[ last update: 02.05.2014 ]  

The (new) Cadillac Database©

Photo Pages
Cadillac

1932


Return to The (New) Cadillac Database© Index Page
or go back to the Cadillac photo index page to pick another year

 

Unless otherwise specified all photos and illustrations are from Yann Saunders'
collection of Cadillac photos, advertisements and product catalogs,
reproduced courtesy of the Cadillac Motor Car Division and the Cadillac-LaSalle Club

 

The Great Depression was still wreaking havoc on the American economy and automobile sales were at an all-time low.  Production of the multi-cylinder range of Cadillac cars - i.e. those with either a twelve or a sixteen cylinder motor - both introduced in 1930 - continued uninterrupted in 1932 but sales fell to some 2,000 units for the year (2,005 to be precise); this was less than the first ever Cadillac of which 2,500 were sold in 1902-1903, the first two years of production. 

The La Salle saved the day for Cadillac, with sales of 3,482 units in 1932; the V-8 models were next, accounting for 2,096 sales. As for the V-12 and V-16 models, Cadillac sold only 1,709 and 296 units respectively.

Needless to say, if you happen to own a 1932 Cadillac or La Salle today, you may pride yourself in owning a very rare and desirable automobile.  In addition to being rare in number, the 1932 models are particularly beautiful in their design and styling.

Considering the low sales volume this year, the beautiful sales and merchandising literature published concurrently by Cadillac is highly desirable. Many of the illustrations here are from these lovely catalogs and folders, the main one being the special portfolio of Fleetwood models that was kindly loaned to me by Z. Taylor Vinson of Washington, DC, that I might copy the illustrations for your pleasure.

A definite change of styling will be witnessed in these new models, compared with those of 1929 through 1931.  Bodies now are longer and lower, with more gracefully curved fenders flowing smoothly into the running boards. Roof height is lowered from one to three inches - depending on body style - to achieve an overall  longer, sleeker look.

The distinguishing mark of the 1932 models is the front grille ensemble.  There is no longer a bright chrome stone guard to capture the attention; on all models (V8, V12, V16) the fine mesh grille is divided down the middle by one vertical  bar and seven horizontal ones. All models have circular grille badges positioned on the second horizontal bar down from the top; these indicate the engine configuration ("V8", "V12" or "V16").  As in 1930-31, the V-8 badge has a black background; the V-12 is blue and the V-16 red. Wheel hubs have a similar, circular ID badge. In 1932 Cadillac had no fewer than four wheel types: (1) standard wire wheels, (2) thesame but with stainless steel spokes, (3) wood artillery wheels and (4) full discs over wire wheels.

The majority of the 1932 cars have bodies by Fisher.  The remainder were dressed by Fleetwood.  Since production figures by model are available only for the sixteens, I simply have listed the eights and twelves in numercial sequence of their styling codes. If any Database user has precise production figures for any of the V-8 or V-12 models, I shall be glad to include them here.

 

Front clip details

 

32frt.jpg (5417 bytes)     32gril3.jpg (7563 bytes)     32gril2.jpg (6694 bytes)
I found it almost impossible to get a good, low-resolution
digital image of the fine mesh grill on the '32 Cadillacs

32ASSYLN.JPG (8744 bytes)
The Cadillac assembly line in 1932

 

 

Additional information on the 1932 models and the related sales literature may be found  in The (New) Cadillac Database© sections entitled "Descriptions and Specifications of Cadillac Cars 1932 - 1937",  "La Salle for 1932", "Cadillac and La Salle Sales Literature 1930 - 1934", "Dream Cars for 1930 - 1932" and "Cadillac V16 Production for 1932" including "Cadillac V16 Survivors for 1932".  Further recommended reading includes:

(a)  "Standard Catalog of Cadillac, 1903-2000" edited by James T. Lenzke, © 2000, published by Krause Publications, Inc., 700 E. State Street, Iola, WI 54990 [ISBN #0-87341-925-1, Library of Congress #91-61301]., and

(b) "Sixteen Cylinder Motor Cars",  by Roy Schneider, © 1978,  published by Automobile Heritage Publishing Co., Post Office Box 7, Temple City, CA 91780 [ISBN #0-917104-02-1]

Space-permitting, some additional photos of surviving cars may be added here, later. 

 

The La Salle V8 Models for 1932

Click here

 

The Cadillac V8 Models for 1932
[illustrations and photos currently are not available for all models]

Accoreding to the product brochure for 1932, Fisher fashioned thirteen appealing body styles for that year's Cadillac (four on the 134" wheel base and nine on the 140" WB).  Fleetwood contributed eight exquisite custom jobs, all on the 140" WB.

