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Found in France by an Italian collector, this car was in an advanced state of neglect but still original condition. It had the French Marschal headlights and side lights it still wears today along with mysterious identification numbers stenciled on the rear of the body. No history is known but the lights support that the car was sold new in France and the stenciled numbers tend to indicate the car was used in some official capacity, perhaps as a consulate car.
Cadillac did not maintain production numbers based on models in 1934. It is nearly impossible to determine exactly how many of these Imperial Sedans were produced but the number is tiny and there is no doubt this car is unique amongst them.
The car remained in its original state until purchased by Mr. Bulgari. He sent the car to the United States where the Precision Motor Cars restoration shop at The NB Center executed a complete restoration to the highest levels.
The car was a runner-up for the Antique Automobile Club of America Zenith Award in 2021. The award is given to the car deemed the best restoration of the year within AACA. -
Company
General Motors
Make
Cadillac
Model
355-D, 34663
Body Style
Imperial Sedan, 4-door, 7-pass.
Body Manufacture
Fisher Body
Model year
1934
Wheelbase
136 inches
Length
213.75 inches
Engine
V8, 353 cid
Horsepower
120 hp @ 3000 rpm
Transmission
3-speed manual
Original Base Price
$2,995
Brand Production
5,763
This Car Production
Unknown -
Like many of General Motors’ brands in 1934, Cadillac was in survival mode.
Cadillac President and General Manager Lawrence P. Fisher had steered Cadillac to the top of the luxury market during his tenure. He ushered in the V16 and the V12 engines, and greatly expanded the custom body offerings. His efforts were well suited to the good times but they were of no help in the economic catastrophe of the Depression. With three year lead times typical in the automobile industry, Cadillac couldn’t change direction fast enough after the stock market crash in 1929. By 1933 sales hit rock bottom with just 3,173 cars produced for the entire model year. Cadillac had not seen numbers that low since 1908. Fisher did his best to trim body offerings and redesign the cars to attract customers.
Cadillacs got a strong art deco influenced design make-over in 1934 that resulted in one of the most iconic design features ever put on a car, the bi-plane bumper. Although 1934 saw some recovery from the devastating results of 1933, L.P. Fisher retired from Cadillac and was replaced by Nicholas Dreystadt on June 1st. This would start a restructuring and cost cutting program that would see the consolidation of models and bodies offered by Cadillac in the coming years.
In many ways, 1934 Cadillac was the last of the unfettered luxury offerings from the brand. The level of detail in styling and finish would diminish a little at a time in the coming years. Costs over bespoke quality became more of a focus for the entire luxury car industry.