In the Classic Era, when any automaker worth its salt produced a V-12 or V-16 model, Cadillac was unique in building production examples of both, in addition to their long-lived and trusty V-8.

The V-12 served to bridge the gap between the merely expensive V-8 and the immensely costly V-16, both in size and performance.

It was based upon much of the V-8’s chassis engineering and modestly sized frame, and while its engine was not as fast as the V-16, it provided smooth performance and a cruising speed of around 70 mph in most styles.

Production of the 12-cylinder Cadillac would last from 1931 through 1937, with its design evolving alongside its corporate brethren.

They were never produced in great quantity, with 1933’s elegant new streamlined bodywork failing to move manufacture past just 952 examples in a broad range of Fisher and Fleetwood designs.

The Fisher-bodied all-weather phaeton offered here was first sold by Oliver Cadillac Company of St.

Louis, Missouri, as noted on its...