 

Fisher bodies
on the 143" wheel base chassis

 

32V8CP.JPG (9306 bytes)
Coupe for 2-4 passengers product brochure drawing]
Fisher job #32-8-178,  price $2,795

32cpe.jpg (7246 bytes)    3212cpb.JPG (11585 bytes)    32CpeB.jpg (8520 bytes)
Surviving coupes
(Left) a  survivor, photographed in an auction catalog

 

 

32rdst.JPG (36803 bytes)
Roadster for 2-4 passengers [factory photo]
Fisher job #32-8-155,  price $2,895

at right is the same car with the original
caption from merchandising material of the time

 

32cvcpx.jpg (7308 bytes)
In the flashing grace of this Fleetwood body for the Cadillac V-8 is revealed
the  striking new design move which characterizes the entire line.
The trim Burbank top of new design drops flush with the top of the
driver's seat. In place, its smart contour gives promise of a performance
brilliance more than realized by the powerful V-8 engine
 

32RdsA.jpg (18827 bytes)     32RdsB.jpg (18705 bytes)    32RdsC.jpg (25200 bytes)    32RdsD.jpg (18266 bytes)
This lovely survivor was sold at auction by the Barrett Jackson group of Scottsdale, AZ
[ Photos:  Barret Jackson auction ad - ZTV coll. ]

 

 

[no photo]


Standard Sedan for five passengers
Fisher job #32-8-159,  price $2,895

 

 

32cvcp3.JPG (37180 bytes)
Convertible coupe for 2-4 passengers [factory photo of V12 is shown]
Fisher job #32-8-168,  price $2,945

 

3208cvcp.jpg (9007 bytes)
[ artist's view:  longer, lower, sleeker ]
 

3212cvcp.jpg (6936 bytes)    V232cvs3.jpg (9855 bytes)
Surviving V8 convertible coupes

32svcpc.jpg (13007 bytes)    32cvHolls.jpg (58864 bytes)
The beautiful survivor on the right belonged to the late Dave Holls,
GM Chief of design

 

 

Fisher bodies
on the 140" wheel base chassis

 

32pha.jpg (10149 bytes)
Standard phaeton for five passengers [shown at top with optional wheel discs]
Fisher job #32-8-256, price $2,995

32v8phae.jpg (9075 bytes)
This excellent surviving V8 was donated to historic Salisbury House
in Des Moines, IO, by CLC members David and Liz Kruidenier
[ Photo: © Jim Pittman ]

 

 

32sd5v8.JPG (10001 bytes)
Special sedan for five passengers
Fisher job #32-8-259,  price $3,045

32svsd5.JPG (10634 bytes)
This is a 5-wheel job; most buyers got two fender-mounted spares

 

 

32sdn.JPG (14849 bytes)     32tsd5sv.JPG (6602 bytes)
Town sedan for five passengers
Fisher job #32-8-252,  price $3,095

32TnSdB.JPG (17907 bytes)    32tnsdA.JPG (14140 bytes)
This beautiful survivor belongs to Eric Voigt, who kindly supplied the photos;
this one is on V8 chassis #1200009 [being the 9th V8 built that year!]

 

 

[no photo]


Special phaeton for five passengers
Fisher job #32-8-280, price $3,095

 

 

32sdnc.JPG (8474 bytes)
   Sedan for seven passengers
Fisher job #32-8-262, price $3,145

32svsd.JPG (10545 bytes)
Surviving V8 sedan [ photo, left: courtesy the late Gene Babow ]

32sdna.jpg (6188 bytes)     32sdnb.jpg (6656 bytes)

32sdnh.jpg (5250 bytes)     32sdne.jpg (5215 bytes)    32sdnc2.jpg (5010 bytes)    32sdng.jpg (3967 bytes)
This could be the same car [Gene Babow photo] after restoration in the new millennium
[ Photos: © 2007 and courtesy Hyman, Ltd ]


 

32spph2.JPG (12067 bytes)    32v8spph.jpg (10435 bytes)
Sport phaeton for five passengers [artist's view]
Fisher job #32-8-279,  price  $3,245

32dc8ds.jpg (10708 bytes)    32dc8ds2.jpg (10502 bytes)

32pha4.jpg (12028 bytes)    32pha5.jpg (12407 bytes)    32pha1.jpg (11951 bytes)

32pha2.jpg (11121 bytes)    32pha7.jpg (10766 bytes)    32pha9.jpg (8502 bytes)

32pha6.jpg (14915 bytes)    32pha9a.jpg (12125 bytes)
This fine original survivor belongs to enthusiast Dick Shappy of RI

 

 

32v8isd.jpg (9023 bytes)
   Imperial Sedan for seven passengers
Fisher job #32-8-263, price $3,295

 

 

[ image ?]


