1937 Cadillac V-16 Seven Passenger Limousine
This luxurious beauty from the Steve Plunkett collection doesn’t just have connections to a famous family, it was also featured in a television mini-series, where art truly imitated life.
1962 auction. At that time, British dealer John Howard acquired the car and it was finally exported back to the US in 1994. A couple of collectors in Texas owned it before Steve purchased it in 2006. It’s the third-last of the first generation of V-16s and one of only 49 made in that final production year. Half of those cars were seven passenger limos and paperwork shows this one, chassis 5130347, was a “Special Body Order.” Although much of the car’s paperwork survives, specifics of the order have been lost to time. It still has the original and rare “watch winder” hubcaps. It possesses a grand presence typified by Cadillac’s Art Deco, pre-war styling for luxury travel by elite clientele. Producers of a controversial mini-series about the Kennedy family borrowed the car in 2010 to lend authenticity to scenes filmed in Toronto involving the family patriarch, Joseph. “We used this car for the filming of “The Kennedys” at Casa Loma with Gregg Kinnear and Katie Holmes,” says Steve. “Very cool.” Despite being nearly 90 years old, the car is mostly in original condition. It was refinished in the factory black colour but there’s some minor cracking in the upholstery leather and blistering at stress points of the body. The chrome trim is in great shape for its age. As we’ve come to learn, Steve keeps his cars in driving condition. They all get out for exercise on a regular basis. 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.
According to meticulous investigations by Cadillac historians, this exact car was used to squire Joseph Kennedy, father of late US President JFK, around England. From January 1938 until October 1940, Joseph was United States Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s, the formal title for the ambassador to the British monarch. Records show the vehicle was shipped to England in December 1937, the same month Kennedy’s posting to that country was announced. The rear license holder and custom taillights for Europe are still with the car, showing it was known as FXU 1. Being the end of the year, Mr. Kennedy could have chosen to purchase a brand new 1938 model car. But the notoriously frugal Kennedy had bypassed a newer vehicle for what was considered the previous year’s model. Despite his immense wealth, Mr. Kennedy was known to enjoy a good bargain. The vehicle spent decades in Europe. Scottish collector John Cuthill Sword purchased it and it remained with him until his
Page 6
Byron Villager March 2026
To advertise here please contact Barb@villagerpublications.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs