Cadillac was the only manufacturer to offer a trio of multi-cylinder engines during the Classic Era: V-8, V-12, and V-16.

The V-12 occupied a happy medium between the two, offering smooth power at a slightly lower cost than the mighty “Sixteen,” and sharing many of the same attractive body styles by Fisher and Fleetwood.

In 1936 the twelve-cylinder models were offered on two lengths of wheelbase, the 131-inch Series 80 and the 136-inch Series 85.

Both were equipped with hydraulic brakes, a significant engineering improvement over earlier models, while better tuning increased the engine’s performance to a robust 150 horsepower at 3,600 rpm.

The result was a capable automobile that was modern-feeling and a real pleasure to drive at highway speeds.

Yet the lingering effect of the Great Depression ensured that the “Twelve” would continue to remain a rarity; only 651 of the Series 85s were sold.

The Series 85 Convertible Sedan offered here is documented by its build sheet, a copy of w...