Cadillac ushered in the multicylinder rivalry with its 16-cylinder model in 1930.

By 1934, significant mechanical and styling improvements had been made, however a mere 56 examples of the 452D series were built across the myriad body styles offered that year.


Pontoon fenders blended smoothly with the body, and integration of exterior components such as Art Deco-style biplane bumpers, and single-blade wheel center caps contributed to a contemporary design that evoked quiet luxury within a commanding presence.


According to a copy of its build record, this stunning 1934 V-16, numbered 5100024, was built as a flat-windshield Seven-Passenger Limousine and certainly had an auspicious beginning.

It was ordered by and exported to the Rolls-Royce works to research multicylinder technology for the development of the 12-cylinder Phantom III.


None other than W.O.

Bentley was tasked with testing the car – covering 10,000 miles throughout Europe – and reporting his findings.

W.O.

was late...