As of April 25, 2025, this is the information we have about this car:
[Jul.31.2020] The car sells on eBay for $69,500 after 17 bids.
[July 27, 2020] The car is listed on eBay (listing #274437899017) by Bob Adams (480-628-4778) under eBay ID "collectorcarswanted (446)" with the following short description "1931 Cadillac V-16 Sedan, one of only 501 built, one of the last survivors, documented w/GM Historical Society and 100% Rust-Free". The pictures and video provided on eBay are the same as the ones used in the Hemming ad by Classic Car Investments LLC. The eBay listing reports VIN # 701324 (the original engine with VIN #703106 was apparently swapped at some point with an earlier V16 engine), 46,808 miles, exterior color as Maharajah Maroon, and Tan Cloth interior. The eBay listing states the following: "Here is one of the truly rarest and most desirable finds in the classic car world that was recently purchased from an Estate in northern Arizona. It is an extremely desirable 1931 Cadillac V-16 7-passenger sedan, Series 4375-S. It is #449 of only 501 built and a small percent still surviving on the road today. This is a truly solid, unrestored survivor that is nearly 90 years old that is in very original condition with just the right amount of patina. It is 99.9 percent complete, in current running and driving condition. It is a great candidate for a restoration or it could be driven just the way sits with a few little things. What a very cool conversation piece and a piece of automotive history! The car is documented from the GM Historical Society with a copy of its original build sheet showing that this car was built just as it sits here today. It is wonderfully equipped with: Proper Headlights, Dual Rear Taillights, Trippe Driving Lights, City Horn, Dual Side Mounts, Luggage Rack, Stone Guard, Jump Seats (Missing Backrests), Rear Vanities, Goddess Hood Ornament, Wire Wheels, Glass Visor. The body of this V-16 is extremely solid, straight, and rust-free. It has never been taken apart with all its original body metal and body panels. It does not appear to have any rust in the car now or in the past. The wood in the car is original and in excellent condition with its body number still stamped on the floor on the passenger side. It is finished in its original color of Maharajah Maroon but the paint is definitely showing its age as it is crazing and cracking. The fenders were originally in Viceroy Maroon when it left the factory. All in all, it does have that cool factor with its current aged patina. It makes an amazing conversation piece and I personally would leave it the way it sits. As far as the chrome goes, it is all there and complete but it looks like someone either stripped the chrome off and just wanted that polished brass look or that the chrome wore off over the past 90 years. Either way, it has a very cool look and there is no pitting or rust. The factory wire wheels and side-mounted spares are in great original condition with decent factory-correct wide whitewall tires. All the glass also appears to be in good original condition. This is one cool looking car that is truly an amazing find! The interior of this V-16 appears to be mostly all original and almost all completely intact. Again it has just the right amount of patina for that cool factor. The dash, steering wheel and gauge cluster are all original and in good condition. All the wood trim inside the car is original and very nice and restorable. It has its original art deco ashtrays and vanities still in place as well. The rear footrests are intact as well as the rear jump seats. The backrests are missing for the jump seats. It even has its correct original 1931 Cadillac only gear shift knob. The headliner is all intact with original visors, courtesy lights, etc. As far as mechanical, the car does run and drive. Although it is not ready to be driven to shows right now it can be driven around your shop or property with ease. The car was previously sitting since 1983 when the previous owner started doing everything to get it ready to run and drive. When we got it we fired it up and it started right away, went into gear, moved and stopped. We did not go any further as it still needs some items to be inspected to be driving on the public streets. The engine sounds excellent and it purrs like a kitten. The carbs do leak a little fuel, the vacuum tanks are not installed and all of the wiring harnesses are original and some would need to be replaced due to age. As far as numbers go every number appears to match the original invoice on the car except for the engine and transmission numbers. Meaning this is an original V-16 engine but it has had a replacement V-16 engine at one time years ago as well as the transmission. The former 452 ci V16 engine number was 703106 and the current is 701324. The vacuum tanks, engine shields, and box of extra parts all go with the vehicle. Overall, this an amazing find that you rarely come across anymore. We have this V-16 priced reasonably, passing the savings to you. It can be left the way it sits or it is a perfect restoration candidate. Last time this very car was sold it was purchased for $82,800 in 2006 in non-running condition. Our reserve is less and there are a few on the market and have been on the market recently for near the six-figure amount in the same or lesser condition. The car is located in Scottsdale, AZ, and can be seen in person at any time. We can also assist in shipping the vehicle anywhere in the world!"
