Exterior Color: maroon
Interior Color: grey
Doors: 0

Cadillac Motor Car Company was founded in 1902, from the remains of the original Henry Ford Company.  A dispute between Ford and his investors caused him to part ways, leaving William Murphy and Lemuel Bowen to pick up the pieces. The pair hired a gifted engineer named Henry M. Leland who encouraged them to build a new car. Cadillac was born and was quickly swept up by General Motors in 1909 to become their flagship brand.  Cadillac survives today as one of the oldest continuously running car companies of all time. Interestingly, after GM’s purchase of the company, Leland went on to create another great American luxury brand – Lincoln. Cadillac’s “The Standard of the World” slogan was realized in many engineering firsts such as the first electric starter, the first to wear electric lamps, the first fully synchronized manual transmission, and the first dual plane V8 for superior smoothness. The 355 series first appeared in 1931 and sold very well, becoming a mainstay of the Cadillac lineup through 1935. Sold with a variety of standard and custom bodies ranging from a sporting roadster to a sedan and formal limousine, the V8 powered 355 sustained Cadillac into the depths of the Great Depression. The previous Series 353s 5.8 liter, 353 cubic inch L-head V8 was freshened up for the 355, and performance was strong thanks to a healthy 95 horsepower output. The V8 performance was not far off that of the exclusive V12 models, thanks to the lightweight but powerful engine. Sales of the 355 were quite strong in spite of the dire economic conditions, with about ten thousand examples finding owners in 1931. Handsome and understated, this 1931 355A 7-passenger sedan is a very usable example of the archetypal 1930s Cadillac. It presents in very good overall condition in deep maroon over black fenders and accents. The body structure appears to be in very good condition while the chassis and coachwork also appear very solid. Subject of an older restoration, this enjoyable Cadillac has good paintwork showing a little age, and plenty of pleasing details. It is nicely equipped with a stone guard, dual side-mount spares, dual Trippe Lights, dual tail lights and a trunk rack. The extensive chrome is in good condition overall and presents very well, in keeping with the honest quality of the car. Painted wire wheels feature chrome trim rings and center caps, and are wrapped in new, period correct wide-whitewall tires. Inside in the cabin, the seats, door cards and panels are trimmed in gray cloth upholstery and accented with blue carpets. The signature “sunburst” motif instrument panel is in good condition and an optional heater resides under the dash. The interior trim shows a bit of age but there are no rips or tears and it would certainly make a comfortable place to spend a day touring. A pair of occasional jump seats allows for additional passengers, and the lack of a central divider window means much improved driver comfort. And driving is really what this particular Cadillac is all about. It is attractive and usable, with lots of room for friends to come along on a weekend adventure or a club tour. The big V8 is in very good order – strong running and well presented in the engine bay. Honest and authentic, unfussy and very approachable, this Cadillac 355A represents a wonderful opportunity to experience an approved Full Classic at a very approachable price point. .