All-weather phaeton for five passengers
Fisher job #32-8-273,  price $3,495

The original factory photo caption reads:
Fleetwood's custom designers have endowed this 5-passenger Cadillac V-8 open car
with a new and thrilling beauty. A variety of beautiful top grain leathers is available
for upholstery.  A folding center arm rest adds comfort for tonneau passengers.

 

 

 

[no photo]
Imperial sedan (limousine) for seven passengers
Fisher job #32-8-263,  price $3,295

 

 

Fleetwood bodies
on the 140" wheel base chassis

 

[no photo]
Sedan for five passengers
Fleetwood style #4930-S; price $3,395

 

 

32cpe5p.jpg (12850 bytes)    32cp5v8.JPG (11604 bytes)
Town coupe for five passengers
Fleetwood style #4981,  price $3,395


32tnse1.jpg (13638 bytes)

 

.32cp5sv8.JPG (9796 bytes)    3212tcp.jpg (11092 bytes)
Surviving V8 town coupes

32vicB.jpg (7391 bytes)    32cpeA.jpg (9415 bytes)    32vicA.jpg (6659 bytes)

32cpG.jpg (4847 bytes)     32cpF.jpg (3274 bytes)

32cpH.jpg (9401 bytes)     32cpi.jpg (5810 bytes)
A beautiful survivor [perhaps one of the two preceding cars]

 

 

[no photo]


Sedan for seven passengers
Fleetwood style #4975-S, price $3,545

 

 

[no photo]


Town car for five/seven passengers
Fleetwood style #4912, price $4,095

 

 

3212vicb.JPG (9777 bytes)
Convertible coupe (Victoria) for five passengers
Fleetwood style #4985,  price $4,195

3212vic.JPG (8049 bytes)
Surviving convertible Victoria

 

 

[no photo]


Town car for seven passengers
Fleetwood style #4925, price $4,245

 

 

[no photo]


Town car for five/seven passengers
Fleetwood style #4925, price $4,245

 

 

[no photo]
Limousine Brougham for seven passengers
Fleetwood style #4991, price $4,245

 

 

[no photo]


Imperial sedan (limousine) for seven passengers
with 4" more interior headroom
Fleetwood style #4975-H4,  price unknown

 

 

The Cadillac V-12 Models for 1932
[bodies are more or less identical to those mounted on the V8 chassis]

 

Fisher Bodies
On the 134" wheel base chassis

 

[no photo]


Coupe for two passengers
Fisher job #32-12-178,  price $3,495

 

32rdst.jpg (12167 bytes)
Roadster for two passengers [V8 is shown]
Fisher job #32-12-155, price $3,595

32v8rds.jpg (21704 bytes)
A survivor at Pebble Beach, 2002

 

 

[no photo]


Standard Sedan for five passengers
Fisher job#32-12-159,  price $3,595

 

 

32conv.jpg (11677 bytes)
Convertible coupe for two passengers
Fisher job #32-12-168,  price $3,645

32cpsvc.jpg (8525 bytes)    32cpsvb.jpg (8308 bytes)

32svcpc.jpg (13007 bytes)
Full wheel discs were a popular option, starting   in 1932

 

 

Fisher Bodies
On the 140" wheel base chassis

 

v2_32tcpS.JPG (15133 bytes)
Town coupe for five passengers
Fisher job #32-12-272,  price $3,695

[ again, this artist's view is way longer, lower, sleeker ]

32svcp12.JPG (8523 bytes)    32svcp1b.JPG (10386 bytes)
Surviving V12 town coupe [color photos have faded with age]

 

 

32svpha.JPG (11113 bytes)    3212sph.JPG (7339 bytes)
Standard phaeton for four passengers
Fisher job #32-12-256, price $3,695

Two survivors are shown

 

 

[McC photo p.166]

Special sedan for five passengers
Fisher job #32-12-259, price $3,745

 

 

3212ts.jpg (9760 bytes)
Town sedan for five passengers
Fisher job #32-12-252, price $3,795

 

 

v2SpPha1.JPG (8641 bytes)    v2SpPha2.JPG (8784 bytes)    v2SpPha3.JPG (7612 bytes)
Special phaeton for four passengers (sport phaeton)
Fisher job #32-12-280,  price $3,795

[ Photos:  © 2007 and courtesy Hyman, Ltd. ]

 

 

