V-16 Convertible Coupe by Fleetwood
- Series 90 – Body Style 9067
- 185 bhp, 431 cu. in.
- L-head V-16 engine, three-speed selective synchromesh manual transmission, independent front suspension with coil-spring suspension, semi floating rear axle, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes
- Wheelbase: 141.25 in.
- An authentic V-16 convertible coupe with the original chassis, engine, and body
- One of only seven examples built
For 1939, Cadillac introduced its second-generation V-16 engine. More conventional in design than the original, it featured a simple side-valve configuration packed in an unusual 135-degree-bank angle (nearly horizontally opposed!). But it offered comparable horsepower and torque while weighing a remarkable 250 pounds less and was less costly to build. It provided a win-win situation, both for V-16 enthusiasts and for Cadillac, which was facing decreasing sales as the U.S. struggled to recover from the Great Depression.
The new engine was mounted on a shortened chassis with the same 141.25” wheelbase as the eight-cylinder Series 75. This enabled the two series to share Fleetwood bodies and lower prices from 1937 cars by a wide margin.
Twelve body styles were catalogued for 1938 and1939, comprising a full range of possible configurations, all with beautiful styling directed by GM’s young emerging legend, Bill Mitchell, who borrowed design cues from his very modern Series 60 Special.