The Roadster That Turned Heads Then and Now
Steve Plunkett can tell you every detail about the inner workings of his 1930 Cadillac Series 452 Model 4302 Rumble seat Roadster V16. But any onlooker can quickly see that this vehicle, with a Champagne-coloured body and chocolate brown fenders, is special. Of course, when you collect Cadillacs like Steve does, every one of them is special. Only 105 roadsters were produced by Cadillac in 1930, with a choice of fifty-four different body styles. Less than 3,000 V16s were made that year overall and Cadillac continued to make them until 1940. This roadster for two was the sportiest of all the V16s. A rumble seat in the rear deck provided seating for a couple more passengers to ride along. Rumble seat passengers were uncovered and potentially experiencing less riding comfort than the duo up front, who had a choice of open air or covering in this convertible. The V16 engine puts out a modest 175 horsepower by today’s standards, but the engine is “torquey”, according to Steve. All Cadillacs came equipped with synchromesh transmissions, a Cadillac first in 1928. That term, “synchromesh transmission”, is still used by all brands to this day. This vehicle debuted hydraulic valve lifters that are now used on every engine in the world. Cadillac invented the automatic choke, also a feature in this vehicle. It also has power brakes, anti-theft ignition, driving lights that turn with the wheels, and a rear-mounted trunk. The company also thought about practicality for the well-heeled owner, such as where he would put his golf clubs for transport. A long and generously sized compartment is accessed through the Golf Club Door positioned behind the passenger’s seat. For
body fittings. V16 and Cadillac crests are attached, as well as the Goddess hood ornament. It carries dual side mount spare wheels with metal covers that match the body colour. The car was popular when it reached the marketplace, but the Great Depression took its toll on sales. Today, it’s one of the most desirable and collectible American cars. Steve purchased this car about twenty years ago from the Imperial Palace auto collection in Las Vegas. It didn’t need restoring. Steve says he bought it, “because it would be the first of several 16s I owned.” Indeed, it is, with a half-dozen now in his Cadillac collection. This one is in his salon and shown on tours of his extensive car collection. For fifteen years, Steve Plunkett turned his love of cars into the Fleetwood Country Cruize-In, an event that supported local Charities and raised over $1.7 million. “Taking a passion that I love and creating an event that benefits so many people has been a blessing,” says Steve. The event attracted thousands of people and cars from across North America. When not at home on his estate on the outskirts of Byron, Steve tours invitational car events and shows across North America, showcasing his classic cars.
manual GPS of the day, there’s a map compartment and other organizational features, including a tool compartment. It also has plenty of style and head-turning finishes, befitting its lofty place among the driving public. It features chrome- plated bumpers, horns, and
1930 Cadillac v16 Engine
Page 6
Byron Villager September 2025
To advertise here please contact Barb@villagerpublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs