Ellingson Motorcars
20950 Rogers Drive
Rogers, MN 55374
"This 1938 Cadillac Series 90 V-16 7 Passenger Sedan is an impressive CCCA Full Classic that is ready to be enjoyed on your future CARavan! Initially introduced during the 1930 model year, the Cadillac V-16 was an incredible display of Cadillac engineering as well as an epic statement for the few that owned them. Of course, the V-16 could not have debuted at a worse time with the United States and global economies plunging into the worst financial crisis ever during the Great Depression. As the decade progressed, Cadillac continued to offer its V-16 models but they were not as big of a success for the GM marque as they had hoped for. By 1938, virtually all of Cadillac's luxury counterparts, including Duesenberg, Cord, Marmon, Auburn, and Pierce-Arrow, had failed due to the financial conditions of the Great Depression which greatly affected the high-end luxury automobile market. The two surviving American luxury marques that were able to survive were Cadillac and Packard. Unlike Cadillac, Packard introduced lower-cost cars during the Depression years that were able to bolster the independent automaker's sales during the downturn. On the other hand, Cadillac continued to selling its ultra luxurious (and expensive) automobiles and likely picked up an even bigger market share as the competition failed, or in the case of Packard, exited or at least placed a greater focus outside the highest end of the market. While it was clear that consumer tastes were shifting away from massive luxury cruisers by the late 30s, Cadillac surprised everyone when it introduced a brand new Series 90 V-16 in October 1937 at the New York Automobile Show. Cadillac's intention with its new V16 design was to create an even roomier passenger cabin and also to lower the car's overall profile and center of gravity. Cadillac's Series 90 came in 12 different Fleetwood-built semi-custom bodies ranging from coupes to large 4-door limousine-esque boulevard cruisers. The 1938 Series 90 V-16 models also received a major facelift from now-famous automotive designer Bill Mitchell. The most obvious changes occurred in the front profile highlighted by a new chrome grille design featuring die cast ""egg crate"" styling. Mitchell also reworked the front fenders giving them a squarer silhouette. The new-look front fenders straddled a new, rear-hinged hood with a brand new tapered appearance and marking the first time that Cadillac's hoods opened in the front. Despite the implementation of a brand new, revolutionary design Cadillac's V-16 line still did not generate tremendously more sales with a total of 315 V-16 models produced in 1938 making this particular Series 90 sedan quite a rare automobile. Nonetheless, due to its gorgeous style and impressive design, the 1938 Cadillac V-16 Series 90 has been deemed a ""Full Classic"" by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) which makes this car eligible for CCCA CARavans and other events. This particular V-16 Cadillac comes to us from a southern-based collector who stewarded this engineering and styling marvel for the better part of the last decade. Powering this '38 Cadillac is a 431 Cubic Inch V-16 engine fed by a pair of Carter dual barrel carburetors that together were said to have created 185 horsepower when new. The 431 V16 is backed by a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted using the column-mounted ""3-on-the-tree"" shifter. Exhaust exits this massive Cadillac's power plant via a single exhaust system that generates a wonderful sound out of the chrome-tipped tailpipe. Being that Cadillac, and especially its Series 90 V-16 models, were some of the most luxurious cars of their day, they come loaded with fantastic options and technologically advanced standard equipment! Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires, each accented with a full V-16 trimmed wheel disc, this 1938 V-16 Cadillac has a truly luxurious look, whether parked in your garage or driving to the local CCCA car show. This 1938 Cadillac Series 90 also comes equipped with dual covered side-mounted spare tires that further elevate the exterior's luxurious look. Hydraulic drum brakes in all four corners was quite a luxury back in 1938 since they provide for greater stopping power which is especially important when driving this 5,000+ pound behemoth. A driver's side chrome mirror is another welcome addition to this 7 passenger Pre-War Cadillac since it makes squeezing into a tight parking space much easier and improves sight lines while cruising. The front and rear chrome bumpers both show well and each are equipped with a pair of chrome bumper guards. The all steel Fleetwood body has been tastefully finished in elegant black paint that completes the gorgeous exterior look of this wonderful Pre-War classic. Inside, this 1938 Cadillac Series 90 V-16 7 Passenger Sedan exudes high-end luxury! The front bench seat, along with the rear bench seat and auxiliary jump seats have been upholstered in tasteful tan broadcloth. The broadcloth door panels, wood-rimmed window surrounds, painted dash, and steering wheel all appear to be nice condition and all retain a gorgeous stock appearance. Instrumentation includes a 110 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, battery gauge, and fuel gauge, along with indicators for the exterior lighting controls. The dash also comes outfitted with an AM radio, cigar lighter, clock, and locking glovebox, along with several other controls, further elevating the overall luxury look and feel of this premium Cadillac. The roomy rear passenger compartment is fit for a king (or queen)! The broadcloth covered rear bench seat is ultra comfortable and features a folding center armrest along with padded side armrests as well, each sporting integrated ash receivers and cigar lighters. The broadcloth covered folding auxiliary jump seats also look great and make for a novel touring experience for a couple extra passengers. A robe cord, roll up curtains, and several interior lights complete this Cadillac's high-end interior. Whether you're buying your very first Full Classic Car or you're a full fledged member of the Classic Car Club of America or Cadillac and LaSalle Club, this 1938 Cadillac Series 90 V-16 7 Passenger Sedan would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
"
| Year: | 1938 |
| Make: | Cadillac |
| Model: | Series 90 V-16 |
| Mileage: | 67616 |
| Exterior Color: | Black |
| Interior Color: | Tan |
| Trim: | 7 Passenger Sedan |
| Body: | sedan |
| Stock: | 8956 |
| Engine Size: | Gasoline |
| Transmission: | 3 Speed Manual |
| Vin: | 5270258 |
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Ellingson's Number 1 Classic and Collectible Cars is a top collectible classic car dealer in the Midwest. Our indoor showroom houses over 90 beautiful cars, trucks and motorcycles for sale ranging from pre-war antiques to today�s modern automobiles. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are always eager to help you find your perfect dream car. Our consignment and buying program is one of the best in the business. If you have a car you are looking to sell, let one of the staff know. We can help you determine how to maximize the price you get. We also offer a full service repair facility with the knowledge and expertise to work on most any mechanical issues. Make Ellingson's the Number 1 place to call when it comes to buying, consigning, selling, or servicing your collectible classic automobile or truck.
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