1936 Cadillac Series 85 V-12 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan

This 1936 Cadillac Series 85 V-12 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan underwent a comprehensive professional restoration and is an absolute beauty! Heading into the 1930s, Cadillac had...

This 1936 Cadillac Series 85 V-12 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan underwent a comprehensive professional restoration and is an absolute beauty! Heading into the 1930s, Cadillac had established itself as one of the most premium brands of luxury motor vehicles. Although Cadillacs were considered by many at the time to produce the most luxurious cars, demand for luxury cars plummeted with the onset of the Great Depression. By 1936, many of Cadillac's luxury contemporaries such as Duesenberg, Auburn, Cord, Pierce-Arrow, Peerless, Marmon, and Stutz were either out of business entirely or very close to it. In an attempt to stave off bankruptcy, Cadillac (and Packard) introduced lower cost model lines, thereby entering into the more entry-level market. Nonetheless, the GM marque continued to produce and sell its high-end luxury automobiles, albeit at a smaller rate post-Depression. Sitting atop Cadillac's "Royal Family of Motordom" in 1936 was its V12 models consisting of the long wheelbase Series 85 and shorter Series 80, and its Series 90 V-16 models. From nearly every angle, the 1936 Cadillacs featured brand new style. Up front, the '36 Cadillacs were modernized with a more aerodynamic look comprised of a new "Convex Vee" grille and a more pronounced vee'd windshield. The side profile changed quite a bit as well with front hinged doors, that were considered safer, replacing the older-style "suicide doors." In the tail, more 1936 Cadillacs sported bustle-back style trunk which at the time was a more modern design replacing the old "steamer" trunks and luggage racks found on previous generations of Cadillacs. From a mechanical perspective, Cadillac also refined its V-12 engine making them more reliable and the '36 Cadillacs saw the introduction of hydraulic brakes as well. In total, Cadillac produced a mere 901 V-12 models in 1936 which makes this particular example quite a rare piece of automotive history. This 1936 Cadillac Series 85 V-12 is also deemed a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America which means it is eligible for CCCA events and CARavans. Powering this '36 Cadillac Convertible is a 368 Cubic Inch V-12 engine fed by a pair of single barrel carburetors that together were said to have created 150 horsepower when new. The 368 V12 is backed by a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted via a floor-mounted shifter. Exhaust exits the Cadillac V12 via a single exhaust setup that generates a smooth throaty sound out the rear. This CCCA Full Classic comes equipped with several desirable options pre-war options! Dual covered sidemounted spare tires give this Cadillac V12 Convertible a truly elevated look. Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires mounted on painted steel wheels accented with Cadillac wheel discs, which give this '36 Fleetwood Cadillac a gorgeous look while cruising down the road. The beige cloth convertible top is in wonderful condition and is raised and lowered manually. The exterior chrome and brightwork is in fantastic shape and further adds to the exceptional appearance of this Cadillac V-12 Convertible Sedan. The steel body by Fleetwood was been refinished in beautiful black paint that completes the exterior look of this classic pre-war Cadillac. The interior of this 1936 Cadillac Series 85 Convertible is absolutely stunning! The front and rear bench seats have been reupholstered in gorgeous red leather. The matching red door panels, red carpeting, painted dash, and optional flexible banjo-style steering wheel are all in great shape as well and all appear to retain a nice stock appearance. The rear passenger cabin comes outfitted with door-mounted ashtrays, a cigar lighter, clock, and crank-up divider window. The instrument cluster is equipped with a 110 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, amperes gauge, and gasoline gauge, along with a clock. The dash is finished off with an AM radio, locking glovebox, cigar lighter, and various mechanical controls. Whether you're adding to an existing collection of Classic Car Club of America Full Classics or you're buying your very first classic car, this 1936 Cadillac Series 85 V-12 Fleetwood Convertible Sedan would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!