1932 Cadillac V8

This 1932 Cadillac 355-B features convertible coupe bodywork by Fisher, and it was shipped to Hall Davis Cadillac Company of Denver, Colorado, from Cadillac’s Detroit, Michigan, plant on March 25, 1932. It underwent a multi-year refurbishment that was completed in 1978 and was purchased by the seller on BaT in November 2020. Subsequent work included a rebuild and overbore of the 353ci L-head V8 along with rebuilds of the three-speed manual transmission, generator, and fuel, oil, and water pumps. PerTronix ignition was also installed, while the radiator was re-cored and the manifolds underwent a re-porcelain treatment. The car is finished in red with black fenders over black leather upholstery, and equipment includes four-wheel mechanical drum brakes, adjustable shock absorbers, red 17” wire wheels, dual side-mount spares, Pilot Ray driving lights, a tan convertible top, a golf bag door, a rumble seat, and a color-matched removable trunk. This 355-B convertible coupe is now offered with a copy of its factory build sheet, handwritten notes from the 1970s refurbishment, literature, photos, and invoices from work performed under the seller’s ownership, and a Virginia title in the seller’s name. The 355 series was introduced in 1931 and was followed a year later by the B variant, which featured more streamlined styling with a longer hood and lower body profile. This example was repainted in its factory Sealing Wax Red during the 1970s refurbishment and features black fenders, maroon accents, and bright red door saddles. Pilot Ray driving lights with rechromed housings were installed by the seller in 2021, and additional equipment includes a “goddess” hood ornament, bullet-shaped headlights and side lights, a polished grille integrated into the radiator shell, curved steel running boards, a tan soft top with chrome landau bars, a golf bag door, dual taillights, and a fold-down luggage rack with a color-matched removable trunk. A replacement wiper motor was fitted in March 2021, and the bumper-mounted rumble seat step was also replated. The wire wheels are painted bright red and wear center caps with “V8” insignias, and they are mounted with 7.00–17 Firestone Heavy Duty whitewall bias-ply tires that were installed in 2019. Dual side-mount spares and metal spare tire covers were optional equipment for 1932 V8 cars, and they are mounted with mirrors in the fenders. The 355-B rode on a 134″ wheelbase and featured semi-elliptical leaf springs at all four corners as well as lever-arm shock absorbers, which can be adjusted to five different settings through ride regulation. Stopping power is provided by drum brakes. The cabin features seating for two trimmed in black leather along with color-matched door panels. Replacement tan carpeting was installed in October 2020, at which time the wood door caps were also refinished. Additional equipment includes a Jaeger clock, a locking glovebox, and lap belts. Staining is present on the inside fabric surfaces of the convertible top, and hoses for a heater are present, but the heater itself is missing. The three-spoke steering wheel features hub-mounted controls for throttle position and lighting control, while ride regulation is adjusted via a lever to the left of the steering column. A foot pedal allows for the selection of free-wheeling mode, which automatically disengages the clutch when coasting. Instrumentation includes a 100-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, amperage, and ride setting. The five-digit odometer is said to have been reset during the 1970s refurbishment, and it shows just over 1k miles. Total mileage is unknown. The rumble seat is trimmed in matching black leather upholstery. The 353ci L-head V8 was rebuilt with replacement blocks and cylinder heads by White Post Restorations in Virginia in 2022, and the engine was bored .030″ during the project. Replacement pistons, rings, valves, freeze plugs, and gaskets were installed, and the fuel, oil, and water pumps were rebuilt along with the generator. The radiator was also re-cored, while the manifolds underwent a re-porcelain treatment. PerTronix ignition was added at that time. Records from the work can be seen in the gallery. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Triple-Silent three-speed manual transmission that is also said to have been rebuilt under the seller’s ownership. The build sheet lists factory colors and component numbers as well as a shipping date of March 25. A collection of photos taken during the engine rebuild can be seen in the gallery. The car is titled by its engine number, 1201768. The Virginia title lists an “exceeds” note under the odometer brand section.