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The 1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60 Stationary Coupe, with its distinctive Vee windshield, stands as a remarkable testament to the elegance of a bygone era. This extraordinary automobile, among the last surviving examples of its kind, showcases Cadillac’s commitment to luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation. In this article, we delve into the captivating story and exquisite features of this classic masterpiece.
The Unique Legacy of the 1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60 Stationary Coupe
The Evolution of Cadillac in 1935
The year 1935 witnessed Cadillac largely continuing its designs from the previous model year. However, notable changes included the abandonment of the fragile bi-plane bumpers, which were expensive to manufacture and repair. Another significant update was the introduction of the all-steel turret top on Fisher-bodied models. Throughout the year, Cadillac produced a total of 3,636 cars, consisting of 3,209 V-8s, 377 V-12s, and a mere 50 V-16s.
A Singular Survivor: The Special Order Stationary Coupe
Among the limited production of the 1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60, only one stationary coupe remains on the V-16 chassis. This particular vehicle was commissioned as a special order by Chas Wanick, an insurance and real estate broker from Glen Rock, New Jersey. The car was delivered through Brogan Cadillac-LaSalle Co. of Paterson, New Jersey. Wanick’s specifications included a black exterior with black wheel covers, Wiese 4310 interior, covered side-mounted spares, a Cadillac master radio, a flexible steering wheel, and a gold Goddess radiator mascot.
The Era of Competition: Duesenberg vs. Cadillac
The 1930s marked a period shaped by competition and necessity. While the Duesenberg brand showcased its race-bred power through the Model J, Cadillac made a name for itself with the impressive V-16 engine known for its smooth and silent operation. Cadillac’s arrival in the luxury car segment set new standards in automobile design and posed a challenge to other manufacturers. General Motors further solidified Cadillac’s dominance by introducing the Cadillac V12, providing a complete range of power options with V8, V12, and V16 engines.
Power and Engineering Excellence
At the heart of the Cadillac Model 452-D was its awe-inspiring sixteen-cylinder engine, capable of producing up to 185 horsepower. This remarkable powerplant featured a 452 cubic-inch displacement, a narrow 45-degree V-angle, overhead valves, hydraulic valve lifters, and was meticulously designed by Owen Nacker for the 1930 season. The engine’s development spanned several years, shrouded in secrecy, ensuring its excellence and refinement.
Coachwork and Artistry
While many luxury automobile manufacturers sought external coachbuilders for their rolling chassis, General Motors opted for an in-house approach. They acquired Fleetwood Metal Body and Fisher Body, allowing them to closely monitor quality throughout the entire production process. The collaboration between Cadillac chief Larry Fisher, GM’s stylist Harley Earl, and the acquired coachbuilders resulted in exceptional coachwork. The Fleetwood catalog for the 1930 V-16 model boasted ten basic body styles, along with numerous designer drawings, leading to approximately 70 different job/style numbers built by Fleetwood and Fisher on the Sixteen chassis.
The Great Depression’s Impact and Cadillac’s Response
The Wall Street Crash and the Arrival of the V-16
The Wall Street Crash of 1929, also known as the Great Crash, sent shockwaves throughout the global economy. As share prices plummeted, the world experienced a severe economic depression, affecting various industries, including the automotive sector. However, Cadillac defied the odds and introduced its most expensive model yet, the V-16 Series 452, shortly after the crash. Despite the challenging market conditions and high retail price, Cadillac continued production, gradually increasing output to meet demand.
Production Challenges and Decline
As demand dwindled, Cadillac faced numerous production challenges. While they initially produced a substantial number of cars, the output became unsustainable. By 1931, production had significantly declined, and it remained low throughout the car’s lifespan. In both 1935 and 1937, only 50 examples of the Model 452 were built. In 1940, production slightly increased to 51 units, showcasing the rarity of this remarkable vehicle.
The Evolution of the V-16 Series
Cadillac continually refined the V-16 series to meet changing preferences and market demands. The body was redesigned multiple times, with the 1933 model becoming the 452C, incorporating Fisher’s no-draft individually controlled ventilation (I.C.V. or vent windows). The 452D arrived in 1934 with further enhancements, and in 1935, the 452E featured the Fisher Turret Top all-steel roof, although the cars were still built by Fleetwood. In 1936, the model designation changed to Series 90, accompanied by hydraulic brakes in the 1937 models.
The Last Years of Production
From 1938 to 1940, the Series 90 was equipped with a new L-head V-16 engine, featuring a wider 135-degree V-angle, twin carburetors, twin fuel and water pumps, twin distributors, a nine main bearing crankshaft, and an in-block valve design. Despite producing the same 185 horsepower as the original V-16, this redesigned engine significantly reduced noise at idle and operated exceptionally smoothly. Production continued until December 1939, resulting in a total of 4,076 examples manufactured over the 11-year run.
Conclusion
The 1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60 Stationary Coupe, with its Vee windshield and remarkable history, exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury and automotive craftsmanship. As one of the few remaining survivors, this extraordinary vehicle stands as a testament to the elegance and innovation that defined the era. From its powerful sixteen-cylinder engine to its exquisite coachwork, the 452-D continues to captivate automotive enthusiasts and serves as a cherished relic of a bygone time.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How many 1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60 Stationary Coupes are still in existence? A: There is only one known surviving 1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60 Stationary Coupe.
Q: What distinguished features does the 1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60 Stationary Coupe have? A: The 1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60 Stationary Coupe features a Vee windshield and exquisite customizations, such as black exterior, gold Goddess radiator mascot, and covered side-mounted spares.
Q: How did the Great Depression impact Cadillac’s production of the Model 452-D? A: The Great Depression significantly affected the production of the Model 452-D, leading to declining demand and low production numbers throughout its lifespan.
Q: What set the Cadillac V-16 apart from its competitors? A: The Cadillac V-16 was renowned for its smooth and silent operation, setting new standards in luxury automobile design and outperforming many of its competitors.
Q: How many examples of the 1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60 Stationary Coupe were produced? A: Only 50 examples of the 1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60 Stationary Coupe were built, making it an incredibly rare and coveted vehicle.
