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1931 Cadillac Series 370-A V12
Nick D·
ReviewCadillac1930s Cars
·5 min read

1931 Cadillac Series 370-A V12

1931 Cadillac Series 370-A V12

In 1930 Cadillac released the 370-A as a complement to their flagship V16 chassis. Both cars shared many of the same components and bodystyles. In many ways the V12 was a scaled down V16 with a four inch shorter hood, smaller front headlights and smaller front horns.

The chassis was similar to the Series 355 and was available with 140, 143 or 152 inch wheelbases.

Amenities on the chassis included vacuum assisted drums

The engine was a 45 degree V12 that was capable of 135 bhp @ 3400 rpm. Twin intake silencers were fitted to reduce engine suction noise.

See full 1931 Cadillac Series 370-A V12 Gallery

1931 Cadillac Series 370-A V12

In Detail

type Series Production Car
built at Detroit, Michigan, USA
production 5733
engine 45º V12
position Front, Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
block material Cast Iron
fuel feed Dual Cadillac Carburetors
displacement 6030 cc / 368 in³
bore 79.4 mm / 3.125 in
stroke 101.6 mm / 4.000 in
power 100.7 kw / 135 bhp @ 3400 rpm
specific output 22.39 bhp per litre
wheel type Wood Artillery or Wires
front tires 7.00 x 19 whitewall
rear tires 7.00 x 19 whitewall
front brakes Drums w/Vacuum Assist
rear brakes Drums w/Vacuum Assist
transmission 3-Speed Manual
tran clutch Twin Disc

Auction Sales History

1931 Cadillac Series 370-A V12

1931 Cadillac V-12 370A Convertible Coupe by Fleetwood 1002411 – sold for $220,000 Offered from 32 years of ownership. Restored by Harry Sherry, with further sorting by Brian Joseph. CCCA Premier award winner.
Auction Source: 2014 Motor City Auction by RM
1931 Cadillac Series 370-A V12
1931 Cadillac V-12 Fisher Victoria Coupe – sold for $47,300 The pinnacle of pre-war Cadillac styling. One of only six Fisher body designs offered. Rarely seen Victoria Opera Coupe coachwork. Recent restoration to high standards. One of the best-driving prewar classics.
Auction Source: 2013 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1931 Cadillac Series 370-A V12

1931 Cadillac 370-A V-12 Roadster – did not sell for $160,000

Priced new at $2,845 was Fleetwood’s Style 4502 roadster body for the 370-A chassis. Chassis 1002070 sports a fresh nut and bolt, body-off restoration. With virtually zero miles registered since the restoration, the dark blue and gray Cadillac is simply outstanding. The car is very nicely appointed with a blue Hartz cloth top and complementing light blue leather interior. Both are in excellent condition. Desirable accessories include dual side-mounted spare tires with mirrors, stainless spoke wheels, wide whitewalls, wind wings, a set of Trippe lights, a golf club door, radiator stone guard, and a luggage rack fitted with a metal low boy trunk. The current owner states that this car starts and runs very well, and that the next owner will discover that this roadster drives wonderfully, cruising along with the finesse and flare that can only be achieved by a multi-cylinder Cadillac.

Auction Source: 2012 St John’s by RM Auctions

1931 Cadillac Series 370-A V12

1931 Cadillac V-12 370-A Fleetwood Phaeton 1004792 – sold for $192,500 Limited Ownership Since New. Rare Phaeton Coachwork. AACA and CCCA Award Winner. Striking Color Combination. A Significant Cadillac of the Classic Era.
Auction Source: 2012 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1931 Cadillac Series 370-A V12

1931 Cadillac V-12 Series 370 Five-Passenger Phaeton – sold for $200,750

A particularly sought-after body style, this V-12 Fleetwood five-passenger phaeton has had a ground-up restoration. The owner has informed RM that all numbers match the build sheet, including the ignition key. It has been painted in the original hues of Dark Harbor Green and Bedell Green, with cream pinstripe – a lovely combination of colors that suits this form perfectly. Such attention was paid to originality that it is featured in the Cadillac LaSalle Club’s authenticity manual. A complete set of side curtains accompanies the car. The restoration has been maintained very well, from the detailed engine compartment to the as-new leather upholstery and excellent, well-fitted top.
Auction Source: 2011 St. John’s Auction by RM
1931 Cadillac Series 370-A V12

1931 Cadillac V12 Five-Passenger Phaeton by Fleetwood 105138 – sold for $192,500

This particular Cadillac Five-Passenger Phaeton (known internally as series 370-A with Fleetwood style number 4760) is an outstanding example indeed. It was delivered new to Los Angeles, California and, as evidenced by the original build sheet, was equipped with such extras as metal tire covers, a Goddess radiator ornament, and most interestingly, an export-type windshield, which folds down and is devoid of wind wings. Retaining its original Fleetwood bodywork, the car was restored to a very high and period correct standard in the late 1990s. Previously owned by D. Richard Shonk of Ashton, Maryland, it received First Place honors in 2002 at a Grand National event, was awarded a Senior badge by the Cadillac LaSalle Club and remains a CCCA Premier winner. As presented, with less than 200 miles since its thorough restoration, it is truly an exceptional automobile and surely one of the finest of its kind. Matt Larson, formerly of the GM Heritage Center, recalls riding along with Mr. Shonk on tour and likewise considered it a wonderful car.
Auction Source: 2008 Meadow Brook Concours
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