1930 Cadillac Series 452

Spurred on by the increasing size, weight, and grandiose luxuries of its product, Cadillac began looking into creating a larger engine to accommodate all of the power needs that consumers demanded. Following the success of their V-8 power plant, in 1930 Cadillac introduced a V-16 engine with both a larger displacement and higher compression. This increase in power allowed for “enormous acceleration, unheard of hill climbing ability, and more speed than perhaps any man would care to use,” according to a 1930 Cadillac advertisement. Cadillac continued to use and refine the V-16 engine until 1940. The wheelbase measures 148 inches. When new, the coupe body style cost $5,350.