1937 Cadillac Series 85 V12 Convertible Sedan V-12

This 1937 Cadillac Series 85 is a Fleetwood-bodied convertible sedan powered by a numbers-matching 368ci V12 paired with a floor-shifted three-speed manual transmission. The car was delivered new to Don Lee, Inc. of Los Angeles, California, and is said to have remained registered in the state since. It was acquired by the current owner in 2010 and subsequently refurbished. The car is finished in silver over black leather upholstery and features include dual side-mount spare wheels, a gray convertible top, a heater, a hand-cranked center partition window, and a Jaeger eight-day clock. This V12 Cadillac is now offered on dealer consignment at no reserve with a copy of the factory build sheet, tools, a copy of the 1939 Cadillac-LaSalle shop manual, a car cover, and a clean California title. The Model 85 was the sole V12-powered model from Cadillac in 1937, the final year the company offered the powerplant. Delivered from the factory in Menard Gray Metallic (59), this Fleetwood-bodied convertible sedan is said to be one of just 20 such examples completed for the model year. It was repainted during a 2010s refurbishment. The brightwork is also said to have been re-chromed, and new fender welting was installed. Features include chrome bumpers, dual brake lights, a bustle-back trunk, running boards, a centrally hinged hood, and a hood ornament. The red-painted steel wheels wear chrome Cadillac crest hubcaps and trim rings, and they are mounted with 7.50/8.20–16 Denman bias-ply whitewall tires. Twin spare tires are mounted inside body-color covers on the front fenders. A replacement gray soft top was reportedly fitted during the refurbishment. The Model 85 rode on a 138″ wheelbase and featured an independent front suspension with semi-elliptical leaf springs out back. Stopping power is provided by hydraulically assisted drums at all four corners. The cabin features front and rear bench seats trimmed in black leather along with matching door panels and gray carpets. Equipment includes painted steel woodgrain trim, a heater, a rear passenger armrest, and a center partition with a roll-down window, a robe cord, a cigar lighter, and a Jaeger eight-day clock. The banjo-style steering wheel features a Cadillac Fleetwood center cap and fronts a painted steel dash housing a 110-mph speedometer, a clock, and gauges for water temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and amperage. The five-digit odometer shows 52k miles. Total mileage is unknown. The 368ci 45° V12 features finned valve covers, dual Detroit Lubricator R-13 carburetors, and an oil bath air cleaner. It was factory rated at 150 horsepower at 3,600 rpm. Engine stamping 4130044 matches the engine number listed on the copy of the build sheet below. The engine number is listed on the title as the VIN. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. The copy of the build sheet is dated August 6, 1936, and lists delivery to Don Lee, Inc. as well as the engine and chassis numbers and color and trim codes.