Cadillac sales were moving steadily in 1931, with no less than four separate passenger models equipped with either eight, twelve, or sixteen-cylinder engines. The introduction of the V-16 the year prior piloted Cadillac's luxury brand past its rivals in the automotive field, and the V-12 would be announced late in 1930 for yet another engine option for Cadillac buyers. Unfortunately, the Great Depression still had a grasp on a worsening economy, so sales of the upper variants were in .....
decline. The powerful V-8 Model 355A rode on a well-balanced 134” chassis and was still a strong seller for 1931. Changes to the styling included ventilated hood doors that were spring released with a button in place of hood louvers, along with a chrome screen covering the radiator matching the V-12 and V-16 models. There were 12 distinctive body styles available for the nimble 355A chassis, including this very handsome 5-passenger Town Sedan!
We are delighted to represent this beautifully restored 1931 Cadillac 355A Town Sedan finished in classic Black with Yellow pinstripe and matching wheels, and soft Tan ribbed broadcloth interior! It remains an incredibly genuine example with every factory accessory available! Under the hood rests a remarkably quiet and smooth running 353ci L-head V8 providing 95 horsepower through a 3-speed synchromesh transmission. Features include dual side-mounted spare tires with rare hardcovers, Cadillac dual outside rearview mirrors, Cadillac Pilot-Ray automatic driving lamps (turn directionally with the steering rack), Cadillac spotlight, lockable rear trunk with auxiliary folding rack, Klaxon horns, Cadcolite rear taillamps, cowl side fresh air vents, windshield ventilator crank-up window, Cadillac heater, front storage map pocket; rear passenger window privacy shade, reading lamps, door map pockets, and assist handle. On the ground are wire spoke wheels wrapped in 7.00-18 wide whitewall tires.
This Fisher-built body is as tight a snare drum when you open and close any door or panel! Having a known history dating back to 1981, this longtime, collector-owned Cadillac is likely the most correct in existence today, especially considering the level of restoration it received from the past two owners. It was frame-up restored by renowned Cadillac specialist, Jim Pearson, of Kansas City, Missouri in 1981 for then owner of 10 years which followed with First Place honors at the Classic Car Club of America Nationals! He would keep and maintain this Town Sedan for another 33 years before selling it to Robert Lambert in January 2015. Needing a freshening to the aging restoration, it would undergo approximately 1500-man hours of fine detailing to exacting Cadillac standards.
Mr. Lambert should be very proud of these results as they are nothing short of stunning! Every minor detail from the direction of the trim screw heads, functionality of all components including the Jaeger clock, motoring function on the open road, and extreme attention to Cadillac correctness is simply breathtaking! This can be further confirmed having earned 98/100 points and a Gold Award at the Winter Park Concours in Winter Park, Florida along with a Best-in-Class award at the Lake Mirror Classic Concours held in Lakeland, Florida. Today, it is showing 61,171 miles on the odometer, of which approximately 500 were added sparingly over the past 9 years for regular exercise. It has been fitted with an auxiliary electric fuel pump and turn signals for aiding in starting after times of storage and added safety when driving. You would be hard-pressed to find another Cadillac with such a glorious presentation and show winning qualities! Included in the sale will be some factory tools and show equipment for easy display at events. Please call with questions or to arrange a chance to view this piece of outstanding automotive history in person. Thanks for looking!