No. 032 of 207
Many consider 1931 to be the pinnacle of the "Classic Era" for Cadillac. As a convertible coupe with a rumble seat, this Fleetwood-bodied car is one of the most desired among collectors.
With the introduction of its new V-12, Cadillac became the only car company to offer V-8, V-12, and V-16 models. Cadillac offered 134-, 140-, and 143-inch wheelbases, bodies by Fisher and Fleetwood, three different engine configurations, and the more moderately priced LaSalle as part of its lineup. It arguably began a trend that eventually led to Cadillac's domination of the luxury car field over rival Packard.
While the flagship V-12 and V-16 gathered all the fanfare, the V-8 powered models like this convertible coupe sold in steady numbers, helping Cadillac's bottom line during difficult economic times. Cadillac produced a total of 10,717 V-8 models in 1931. All Series 355 Cadillacs rode a new 134-inch wheelbase, six inches shorter than 1930 models giving the cars a sporty appearance.
The 1931 Series 355A was very similar to the Series 353 except it was longer and lower, had a longer hood with five hood ports, with matching doors in the cowl. There was a modified coach sill with no compartments in the splash pan. The battery and tool compartment were now under the front seat. Floor boards were made of metal for the first time. The instrument panel was oval with the same gauge groupings as in the Series 353. The Series 355 featured a radiator screen, a single bar bumper and dual horns. The headlight diameter was reduced by one inch. There was a new frame with divergent side rails. The suspension springs now had metal covers. The radiator was mounted lower in the frame and there was now a condenser tank for cooling operation. The engine was the same 353 cu in (5.8 L) L-Head V8 as on the Series 353, thus the series designation no longer matched the displacement and was the basis for the "series" naming convention. Engine horsepower was 95. A five-point engine suspension, similar to the V-16 was used. An intake muffler was added and the distributor was mounted 1.5 in (38 mm) higher. The fan was mounted lower to match the lower radiator. Model year sales totaled 10,717.
353 cubic-inch L-Head V-8 engine
Single updraft carburetor
3-speed transmission
4-wheel semi elliptic leaf spring suspension
4-wheel drum brakes
Pre-War Classics / 1916–1941
