SOLD: 1932 Cadillac 370-B V-12 Imperial Sedan

[motoringicons]

SOLD:

This 1932 Cadillac 370-B V-12  was sold new in Atlanta, Georgia by the Martin Cadillac and Oldsmobile Company. It has the Fisher-built,  Seven Passenger Imperial Sedan (Job # 32-12-263) and is body number 78. It rides on the long 140"chassis. The V-12s for 1932 featured vacuum assisted brakes and a mechanical fuel pump which were great improvements from the earlier models. This example was ordered with dual side-mounted spare tires with metal covers, two rear jump seats, a divider window, a luggage rack and the rare stainless steel, wire wheels.

   While the early history of this car is unknown, the car eventually became part of the famed Matt and Barbara Browning (Browning Firearms) Collection in Utah, where it remained for many years. The car was sold at the Christie's Pebble Beach Auction in 2000 where it was purchased by  another noted car collector and famous jeweler, Nicola Bulgari from Allentown, Pennsylvania. The car was part of the Bulgari Museum collection until this year.  The mileage shown is about 48,000, which, upon careful and close inspection, appears to be original.

    This car is an extremely well preserved and well cared for older restoration. The car has been consistently maintained, both cosmetically and mechanically. Today, it remains in excellent condition inside and out. The body is rock solid and tight. It doesn't rattle, creak, or groan. The doors open and close like a bank vault without any sagging and all four doors fit the body with even gaps and margins. The fenders are just as clean on the bottom as they are on the top. The hood fits the radiator shell and cowl with proper alignment.  The black paint is excellent, showing only the minimal signs of wear in the expected areas. It has a great gloss and shine to it. The chrome is excellent and shows well. The headlights, driving lights, tail lights, horns, radiator shell, bumpers, etc are in excellent condition.
 
      The interior of the car is gorgeous. The front driver's compartment is in black leather which is extremely clean and supple. The rear passenger compartment is finished in a tan, cloth material that is in excellent condition throughout. The interior is well appointed with inlaid and polished wood trim, rear ashtrays, window shades, two folding jump seats, a center armrest and vanity lights in the rear quarters. The car retains all of its proper interior handles, cigar lighters, dome light covers, etc. The glass is in excellent condition and all of the windows operate properly including the ventilated front windshield and the divider window. The dashboard is complete with all of its proper gauges and controls and there is a period-correct heater mounted under the dash. The gauges are all crisp and clear. The steering wheel shows hardly any signs of wear.

    Mechanically, this is just a great car to drive. The original V-12 engine (#1301292) starts easily whether hot or cold. The engine is quiet and smooth. It does not smoke or overheat and maintains consistent oil pressure.The engine retains its proper V-12 carburetors, valley cover, air cleaners, etc. The clutch is smooth and light and the transmission shifts through the gears easily. The brakes stop the car promptly and straight; the steering is tight and responsive. All of the gauges work although the gas gauge is a bit off. All of the lights operate as they should; both horns work as does the original vacuum windshield wiper. For convenience, a back up electric fuel pump has been installed, although I have never really found the need to use it. The car has been fitted with turn indicators discreetly hidden inside the original tail lights and a battery disconnect switch.  The tires appear newer and are in excellent condition.  Underneath, the car is original and clean. The chassis still shows evidence of original paint in certain areas.

     This car has a lot of great original features including the original engine pans, original metal spring gators, the Cadillac service badge on the pillar, working "pop out" ignition switch, correct windshield wiper, excellent and original Fisher-embossed door sill trim plates, both original firewall tags,etc, etc, etc. The more you crawl around this car, you'll notice and appreciate all those hard to find small parts as well as original hardware and fasteners throughout. This car has not been tampered with nor has it suffered under the hands of a multiple restorers and fixers. It's just a good, honest car that presents right top to bottom, inside and out.

      Overall, this is an excellent and authentic example of what many collectors would consider to be the most coveted year for the V-12 Cadillac. This car has been owned and well cared for by prominent collectors and is ready for its next caretaker. It is a great looking and  driving automobile that is ready to use and enjoy. This car is being offered at the very realistic price of 69,000.00 and is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Please call 734-730-4274 or email: motoringicons@hotmail.com to schedule a viewing or for more information. I have over 120 detailed photos that I can send to interested parties.

Edited November 5, 2015 by motoringicons (see edit history)

[stev1955]

That's a beautiful automobile.

[Matt Harwood]

Wow, a lot of car for the money! I've long believed that the Cadillac V12s are a relative bargain in the world of Full Classics. They're much more than 3/4 of a V16 but prices are 70% less. I don't know if a $70,000 car can be a bargain, but I'm telling you that this one is most definitely a whole lot of A-list Classic car for the price.

[29 franklin]

Wow what a beauty. i agree 100 % This is alot of car for the money

[TexRiv_63]

Very nice.

[rusty12]

I remember the car from the Browning auction. It's really a nice car. Based on the prices I have seen at Hershey so far, this one seems like a bargain.

[motoringicons]

This 1932 V-12 has been sold. Thanks for all the interest and inquiries.

Stay tuned for a 1932 V-16 Cadillac......

Edited November 12, 2015 by motoringicons (see edit history)