233: 1937 Cadillac V16 Custom Imperial Cabriolet by Fle Start Price USD 100,000.00 Current Price USD 175,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 16 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, August 02, 2008 End Time Saturday, August 02, 2008 Location Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester, MI See more about '233: 1937 Cadillac V16 Custom Imperial Cabriolet by Fle' Description click for larger image233: 1937 Cadillac V16 Custom Imperial Cabriolet by Fle185hp, 452 cu. in. overhead valve V16 engine, three-speed synchromesh manual transmission, leaf spring front axle and torque tube rear axle, four-wheel power assisted brakes. Wheelbase: 154"Automotive enthusiasts the world over have long recognized the 1930s as a golden era for the American automobile. For a brief time, elegant bodies built by the finest craftsman were mated to long wheelbase chassis featuring large multi-cylinder engines. These fine motor cars were both powerful and stunningly beautiful in appearance. Cadillac was no exception to this era of opulence and grandeur.In the latter part of the 1920s, Alfred Sloan'ss General Motors was gaining on every front -- from the new overhead valve six-cylinder engine, which was pitched against Ford's four-cylinder powerplant, to a full offering of middle and upper-middle class cars ranging from Pontiac to Buick.In December 1929, Cadillac's Division President Lawrence P. Fisher announced to all dealers that Cadillac would build the ultimate luxury car. The result was the famous V16, a trump card that raised the stakes in the luxury car market. After a quiet three-year period of development, the new engine was introduced at the 1930 New York Auto Show. Known formally as the Series 452, its introduction created quite a stir, and despite the deepening Depression, orders began flowing into the factory for Cadillac's magnificent new automobile, offered in various body styles with most designs executed by Fleetwood.Longer wheelbases allowed long, graceful hoods, while the chrome and cloisonne jewelry on the tie bar and hubcaps ensured that everyone knew this car was something special. Under the hood, the new V16 engine was an engineering masterpiece, featuring an advanced overhead valve design that incorporated automatic hydraulic valve lash compensators that ensured the engine ran as quietly as any side valve engine. The narrow 45-degree cylinder bank angle produced a compact engine with good inherent balance.Just as important as the car's mechanical specification, however, was the underhood appearance. Styled by Owen Nacker, it was the first engine bay to receive special design consideration. Wiring was hidden under covers accented by cloisonne knobs, while gleaming black enamel contrasted with a brushed aluminum raised pattern on the valve covers. Fuel lines were plated, and a false firewall hid the necessary wiring and plumbing from view.Despite the undeniable magnificence of the V16s, they did not go unaffected by the worsening of the Great Depression. As the 1930s progressed, the great V16 Cadillacs became more and more difficult to sell. Consequently, ownership of such limited, pricey automobiles was generally reserved for the elite and wealthy. Nevertheless, Cadillac experienced enough sales to sustain the company through the lean years and eventually even outshine its rival, Packard.This particular V16 Fleetwood Custom Imperial Cabriolet was purchased new for specific Hollywood events and delivered to the Beverly Hills home of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Vice President and General Manager Edgar "Eddie" Mannix, as supported by the original delivery card. Mannix's reputation in Hollywood was such that Clark Gable once said, "Why do I need to sign a contract? I shook hands with Eddie Mannix".Used by top MGM stars during the "Golden Age of Hollywood", Mannix's car was intended to convey an image of ultimate prestige as it was used in studio operations, appeared with top MGM stars at events like the Academy Awards, and was provided for their use during filming of major motion pictures. Various important stars enjoyed that privilege, but none were more significant than Clark Gable, and perhaps Vivian Leigh, who used the car during the filming of the multiple Academy Award-winning, Gone with the Wind. It is said that Gable, a devoted car enthusiast in his own right, preferred to drive the smooth and powerful V16 himself instead of being driven in it.Apparently, Mannix considered the V16 too historically important to part with it and kept the car for the rest of his life. Thirty years after its original delivery by Hillcrest Cadillac, the car was sold from Mannix's estate after his passing and was subsequently owned by a series of prominent car collectors before eventually finding its way into a collection in the St. Louis area, where it was used and stored for years. After the passing of this St. Louis-area collector, the car was sold to an enthusiast in Colorado. As presented, the car is a remarkable survivor with approximately 34,000 original miles. The paint, interior, and trim are mostly original and have been sparingly retouched or refinished only when absolutely necessary to maintain the car's magnificent patina. Notable features include a blind rear quarter, padded leather roof, roll-up divider window, rear clock, heaters, and a hidden rear-seat radio. Additionally, this car is reportedly the only known V16 Cadillac to have warranted a Sterling Silver Goddess hood ornament.While less than 50 V16 Cadillacs were built for 1937, this is one of just two Series 90 Fleetwood Custom Imperial Cabriolets built with a modified Vee windshield and, as such, is a very rare car indeed. Also, 1937 was the first year for hydraulic brakes and the last year for the powerful and beautiful 452 cubic inch V16 overhead-valve engine and the 154-inch wheelbase, the longest ever for an American car. What's more, this V16 is understood to be the most expensive car sold by General Motors in 1937, comparable in price to several exclusive private homes. Well maintained its entire life, it remains