Cadillac V-12s began arriving in dealer showrooms in October 1930, a month later than V-8s for the 1931 model year.

Overshadowed by its “big brother” V-16, the V-12 afforded lively performance at a cost of about $700 over comparable V-8 models.

The Twelve and Sixteen shared parts as well as dimensions and angles, so production did not have to proceed from scratch.

The Twelve was nearly the performance equal of the big Sixteen, with strong torque and similar top speed; from its 368-cu.

in., it produced 135 hp and 285 foot-pounds of torque and a top speed of 80 mph-plus.

Cadillac boldly claimed itself, “The Standard of the World.” Among luxury makes, it was certainly an understatement with offerings of 134-, 140-, and 143-in.

wheelbases; bodies by Fisher and Fleetwood; three different engine configurations; and the more moderately priced LaSalle as part of its lineup.

It arguably began a trend that eventually led to Cadillac’s domination of the luxury car field over rival Packard....