The 1938-1940 Cadillac
Series 90 Sixteen and overall Sixteen production was never more than a
few hundred per year after 1933. Both the V-12 and original V-16
engines were dropped after 1937, but Cadillac offered a new L-head V-16
for three more model years.
At 431 cid and 185 bhp, the 1938-1940 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen powerplant was smaller and lighter, but more powerful than the earlier jewel-like engine. However, it's never received collector acclaim. The advent of precision-insert con rod bearings helped eliminate the traditional knock and engine wear of eights and sixes, which had occasioned multi-cylinder engines.
Cadillac found it uneconomical to continue this Sixteen past 1940, even though it shared its wheelbase and many body styles with the Series Seventy-Five. Few open models were built, most being Imperial and formal sedans.
Pluses of the 1938 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen:
311
Production of the 1939 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen:
136
Production of the 1940 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen:
61
Specifications of the 1938-1940 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen:
Length, inches: NA
Wheelbase, inches: 141.3
Weight, pounds: 4,830-5,330
Price, new: $5,140-$7,175 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1938-1940 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen:
![]() 1938 Cadillac Series 90 V-16 limousine. See more pictures of Cadillac cars. |
Cadillac found it uneconomical to continue this Sixteen past 1940, even though it shared its wheelbase and many body styles with the Series Seventy-Five. Few open models were built, most being Imperial and formal sedans.
Pluses of the 1938 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen:
- Despite lesser reputation, flathead V-16 was smooth and near silent
- All models have full Classic status
- Luxury, refinement
- Good roadability
- A bit easier to acquire than pre-1938 models
- Still very expensive
- Extremely hard to find
- Colossal restoration costs
311
Production of the 1939 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen:
136
Production of the 1940 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen:
61
Specifications of the 1938-1940 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen:
Length, inches: NA
Wheelbase, inches: 141.3
Weight, pounds: 4,830-5,330
Price, new: $5,140-$7,175 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1938-1940 Cadillac Series 90 Sixteen:
Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
sv V-16 | 431.0 cid | 185 | 1938-1940 |
Want more information about classic cars? See:
- Classic Cars
- Cadillac Cars
- Muscle Cars
- Sports Cars
- Consumer Guide Auto
- Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search