3212sd7.JPG (8506 bytes)
Sedan for seven passengers
Fisher job #32-12-262, price $3,845

32127P.JPG (8664 bytes)
V12 survivor (7-pass. sedan)

32limcap.jpg (7682 bytes)
This poor photo is from an auction catalog
[ caption said the car belonged to Al Capone ! ]

 

 

[ image ]

Sedan for seven passengers
Fisher job #32-12-262, price $3,845

 

 

V232SPPH.JPG (11832 bytes)    32spph2.JPG (12067 bytes)
Sport phaeton for four passengers [factory photo, left]
Fisher job #32-12-279,  price $3.945

[the car on the right was specially built for William Knudsen]

v12PhaPlunk.JPG (39481 bytes)    v232srv.jpg (9899 bytes)    v232srvc.jpg (8317 bytes)
Car Collector for October 2006 reported the sale of this 1932 "Series 452-B" dual-cowl V-16 sport phaeton;
the VIN was given as 1301125 [which is a V12 serial number for 1932]; dark red with maroon fenders, tan leather
and tan cloth top, it had undergone a concours restoration  and sold for $205,000; in fact the car is a V-12
[ Steve Plunkett collection, Canada ]

 

 

[no photo]

Imperial sedan (limousine) for seven passengers
Fisher job #32-12-263, price $3,995

 

 

3212awp.jpg (6039 bytes)    32v2awp.jpg (8648 bytes)
All-weather phaeton for five passengers
[with and without the new, optional wheel discs]
Fisher job #32-12-273,  price $4,195

3212awps.JPG (12056 bytes)    32CVICT.JPG (9178 bytes)
Surviving V12 all-weather phaetons

 

 

This style is NOT included in the factory listing of the thirteen, basic Fisher styles
included in that year's product line; I assume it is a unique, custom job;
it appears in the Master Parts List of Fisher styles built in 1932

v2_32TCNiko.jpg (11422 bytes)    v2_32TCKarl2.jpg (6807 bytes)
Town car for seven passengers
Fisher job #32-12-226, price not known

[ this one belongs to friend and literature collector, Karl Nickoloff ]

 

 

Fleetwood bodies
on the 140" wheel base chassis
[ seven standard styles ]

 

[no photo]


Town car for five/seven passengers
Fleetwood style #5012; price $4,795

 

 

v2_32tcS.JPG (14381 bytes)
Town car for seven passengers
Fleetwood style #5025; price $4,945

 

 

[no photo]


Sedan for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5030-S, price $4,095

 

 

[no photo]


Town Coupe for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5081,  price $4,095

 

 

v2_32sdn.JPG (4125 bytes)
Sedan  for seven passengers
Fleetwood style #5075-S,  price $4,245

[ illustration from merchandising folder ]

 

 

[see photo, McC p. 166]


Imperial sedan (limousine)  for seven passengers
Fleetwood style #5075,  price $4,445

 

 

[no photo]


Limousine Brougham for seven passengers
Fleetwood style #5091; price $4,945

 

 

Special Fleetwood bodies
on the 140" wheel base chassis
[ fifteen custom styles]


The majority of illustrations, below, are taken from Cadillac product catalogs and brochures
dealing with the sixteen-cylinder models for this year; body styles all were similar except
that the twelve-cylinder cars have only six hood vent doors in lieu of seven

V65129.jpg (4593 bytes)
Imperial (limousine) for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5029; price unknown

v65130S.jpg (7007 bytes)
Imperial sedan for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5030; price unknown

v65130S.jpg (7007 bytes)
Imperial cabriolet (leather roof) for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5030-FL; price unknown

v65130S.jpg (7007 bytes)
Imperial sedan cabriolet (leather roof, no division) for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5030_SFL; price unknown

v65131S.jpg (9215 bytes)
Imperial limousine (Madame X) for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5031; price unknown

v65131S.jpg (9215 bytes)
Imperial sedan (Madame X) - no division - for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5031-S; price unknown

v65155.JPG (6946 bytes)
Imperial limousine (Madame X) for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5055; price unknown

V65155c.jpg (7655 bytes)
Imperial limousine-landaulet (Madame X) for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5055-C; price unknown

Many photos, like these, were taken on the roof of the GM building in downtown Detroit

V232CUST.JPG (10916 bytes)    32cusfml.JPG (9142 bytes)
Imperial limousine-landaulet for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5056-C; price unknown

