The 1938 Cadillac Series 90 represents the absolute pinnacle of pre-war American automotive ambition. This particular example is a rare Fleetwood-bodied town car with a storied Hollywood past. It was delivered new to Hillcrest Motor Company in Beverly Hills for use by a major film studio. Industry legend Darryl F. Zanuck reportedly used this car during his tenure at 20th Century Fox. Later, it joined the prestigious collections of Roy Warshawsky and Estée Lauder heir Ronald Lauder. Only 315 V16 units left the factory in 1938, making any survivor a significant find. This car serves as a rolling testament to the golden age of the silver screen. It now emerges for sale in Washington with extensive historical documentation.
Exclusivity through Fleetwood Style 9053 Coachwork
Fleetwood produced only 11 examples of the style 9053 seven-passenger town car for the 1938 model year. This 1938 Cadillac Series 90 features a 141-inch wheelbase and measures 221 inches in total length. The black exterior is complemented by color-matched fabric over the rear roof section. A removable front roof panel allowed the chauffeur to work in an open-air environment. Period-correct details include fender-top lamps and the famous “flying goddess” hood ornament. Dual side-mount spares are tucked into the front fenders under body-color metal covers. While the glass shows some imperfections, the car maintains its imposing and stately presence. It remains a masterclass in balanced, large-scale proportions from the late thirties.
A Cabin Divided by Chauffeur and Passenger Luxury
The interior of this flagship is divided by a functional roll-up central glass partition window. In the front, the chauffeur’s compartment is trimmed in durable black leather with beige carpeting. The dashboard houses a 110-mph speedometer and a classic banjo-spoke “flex” steering wheel. Behind the glass, the rear passenger compartment offers a much softer environment in tan cloth. Two jump seats fold out from the middle cowl to accommodate extra guests. Luxury touches include a Fleetwood-branded clock, wood accents, and a robe cord with grab handles. Hidden compartments even contain original radio controls and ashtrays for the rear occupants. This layout perfectly illustrates the social hierarchy of luxury travel in 1938.
Flathead V16 Engineering and Performance Specs
The 1938 Cadillac Series 90 debuted a redesigned 431ci L-head V16 engine with a 135-degree bank angle. This second-generation powerplant focused on smoothness and quiet operation rather than just raw speed. It features dual carburetors, twin distributors, and nine main bearings for maximum mechanical stability. The engine was factory rated at 185 horsepower at 3,600 rpm, delivering effortless torque. Power reaches the rear wheels through a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. For handling, the chassis uses independent knee-action front suspension and a leaf-sprung rear axle. Stopping is managed by four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, which were advanced for the era. This V16 configuration remains one of the most complex and smooth engines ever produced.
1938 Cadillac Series 90 Summary
Acquiring a 1938 Cadillac Series 90 with this level of provenance is an exceptionally rare opportunity. The connection to Darryl F. Zanuck and the Lauder family adds layers of investment-grade history. Its Fleetwood town car body remains one of the most elegant configurations of the pre-war era. The car includes a factory invoice copy confirming its early life in Southern California. Although it shows some signs of age, its mechanical integrity remains centered around that massive V16 heart. It is a vehicle that commands respect at any concours event or collection. This Cadillac is more than a car; it is a preserved piece of cultural history. It is ready for its next custodian to continue its long legacy.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
