Cadillac V-12 series 370 – Origin
The Cadillac V-12 series 370 is an automobile produced by Cadillac from its model year of 1931 through 1935. They were all fitted with custom bodies, and the car was assembled in relatively limited numbers. The V-12 was basically an abridged version of the V-16, with a bore of 3.125 instead of 3 while maintaining the V-16’s 4 stroke, giving it a 368 cubic inch displacement.
Cadillac V-12 series 370 – Overview
In October 1930, the 1931 370A V-12 model was launched. Compared to the V-16’s 148 in (3,759 mm), the Cadillac V-12 had a shorter wheelbase with a choice of 140 in (3,556 mm) or 143 in (3,632 mm), but it provided a comparable choice of Fisher and Fleetwood semi-custom bodies. At this time, it was very difficult to differentiate a Cadillac V-16 from a Cadillac V-12 unless you moved closer to it to read the 12 sign placed on the headlight tie bar, though the hood was shorter by four inches and the headlights and horns were smaller than those of a V-16.
One major difference can be traced to the price as the V-12 had an opening price of $3,795 which was $2,000 less than the V-16. The Cadillac V-12 may have been lower in popularity than the Cadillac V-16, but it quickly outsold the Cadillac V-16 with 5,733 sold in its 1931 debut year because of its lower price, compared to a meager 363 for the V-16.
1932 Model
The 1932 series featured a radiator shell flaring at the top, more flaring fenders and curved running boards. A tougher frame and a Cuno self-cleaning oil filter mounted on the right-hand side of the clutch housing were added mechanical modifications and In place of the Cadillac/Johnson carburetors that had been the basic equipment on Cadillacs for 20 years, Dual Detroit carburetors were used.
1933 Model
The 1933 Series 370C’s design improvements included a V-shaped grill that blended into the painted radiator shell, a radiator cap concealed under the hood, and skirts for a more streamlined look on the front and rear fenders. A new standard characteristic was the Fisher no-draft independently operated vent windows. Though, sales fell further to 953 vehicles.
1934 and 1935 Models
The 1934 Series 370D was redesigned once again, but was built on a completely new chassis this time around. With a central bar and five horizontal parts, the radiator grill slanted backwards. The windshield sloped much further back, and the headlights were enclosed in new teardrop housings mounted on sleek supports, the horns were connected to the radiator cap under the hood, and the spare tires were hidden under the new hood.
Dual X-frame chassis construction, “Knee-Action” front coil spring suspension that dramatically reduced unsprung weight, and Hotchkiss steering were important mechanical developments of the 1934 series. The 1935 Series 370E saw Fisher bodied cars with the addition of the Fisher Turret Top and an improvement in horsepower to 150. Sales totaled only 1098 over the two years combined.
Cadillac V-12 series 370 – Production
In the five model years that the car was made, a total of 9524 vehicles were manufactured, with the majority being built in its debut year. A quite successful period for Cadillac’s first standard production V-12 powered car
Cadillac V-12 series 370 – Price Range
The Cadillac V-12 series 370 are highly sought after today, and prices range from $40,000 to as high as $400,000 depending on the condition of the vehicle and the model.
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