[Jul.26.2020] Body Style: 4375-S
Body Number: #449
Engine Number: 703106 (original) and 701324 (current).
Chris Cummings notifies Jean-Claude Franchitti that this 1931 V-16 Series 4375-S sedan is being offered in a Hemmings listing (stock #345345613). He confirms that this car is in Chapter 5 of his book "Cadillac V-16s Lost and Found" and that the most recent owner was the late Karl Kahlberg. Mr. Kahlberg, who had owned the car ever since he purchased it from RM Auctions in May 2006, passed away July 27, 2015. The car was purchased from his estate by Classic Car Investments LLC (7360 E. Acoma Drive Suite 14 Scottsdale, AZ 85260, 480-281-2059), the company who is listing the car for sale in Hemmings. The ad states the following: "It appeared that the previous owner was working on the car to get in running and driving condition at the time of his passing with newer tires, boiled gas tank, hoses, ignition, etc. When we got the vehicle back to our shop, we checked the fluids, reassembled some items, tune-up, gas, battery and it started up, we put it in gear and it drove, shifted gears, hit the brakes and it stopped."
[May 2009] The following plea is received from V-16 owner-admirer, Chris Cummings: "The fellow who owns the car that was sold in the J.C. Stevens estate auction a couple of years ago is talking about selling the engine and replacing it with a modern engine and transmission. I’ve been calling around to everyone I know to see if someone wants to buy the car and prevent the unthinkable. If you know anyone who’d like to buy a solid, unrestored seven-passenger sedan, here’s one that’s available."
[Jun.24.2006] The car is offered for sale by RM Auctions at the J.C. Stevens Estate Collection auction. The original engine (number 703106) was replaced with engine number 701324, reportedly because the original engine was damaged. Thanks to Chris Cummings for the tip and to RM for the information and photos. In the auction catalogue, RM describes the car as a "true time warp sixteen-cylinder Cadillac, all complete and correct. Fitted with proper headlights, dual rear taillights, Trippe driving lights, city and country horns, distributor, carburetors, vacuum tanks and more. Additional accessories include dual side mounts, luggage rack, stone guard, jump seats, rear vanities and an original mascot. Last used in 1983, this vehicle was actively used by Mr. Stevens in several AACA Glidden tours. An impressive motor car by all standards." The car sold for $82,800 at that auction to Karl Kahlberg, a collector in Northern Arizona. During subsequent years, Mr. Kahlberg worked diligently to get the car running and to try to find mising parts (such as looking for a pair of backrests for the jump seats).
[1970s] Probably in the 1970s, the car is sold to J.C. Stevens and becomes part of his collection. Mr. Stevens was an Oldsmobile dealer in Cortland, NY, and a member of the AACA. He worked on and used the car extensively, frequently taking it on club tours and local parades.
[1950s or 1960s] At some point, probably in the 1950s or '60s, the car comes into the collection of noted V-16 restorer and collector, Wayne Merriman. A "fingerprint" of the original body tag was kindly provided more recently by Rick LeForge. The fingerprint was taken from the car while it was in Mr. Merriman's collection and Rick LeForge described the car at that time as a "rough original".
[Jun.17.1931] The car leaves the factory bound for Clark Cadillac Co. in Portland Oregon. The car was ordered in Maharajah Maroon with Viceroy Maroon fenders and window offsets. Extra equipment included dual side mounts, wire wheels, spare tire covers, a “handykit” and a goddess hood ornament.
