1934 Cadillac 355 V-8 Coupe

Coachwork by Fisher
Chassis No. 31-3549
Motor No. 3102240
Body No. 32

Model 355D, Series 20. 130 bhp, 353 cu. in. side-valve V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front and three-quarter-floating rear axle, and four-wheel vacuum-assisted drum brakes. Wheelbase: 136 in.

Nineteen thirty-four ranks among the finest years of the Classic Cadillac, distinguished by the marque’s first fully streamlined, modern styling and the distinctive, one-year-only, beautiful ‘biplane’ bumpers, subsequently replaced by less graceful single-bar units. The V-8 model alone could be had on no fewer than three lengths of chassis, comprising a remarkable 31 different body styles, a variety of offerings unimaginable today!

This V-8-powered Cadillac coupe is a Series 20, built on the 136-inch-wheelbase chassis, resulting in superb proportions from tip to tail. According to its build sheet, a copy of which is on file, it was originally shipped to the Don Lee, Inc., distributorship in Los Angeles, California, and was finished in all-over Highway Green with wire wheels covered in matching discs, a single rear-mounted spare with metal cover, and a flexible steering wheel. In 1988 it was acquired from Randy Thomas of Wisconsin and moved to Utica, New York, where it resided quietly for decades in a large private collection of GM automobiles of this era.

Kept much as it was acquired, it remains in solid overall condition, aside from rust in the running boards; the body itself is good, with solid doors that do not sag, and the wood frame for the fabric roof insert is largely still present, albeit disassembled. In fact, the Cadillac appears to be largely complete with the exception of the rumble seat steps. Crucially, the original ‘biplane’ front and rear bumpers, frequently purloined from many project 1934 Cadillacs, remain intact and ready for restoration. Much of the fabric interior remains intact and very suitable for patterns, and the original instruments remain in the dashboard behind clear, crisp faces and accompanied by the proper ‘banjo’ steering wheel. Equipped with a replacement 1934 engine, the car has not been driven for many years and the present operating status is not known.

This special Cadillac is ready for and quite deserving of restoration, which will result in a truly sporting coupe with a wonderful look and excellent style, eligible for the highest levels of CCCA and Cadillac-LaSalle Club competition.