Despite the ravages that the Great Depression had played on the American economy, the luxury car market was still going strong in 1931 as this car, the 1931 Cadillac V-8 Roadster by Fleetwood, proves.

Recognizing the economic struggles of the period, Harley Earl and his Art and Colour Department of General Motors, worked to bring styling cues from the incredible V-16 and V-12 flagship automobiles to the lower-priced V-8 market.

The end result of this groundbreaking stylistic amalgamation would ultimately vault Cadillac to the heights of the American automobile industry.

With easy power from the 353 cubic inch V-8, a smooth shifting fully-synchronized three speed transmission and vacuum assisted cable brakes, the Series 355A roadster was an ideal touring car for those of means.

The sumptuous Style 4502 bodywork by Fleetwood made the car a masterpiece.

Harley Earl was a true genius and the fact that this car still wows modern observers is a testament to his true mastery of automotiv...