Description
Cadillac Series 355-A Town Sedan | 1931
Highlights:
– 5.8-litre V8 engine, petrol, 3-speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission
– Restored in 2020, documented with photographs
– Original unrestored upholstery and door panels
– Restored wooden artillery wheels with whitewall tyres
– Five-passenger Town Sedan coachwork by Fisher
The seller offers for sale this 1931 Cadillac Series 355-A Town Sedan, powered by a 5.8-litre V8 engine, paired with a 3-speed Synchro-Mesh manual transmission. Finished in black with gleaming chrome brightwork, this elegant five-passenger sedan retains its roof insert and rides on restored wooden artillery wheels with whitewall tyres, which are in good condition and have covered very few miles. The car underwent a restoration in 2020, and the work is documented with photographs. The paintwork presents in good condition overall, with the exception of a small blemish on the front right running board that would benefit from a touch-up. The flying goddess mascot, the chrome radiator shell and the twin headlamps give the car a stately and unmistakable face.
Inside, this Cadillac is particularly charming because it retains its original, unrestored upholstery and door panels, which are clean and full of character. The period instrument panel sits in an oval chrome surround, and the seller notes that the clock is not working. The rear compartment offers a generous bench with original pull straps and door pockets, true to the character of a formal town car. Mechanically, a minor coolant weep at the water pump gland has recently been repaired, and the car holds a current roadworthiness inspection certificate.
The Cadillac Series 355 was introduced in 1931 as the successor to the Series 353, and it arrived at a remarkable moment in the history of the marque. At the height of the Great Depression, Cadillac offered a range crowned by the extraordinary V-16 and V-12 models, with the V8-powered 355 as the core of the line-up. The 355 shared much of the elegance of its more exotic siblings and demonstrated Cadillac’s firm commitment to luxury and engineering sophistication, making it one of the most prestigious automobiles of its era. The 355-A designation identifies the first year of the series, and the Town Sedan body balanced timeless elegance with majestic proportions.
Under the long bonnet sits Cadillac’s smooth side-valve V8 of around 5.8 litres, renowned for its refinement and effortless torque. The car also benefits from two innovations that underlined Cadillac’s technical leadership: the Synchro-Mesh transmission, which Cadillac pioneered to eliminate the need for double-declutching, and shatterproof safety glass. Together they made the 355 one of the most comfortable and advanced cars on the road in the early 1930s.
With its documented restoration, its original interior and its imposing presence, this 1931 Cadillac Series 355-A Town Sedan is a superb opportunity for collectors of American pre-war luxury cars, equally suited to touring, shows and special occasions.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
