 The 1933 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Victoria was a shining beacon of luxury despite the Depression. |
In addition to a longer 149-inch wheelbase, the V-16s received a unique grille, a larger -- and more elegant -- "Goddess" hood ornament, and massive "four-bar" bumpers. Also, the three rectangular ventilator doors seen on the sides of the hood of the V-8s and V-12s yielded to three functional "spears" on the V-16, a theme repeated on the lower front fenders.
 The elegant V-16 Convertible Victoria had a well-appointed interior. |
The magnificent V-16, first shown at the 1930 New York Auto Show, continued as before. Basically, the 45-degree, overhead-valve unit consisted of two inline eights sharing the same crankshaft, with each side of the engine having its own carburetion and exhaust system. With a 3.00 x 4.00-inch bore and stroke, it displaced 452 cubic inches. Horsepower was rated at 165, outdone only by Duesenberg's 265 horsepower, although Packard's 160-horsepower V-12 came close.
 Prices for the 1933 V-16 Convertible Victoria were staggeringly high. |
Ten Fleetwood body styles were listed. Prices ranged from $5,540 for an Imperial cabriolet to $8,000 for the All-Weather phaeton. These prices exceeded Packard's priciest V-12s, and had to be viewed as staggering at the time, when a Chevy started at $445.
 The 1933 V-16 Convertible Victoria was rated at 165 hp. |
Cadillac proclaimed that the 1933 V-16 would be "limited to 400 cars for the current year." That figure turned out to be highly optimistic -- output reached only 125.
The five-passenger V-16 Convertible Victoria seen here is one of only two built in 1933.
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