- National CCCA First Prize winner with badge
- Equipped with Trippe safety lights and dual side-mount spares
- Features a rumble seat and golf bag door
Selling on Saturday Evening
1931 Cadillac 355A Convertible Coupe
Cadillac held steady during the Great Depression, continuing to create magnificent luxury automobiles and living up to its slogan, "Standard of the World." In the early 1930s, part of Cadillac's three-pronged model strategy included the V-16 in 1930 and V-12 model lines by 1931. The updated Series 355A V-8 models featured updated styling for 1930 with a lower and longer chassis with a generous 134-inch wheelbase. Hoods were longer and now fitted with five side vents. Coach sills were modified with battery and tool compartments relocated under the front seat. Other choice updates for the 1930 Cadillacs included metal floorboards, an oval instrument panel motif, a radiator screen, a new single-bar bumper design, and dual horns. Headlight diameter was now reduced by one inch. Underneath, the 1931 Cadillac models rode atop new chassis frames with rear springs now mounted directly below the frame rails and fitted with metal covers for a clean appearance. Up front, radiators were repositioned lower within the chassis and a condenser tank was added. Cadillac's highly regarded V-8 engine retained its 353-cubic-inch displacement and standard 95-horsepower factory rating for 1931, with a new intake silencer and 5-point engine mounts adding further refinement. As before, power was delivered by Cadillac's refined driveline, including a synchromesh three-speed manual transmission and several available rear-axle ratios. General Motors' coachbuilding subsidiaries Fisher and Fleetwood supplied a wide array of open and closed body styles ranging from sporty to formal for Cadillac's updated Series 355A V-8 chassis for 1931. Eight bodies were available from Fisher, and Fleetwood offered a focused selection of four bodies. Among Fleetwood's most sporting bodies was the dashing and versatile Style 4535 2/4-Passenger Convertible Coupe, priced from $2,945 on the Series 355A V-8 chassis.
This handsome 1931 Cadillac Series 355A V-8 Convertible Coupe is a CCCA Full Classic® automobile that continues to benefit handsomely from a previous restoration that garnered National First Prize honors in Classic Car Club of America judging, evidenced by Badge 2976 duly affixed to the vehicle. Supremely well-maintained through the years, it is resplendent in silver with black fenders, complemented by a black convertible top equipped with a glass backlight and formal landau irons. The lovely and highly inviting light gray leather-trimmed passenger compartment is accented by woodgrain dash trim and door capping, engine-turned dash inserts, and a wonderful Art Deco-themed instrument panel. The paint, chrome, and overall presentation are all simply striking. In addition to the jaunty rumble seat for two and golf bag door, this Fleetwood-bodied Cadillac is very well-accessorized with chrome depressed-beam headlamps, Trippe Safety Lights, a chrome radiator-grille guard, "Goddess" radiator mascot, twin side-mounted spares topped with chrome mirrors, and a rear luggage rack. The 353-cubic-inch V-8 engine, surrounding engine compartment, and chassis are all very well-finished and detailed, consistent with the rest of the vehicle. Desirable and correct 'HC' high-compression (5.5:1) cylinder heads heighten performance and presence. Silver wire-spoke wheels mounting period-style wide whitewall tires provide an ideal finishing touch.
With their many stylistic and mechanical refinements, Cadillac's Series 355A V-8 models of 1931 are widely regarded as outstanding driver's cars, and they remain a popular choice among classic touring enthusiasts. Elegance, style, and an undying commitment to quality made Cadillacs among the finest automobiles of the period. Today, this example proudly displays those same characteristics.
Contact Us
- Phone: +1.260.925.6789
- Toll Free: 800.990.6789
- Email: info@worldwideauctioneers.com