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Cadillac V-12 Cabriolet
1932
Series 370-A
| Engine Type |
V-12 |
Assembled in |
Detroit, MI |
| Bore & Stroke |
3.125 x 4.0 in. |
Number Built |
5725 |
| Displacement |
368 cu. in. |
Transmission |
3 speed manual - synchromesh |
| Valves |
Overhead Valves (I-Head) |
Weight |
4,910 lbs. |
| Horsepower |
135 hp @ 3400 rpm |
Top speed |
85 mph |
| Torque |
285 ft.lbs |
Original Cost |
$3,945 |
The Cadillac V-12, and its sister engine the V-16, were the logical
outgrowth of the popularity and technology of the well-built Cadillac
V-8, and the necessity of more powerful mechanisms to move increasingly
larger and heavier automobiles. Simply enlarging the V-8 bores was
ineffective as it caused certain thermal problems, and superchargers
were only practical in racing machines. By process of elimination,
more cylinders, a larger displacement, and higher compression became
the solution. The V-12 and V-16 engines helped propel Cadillac into
competition with the most expensive cars in the world. Although the
timing of the production of these cars may have been less than ideal
(the V-16 was introduced less than two months after the Wall Street
crash), the cars are some of the best ever built by Cadillac.
The V-12's, introduced just nine months after the V-16's were built
on a 140 inch chassis that was also shared by the V-8 that was the
mainstay of Cadillac's line-up. The smaller engine was known for
free revving and smooth, even power. Twenty different models were
available in the V-12 as opposed to over 50 in the V-16 model. The
Roadster, the sportiest vehicle in the lineup, was one of the most
desirable of the V-12 cars available.
Note the small door on the behind the passenger seat on the right side.
Can you guess what the door is for?
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On loan from Hazel Lyon-Farrell of Santa Barbara, CA
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