1931 was the introduction year for the 12 cylinder Cadillac motor which completed Cadillacs full range of power plant options with the V8, V12 , and the V16. With the V12 they had covered the full range of the luxury car market in price and performance. The 1930 and 1931 Cadillac's can be considered the epitome of the Classic Era's styling. With there massive but yet sporty lines, one of the best looking front ends in of the classic era, and the multi cylinder motors are a work of art. The roadster body style is one of the most sought after of all the production body styles. The V12 roadster is a very rare model with only approximately 85 roadsters produced, it is even rarer than the v16 roadster, and this was also the last year Cadillac would produce a production fully open "Roadster"

The car offered here is currently undergoing restoration and will be sold prior to completion. We were in the process of restoring this car in our shop for one of our best customers, until I was able to acquire a V16 roadster for him, so he decided to focus his efforts on the 16.

Having owned many 1930 - 1931 Cadillac V12 and V16 automobiles over the years, I have always felt that the V12 is a more agile and responsive car to drive. Although the V16 remains king of the hill. The V12 engine is very responsive from 25 - 65 mph, and feels more like a modern car. The V16 takes alittle more to climb up to speed, but does cruise along at 75mph very nicely. Either model cruises along effortlessly with modern traffic.

I will be updating the photos and information on this car as the work progresses. My goal is to get the car to an appropriate level that the car will not be a difficult project, but a together car that will require just the cosmetic finishing. The car is complete and I have the parts labeled, as well as extensive photo documentation of what has been done as well as original chassis photos, so the car can be authentically restored. We can also discuss completing the car for the purchaser, as long as they can work with my current schedule.

Here is what has been done to the car so far.

• The chassis has been media blasted striped to the bare metal. All the painted parts on the car will all be stripped to bare metal prior to any paint work.
• A coating of Long Life Etch primer ( for a life time finish, and promotes surface adhesion) as well as a epoxy primer surfacer was applied to the frame. All frame painting is done on a rotisserie for a complete and detailed finish in all the nocks and cranny's.
• The chassis was then sanded and prepared to be sprayed with 5 coats of Gloss Black paint.
• All suspension components have been media blasted, painted and reinstalled on the chassis
• The chassis has a brand new Stainless Steel fuel tank custom made to the exact specifications of the original, this car will never be plagued by rust in the fuel system.
• The radiator has been tested and boiled out.
• New Firestone Deluxe Champion Tires
• The V12 motor has been detailed and re assembled. The carburetors have been rebuilt and detailed to show standards. The motor ran well prior to disassembly.
• The body wood on the car was termite eaten by its many years in florida, so all the wood body structure has been replaced, exactly as the original to the highest standards.
• The Body metal was bare metal stripped and epoxy primed. The body metal was in excellent original condition and needs very minimal metal work prior to the priming and painting process. Three coats of Color build Black Primer has been applied to the exterior body surfaces so it is ready for the final body work and finishing.
• The chassis has been re assembled and is in rolling form
• The door latches and some of the major components have been installed in order to facilitate moving the car as well as to help you visualize the overall look of the car.

Cadillac roadsters are very rare and desirable cars.  Once competed this one will make a great addition to any collection.  In the last few years I have seen three V12 roadsters change hands and any fresh properly restored cars have brought top prices, at the H and H auction in England the V12 roadster sold for $193,000 US dollars. And at the Kruse auction at Auburn in the spring a convertible coupe (which is a higher production number body style) in older restored condition sold for $239,000