At the heart of this grand machine is Cadillac’s 452 cubic inch (7.4-liter) V16 engine, a marvel of its time. Designed by Owen Nacker, the engine was essentially two straight-eight Buick units sharing a common crankcase and crankshaft, with a narrow 45-degree V angle that allowed it to fit within the chassis. Producing up to 185 horsepower and 319 lb-ft of torque, the V16 provided smooth, effortless power and could propel the massive car to speeds approaching 100 mph—an astonishing feat for a vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds. The engine’s advanced hydraulic valve silencing system helped make it exceptionally quiet and refined for its era.
The chassis itself was Cadillac’s most advanced, featuring a steel ladder frame, rigid axles, and hydraulically assisted drum brakes—the latter a first for Cadillac in 1937. The Series 90 wheelbase measured an impressive 154 inches, and the finished car stretched over 22 feet in length, making it one of the longest American cars ever built.
What truly sets the Hartmann Cabriolet apart, however, is its coachwork. Swiss coachbuilder Willy Hartmann was commissioned to create a body that would rival the most extravagant European designs, taking inspiration from the sweeping lines of French coachbuilders like Figoni & Falaschi. The result was a cabriolet of breathtaking proportions, with a long, flowing hood, pontoon fenders, and a dramatic tapered rear. The car’s visual impact is matched by its luxurious interior, which was finished to the highest standards of the day.
The Hartmann Cabriolet is also exceptionally rare. Of the fifty V-16 Series 90 chassis built by Cadillac in 1937, only a handful were sent to independent coachbuilders, and the Hartmann car is believed to be unique. Its price at the time—between $7,350 and $7,950—made it the most expensive car sold by General Motors that year, rivaling the cost of a private home.
Today, the 1937 Cadillac V-16 Series 90 Cabriolet by Hartmann is celebrated as a masterpiece of automotive design and engineering. Its combination of American power and European flair, along with its rarity and presence, make it a star at concours events and a prized piece of automotive history.