetic.

Just nine of these Convertible Coupes are known to the CCCA and Cadillac & LaSalle Club today, making it a rare, open example of the golden age of Cadillac motoring.