'39 V-16 auction in Self Starter

[Tom Boehm]

I thought this would be a good discussion topic. We all know interest in and values of pre war cars is waning. My question is: Does this trend extend to cars like this?  In the February Self Starter there is advertised an auction in May of a 1939 V-16 convertible sedan. 9200 original miles. In storage for 65 years since 1954. Between the S.S. ad and the auctioneer website there is not much info about present condition. Two pictures on the website look like it is not pristine but complete, correct, and in need of at least some restoration. It for sure will need a major sorting to get it roadworthy. I am not intending to bid. I have my hands full with my Lasalle.

What do you think it will sell for? 

[Mike Baillargeon #15848]

Hi Tom,

I saw the car in Hemmings also....here is the link....

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/cadillac/90/2350253.html

I spoke to the auctioneer a few weeks ago about the car and he told me heard it running recently...

Back in 2016 wasn't there an auction of Doug Houston's V16 coupes and sedans....

Weren't those cars in kinda the same condition as this one??

What did those sell for??   50K range??    I can't remember...

Mike

[Tom Boehm]

Thanks Mike. That car looks like an good candidate for preservation rather than restoration. Still will need a major cleaning and mechanical sorting. I looked up the numbers. There were 19    90 series convertible sedans made. 13 in 1938, 4 in 1939 and 2 in 1940. That car is almost the same as yours. 8 cylinders less and a grill.

[Mike Baillargeon #15848]

I was thinking the same thing....just a bucket of soap and water for a good scrubbing all around.....

I wish I had that convertible top frame.....haha, something tells me those extra 8 cylinders would be a big headache.....however this one runs mine does not....

Mike

[Bob Hoffmann CLC#96]

Guys,
 That car has a LOT of hard usage. NO way 6200 miles. Top appears to be replaced. Who knows what else.
Bob

[Mike Baillargeon #15848]

This weekend I talked to the guy who is charged with getting the cars ready for auction....Apparently there are other Packards and Jaguars in the collection....those are in pretty bad shape though

He said the V16 purrs like a kitten and he said he had a mechanic go thru the mechanicals....he said it really didn't need much because it's a low mileage car.....

I don't know, whitewalls on one side, black walls on the other.....maybe after 70 years of sitting you change the top and get rid of the tires that don't hold air??

Mike

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

I thought this would be a good discussion topic. We all know interest in and values of pre war cars is waning. My question is: Does this trend extend to cars like this? 

Mostly true for common high volume regular production models but market remains strong for prewar "high-end" material. 

[Chris Cummings]

It's a local auction and not one of the big houses.  That could mean fewer big-wallet bidders in the crowd, but what do I know? It looks like a great car for someone.

[Mike Baillargeon #15848]

All right, the auction was postponed but it's back on for Sept, 5th 2020...

Here is the link:

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/89150565_1939-cadillac-v-16-series-90

I'm still not optimistic about pre-war prices and this one is scheduled the same day as the Kentucky Derby......Maybe this small auction will be a great deal for somebody.........estimate is $45K to $250K....that about covers it.....my guess is the lower end here..... oh and "Tiz the Law" in an easy run....

Mike

[Carfreak]

Back in 2016 wasn't there an auction of Doug Houston's V16 coupes and sedans....

Weren't those cars in kinda the same condition as this one??

What did those sell for??   50K range??    I can't remember...

Mike

$6000     V16 block with crank               
$2200     V16 block (rusty)
$23000   38  V16 Sedan
$50000   39  V16 Coupe (1 of 4 built)
$22000   41 Coupe with factory A/C
$19000   41 convertible sedan
$15500   41 60S
$27000   41 Chev Convertible
$22000   41 Olds Convertible
$21000   56 Cad Convertible

[Mike Baillargeon #15848]

Good catch Carfreak, thanks....gosh that was 4 years ago.....I'm afraid prices have slipped since then....

Mike

[Tom Boehm]

Potential bidders will not be at Churchill Downs. Maybe watching on TV. It was announced this week the Kentucky Derby will be run without spectators.

[Mike Baillargeon #15848]

Car sold today with a high bid of $50,000....

Tack on the buyers premium of 18% for a grand total of $59,000 !

Not bad....

Mike

[rwchatham CLC 21892]

Mike you got the car right , the derby not so much ! Lol

[Mike Baillargeon #15848]

Mike you got the car right , the derby not so much ! Lol

Lol...Thanks Ray....yea I was a little off on that one.....I lost 10 bucks on Tiz but I did have 10 on Authentic.....On to the Preakness !!

Maybe Cadillac would have more luck in this kind of racing...?

Mike

[rwchatham CLC 21892]

Mike wire  to wire was pretty impressive and 8-1 a nice payday ! He  was running smooth like a caddy V16 !

[Chris Cummings]

The 9023 seven-passenger sedan that was offered at RM's Auburn Fall Auction (September 3-5) went for $11,000.

https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/af20/auburn-fall/lots/l0092-1939-cadillac-series-90-v-16-seven-passenger-sedan-by-fleetwood/887394

Photos at the linked site.

Lots of work to do on that one.

Chris

[Tom Boehm]

Those two cars appeared to be in similar condition and the convertible sedan went for $50,000 more!   
$10,000 for a complete V-16 is low enough to be in my price range. I need to finish my Lasalle first.

[harry s]

There was one that drove into the Car Corral at Hershey last year that sold for $18K. It was a barn find that had a lot of parts removed and thrown into the back seat and trunk. Represented as being all there. The purchaser was interested mostly in the engine.     Harry