[Jul.31.2020] The car sells on eBay for $69,500 after 17 bids.
[July 27, 2020] The car is listed on eBay (listing #274437899017) by Bob Adams (480-628-4778) under eBay ID "collectorcarswanted (446)" with the following short description "1931 Cadillac V-16 Sedan, one of only 501 built, one of the last survivors, documented w/GM Historical Society and 100% Rust-Free". The pictures and video provided on eBay are the same as the ones used in the Hemming ad by Classic Car Investments LLC. The eBay listing reports VIN # 701324 (the original engine with VIN #703106 was apparently swapped at some point with an earlier V16 engine), 46,808 miles, exterior color as Maharajah Maroon, and Tan Cloth interior. The eBay listing states the following: "Here is one of the truly rarest and most desirable finds in the classic car world that was recently purchased from an Estate in northern Arizona. It is an extremely desirable 1931 Cadillac V-16 7-passenger sedan, Series 4375-S. It is #449 of only 501 built and a small percent still surviving on the road today. This is a truly solid, unrestored survivor that is nearly 90 years old that is in very original condition with just the right amount of patina. It is 99.9 percent complete, in current running and driving condition. It is a great candidate for a restoration or it could be driven just the way sits with a few little things. What a very cool conversation piece and a piece of automotive history! The car is documented from the GM Historical Society with a copy of its original build sheet showing that this car was built just as it sits here today. It is wonderfully equipped with: Proper Headlights, Dual Rear Taillights, Trippe Driving Lights, City Horn, Dual Side Mounts, Luggage Rack, Stone Guard, Jump Seats (Missing Backrests), Rear Vanities, Goddess Hood Ornament, Wire Wheels, Glass Visor. The body of this V-16 is extremely solid, straight, and rust-free. It has never been taken apart with all its original body metal and body panels. It does not appear to have any rust in the car now or in the past. The wood in the car is original and in excellent condition with its body number still stamped on the floor on the passenger side. It is finished in its original color of Maharajah Maroon but the paint is definitely showing its age as it is crazing and cracking. The fenders were originally in Viceroy Maroon when it left the factory. All in all, it does have that cool factor with its current aged patina. It makes an amazing conversation piece and I personally would leave it the way it sits. As far as the chrome goes, it is all there and complete but it looks like someone either stripped the chrome off and just wanted that polished brass look or that the chrome wore off over the past 90 years. Either way, it has a very cool look and there is no pitting or rust. The factory wire wheels and side-mounted spares are in great original condition with decent factory-correct wide whitewall tires. All the glass also appears to be in good original condition. This is one cool looking car that is truly an amazing find! The interior of this V-16 appears to be mostly all original and almost all completely intact. Again it has just the right amount of patina for that cool factor. The dash, steering wheel and gauge cluster are all original and in good condition. All the wood trim inside the car is original and very nice and restorable. It has its original art deco ashtrays and vanities still in place as well. The rear footrests are intact as well as the rear jump seats. The backrests are missing for the jump seats. It even has its correct original 1931 Cadillac only gear shift knob. The headliner is all intact with original visors, courtesy lights, etc. As far as mechanical, the car does run and drive. Although it is not ready to be driven to shows right now it can be driven around your shop or property with ease. The car was previously sitting since 1983 when the previous owner started doing everything to get it ready to run and drive. When we got it we fired it up and it started right away, went into gear, moved and stopped. We did not go any further as it still needs some items to be inspected to be driving on the public streets. The engine sounds excellent and it purrs like a kitten. The carbs do leak a little fuel, the vacuum tanks are not installed and all of the wiring harnesses are original and some would need to be replaced due to age. As far as numbers go every number appears to match the original invoice on the car except for the engine and transmission numbers. Meaning this is an original V-16 engine but it has had a replacement V-16 engine at one time years ago as well as the transmission. The former 452 ci V16 engine number was 703106 and the current is 701324. The vacuum tanks, engine shields, and box of extra parts all go with the vehicle. Overall, this an amazing find that you rarely come across anymore. We have this V-16 priced reasonably, passing the savings to you. It can be left the way it sits or it is a perfect restoration candidate. Last time this very car was sold it was purchased for $82,800 in 2006 in non-running condition. Our reserve is less and there are a few on the market and have been on the market recently for near the six-figure amount in the same or lesser condition. The car is located in Scottsdale, AZ, and can be seen in person at any time. We can also assist in shipping the vehicle anywhere in the world!"