in remarkable original condition, right down to the luxurious original upholstery enjoyed by top MGM stars. It is an excellent candidate for any show of classic American automobiles.Auction House RM Auctions5 West Forest AveYpsilanti, MI United States 48197519.352.4575Important NoticeRM Auctions usually auctions automobiles at the rate of 20 lots per hour. On some occasions, eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. RM recommends placing a realistic absentee bid now, as insurance to help avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also re-open a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because of a missed audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that RM Auctions may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above, or under any other reasonable circumstances. Since eBay bids are not shown to us until we open the lot on the floor, we treat those bids just like floor bids. In most cases the floor responds before the eBay bid is presented to us, due to Internet lag time, so for consistency we have made it a policy that floor bids are always considered first over tying eBay live bids. Also please note that all RM Auctions lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 13% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid. This lot is being auctioned in conjunction with a live floor auction by RM Auctions, Inc. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by RM Auctions, Inc., and all other information should be considered preliminary. Winning Notification and Billing: After the FINAL session in this auction is complete RM Auctions will send e-mail invoices. This process normally takes up to two days. All final auction and invoice information will be supplied by RM Auctions, Inc., and all other information should be considered preliminary. This auction will be conducted on a live auction floor and over the Internet through eBay Live. If you choose to place an absentee bid, please take a moment to learn how eBay Live absentee bidding works by visiting eBay's website.Terms & ConditionsPlease ensure that you have read and understood these terms and conditions prior to bidding at this or any other RM sale.1. All sales are final. No bidder may retract a bid made during the sale for any reason.2. Final bid price does not include 13% buyer's premium or applicable taxes on each lot purchased. Proof of tax exemption is buyer's responsibility.3. All payments must be in the form of cash (In House Only) or certified funds unless other arrangements have been approved in advance. Cash (In House Only) payments will be reported according to Federal government requirements.4. All sales are "as is" and "where is". Bidder is responsible for inspections and verification of condition, authenticity, and completeness of any item purchased. No warranties or representations of any type whatsoever are made by RM. Buyers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own evaluation and inspection. Any announcements made at the time of sale supercede any earlier printed information.5. Bidder authorizes RM Auctions, Inc. to authorize the credit card number provided for $2000. Should a bidder default on payment in any manner whatsoever, without limiting any recourse RM Auctions, Inc. may have, bidder agrees to pay RM Auctions, Inc. all lost auction fees (which is the maximum published rates for (1) the seller's commission, (2) the buyer's premium, and (3) the entry), this amount is due and payable without relief.6. Person bidding online must be 21 years of age or older. No minors are allowed to bid.7. If Buyer is picking up items or using a shipping company other than the RM recommended company, Buyer is responsible for removing items from the auction location by Monday, August 4th at 12:00 noon. Buyer is responsible for paying for the removal of items from the site, packing, shipping, handling and insurance of any items purchased. If Buyer is unable to provide RM with the name of a transportation company within 24hrs of the purchase, RM will release the lot to "Intercity Lines Inc". Buyer will pay RM directly for the lots, buyers fee and any applicable taxes and pay "Intercity" directly for their services.8. The auctioneer reserves the right to rearrange, separate, exclude or withdraw any lot without giving a reason.9. If buyer sues RM Auctions, Inc. and does not prevail, Buyer will reimburse RM Auctions, Inc. for all legal fees and expenses in connection with said suit.10. All terms of sale posted on the auction premises, printed in sale brochures or forms, publicly announced, communicated via the eBay bidding applet or otherwise published are incorporated herein by reference.ShippingIf Buyer is picking up items or using a packing/shipping company other than the RM recommended company, Buyer is responsible for removing items from the auction location by Monday, August 4th at 12:00 noon. Buyer is responsible to pay for the removal of items from the site, packing, shipping, handling and insurance of any items purchased. If Buyer is unable to provide RM with the name of a transportation company within 24hrs of the purchase, RM will release the lot to "Intercity Lines Inc". Buyer will pay RM directly for the lots, buyers fee and any applicable taxes and pay "Intercity" directly for their services.Buyer's Premium13%PaymentCash (In House Only), Money Order, Certified Check or Bank Wire Transfer. NOTE: RM DOES NOT ACCEPT PAYPAL AS A FORM OF PAYMENT. Any questions, please email.TaxesLocal 6% tax applies when picking up items or shipping within the state of Michigan.ContractYour bid is a contract.Place a bid only if you're serious about buying the item. If you are the successful and winning bidder, you have entered into a legally binding contract to purchase the property bid on from the seller. You should contact the seller to resolve any questions before bidding.RegistrationBidders are required to:a) Sign up for this auction& b) Complete bidding approval formApproval is at the discretion of the Auction House.HelpHelp with biddingImages Auction services provided by LiveAuctioneers Place a Bid!