This custom job by Fleetwood has not yet been identified 100%; however, from my own study of Fleetwood styling codes and taking into account all
built styles that are included in the Master Parts List, in my opinion it is "Imperial cabriolet," style #5056-C;  the word "Cabriolet" is
the giveaway here; it was a favorite of Cadillac stylists in the 20s and 30s and denotes a leather or cloth roof covering rather than a painted
metal roof; a similar style ( #5055-C) also appears in the MPL presumably featured a  Madame X windshield [like the V-16 version mounted
that year on the V-16 chassis] as well as a painted roof; both styles (5055-C and 5056-C) were fitted with a chauffeur's partition, as denoted
by the term "Imperial" in the syle designation; the "C" suffix of both these styles is indicative of a functional landau roof; you can tell by the
position of the lower extremity of the landau bars (attached to the body below the belt line), that the portion of roof over the rear seat passengers is
collapsible; as to the fixed portion of the roof, it appears to have a Coupienne covering (that is leather with a grain resembling convertible top material);
the inital style code digits "50" denote a V-12 engine and drive-train ("49" would be a V-8 version and "51" an identical style on the V16); final digits
"55"  would denote a 5-passenger car with enclosed rear quarters (no quarter windows); in this case, however, the digits "56" denote a slight
variation on the "55" theme, being the Coupienne roof covering and the painted radiator shell, headlight, tail-light and parking light pods
(a taste of things to come in 1933!); the car features also snazzy, full wheel discs  with pinstriping to match the belt molding and fender edge striping
(these full wheel covers would soon enjoy immense  popularity with chauffeurs ...whose job it was to keep those pesky wire wheels clean!)

Fleetwood, style #5156-C, 5-pass. limousine-landaulet
on 149-inch wheel base "V-16"

       V65156c.jpg (4944 bytes)
One identical body style (as above)  was built that year on thye V-16 chassis;
it  was similar to job #5155C [see above], except it had center-opening
doors and lacked the Madame X  windshield

3212tg7.JPG (8882 bytes)
Touring car for sevene passengers
Fleetwood style #5057; price $4,895


v6325165.JPG (6239 bytes)
Imperial limousine (Madame X) for seven passengers
Fleetwood style #5065; price unknown

v65175FL.JPG (4937 bytes)
Imperial (limousine) for seven passengers - leather roof
Fleetwood style #5075-FL; price unknown

v65175h4.JPG (5216 bytes)
Imperial (limousine) for seven passengers; 4" increased roof height
Fleetwood style #5075-H4; price unknown

 

[ image ?]

Sedan for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5082; price unknown

v632visd.jpg (2709 bytes)    v632vitp.jpg (2639 bytes)
Converible coupe (Victoria) for five passengers
Fleetwood style #5085; price $4,995

 

 

The Cadillac V-16 Models for 1932

Click here

 

Details

 

32gril.jpg (6458 bytes)     32eng.jpg (7292 bytes)     32syncm.jpg (6751 bytes)
Left:  front clip, center: the new V8 engine,  right: "triple-silent" Syncro-Mesh transmission

32ride0.jpg (6410 bytes)    32shackl.jpg (4968 bytes)    32gnrtr.jpg (5273 bytes)
Left: ride regulator (see smooth riding qualities, below)
Center: new fixed adjustment spring shackles
Right: new generator (dig the breathing tube!)

v232srvb.jpg (8579 bytes)    32drvr.JPG (5790 bytes)
Driving position; Syncro-Mesh transmission makes
shifting much easier, even for the ladies

32TailLgt.jpg (7174 bytes)
Blue-dot tail lights, used on 1932 Cadillacs

 

 

Other Mechanical Improvements

 

32ride0a.jpg (3520 bytes)    32ride0c.jpg (3599 bytes)    32ride0b.jpg (3658 bytes)
A smooth ride guaranteed, irrespective of road surface

 

 

An "Odd" Survivor

 

 

   

[ images ?]

  

This V12 Cadillac has got "V-16" badging

Note: the MPL shows at least one job #32-16-263 to have been built on the V-16 chassis but it is not shown
in V-16 production records; that car is described as an imperial sedan [limousine] for 7 passengers, with metal back,
quarter windows, auxiliary seats and central division glass; I am wondering if it could be possibly this "missing" car;
the latter is powered by a "V-12" but is badged as a "V-16", even if the cloisonné background to the badge is blue instead of red

 

                                   

 

PHO30S.JPG (12333 bytes)
A dealer's showroom window in Washington, D.C., circa   1932
Model E touring (left) and La Salle roadster (right)

 

 

Return to The (New) Cadillac Database© Index Page
or go back to the Cadillac photo index page to pick another year

 

© 1996, Yann Saunders and the Cadillac-LaSalle Club, Inc.
[ Background image:  1932 front clip ]