[Jul.26.2020] Body Style: 4375-S
Body Number: #449
Engine Number: 703106 (original) and 701324 (current).
Chris Cummings notifies Jean-Claude Franchitti that this 1931 V-16 Series 4375-S sedan is being offered in a Hemmings listing (stock #345345613). He confirms that this car is in Chapter 5 of his book "Cadillac V-16s Lost and Found" and that the most recent owner was the late Karl Kahlberg. Mr. Kahlberg, who had owned the car ever since he purchased it from RM Auctions in May 2006, passed away July 27, 2015. The car was purchased from his estate by Classic Car Investments LLC (7360 E. Acoma Drive Suite 14 Scottsdale, AZ 85260, 480-281-2059), the company who is listing the car for sale in Hemmings. The ad states the following: "It appeared that the previous owner was working on the car to get in running and driving condition at the time of his passing with newer tires, boiled gas tank, hoses, ignition, etc. When we got the vehicle back to our shop, we checked the fluids, reassembled some items, tune-up, gas, battery and it started up, we put it in gear and it drove, shifted gears, hit the brakes and it stopped."
[May 2009] The following plea is received from V-16 owner-admirer, Chris Cummings: "The fellow who owns the car that was sold in the J.C. Stevens estate auction a couple of years ago is talking about selling the engine and replacing it with a modern engine and transmission. I’ve been calling around to everyone I know to see if someone wants to buy the car and prevent the unthinkable. If you know anyone who’d like to buy a solid, unrestored seven-passenger sedan, here’s one that’s available."
[Jun.24.2006] The car is offered for sale by RM Auctions at the J.C. Stevens Estate Collection auction. The original engine (number 703106) was replaced with engine number 701324, reportedly because the original engine was damaged. Thanks to Chris Cummings for the tip and to RM for the information and photos. In the auction catalogue, RM describes the car as a "true time warp sixteen-cylinder Cadillac, all complete and correct. Fitted with proper headlights, dual rear taillights, Trippe driving lights, city and country horns, distributor, carburetors, vacuum tanks and more. Additional accessories include dual side mounts, luggage rack, stone guard, jump seats, rear vanities and an original mascot. Last used in 1983, this vehicle was actively used by Mr. Stevens in several AACA Glidden tours. An impressive motor car by all standards." The car sold for $82,800 at that auction to Karl Kahlberg, a collector in Northern Arizona. During subsequent years, Mr. Kahlberg worked diligently to get the car running and to try to find mising parts (such as looking for a pair of backrests for the jump seats).
[1970s] Probably in the 1970s, the car is sold to J.C. Stevens and becomes part of his collection. Mr. Stevens was an Oldsmobile dealer in Cortland, NY, and a member of the AACA. He worked on and used the car extensively, frequently taking it on club tours and local parades.
[1950s or 1960s] At some point, probably in the 1950s or '60s, the car comes into the collection of noted V-16 restorer and collector, Wayne Merriman. A "fingerprint" of the original body tag was kindly provided more recently by Rick LeForge. The fingerprint was taken from the car while it was in Mr. Merriman's collection and Rick LeForge described the car at that time as a "rough original".
[Jun.17.1931] The car leaves the factory bound for Clark Cadillac Co. in Portland Oregon. The car was ordered in Maharajah Maroon with Viceroy Maroon fenders and window offsets. Extra equipment included dual side mounts, wire wheels, spare tire covers, a “handykit” and a goddess hood ornament.