1936 Cadillac V-16 Town Sedan (Style 5833-S)
- Colour
- Tunis Blue
The sole known survivor of just three 1936 Cadillac V-16 town sedans bodied to style no. 5833-S, this blind-quarter example was delivered new in Chicago finished in Tunis Blue. After sustaining fire damage during an earlier ownership, it underwent a comprehensive restoration lasting more than two years under restorer Fran Roxas, with custom Bedford Cord interior work by Chris Nierstheimer. The car went on to win its class at both the 1998 Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$187,600
- → 1979Paul Mundtpartial documentation
Resided in Cerrito, California during his ownership. Sold the car in 1979.
- 1979 → 1995Private saleCharles Jonespartial documentation
The vehicle sustained fire damage during his tenure. The car passed from his estate after his death.
- 1995 →Private saleWilliam B. Ruger Jr.full documentation
Son of a noted firearms designer and a capable engineer, he commissioned a restoration exceeding two years by Fran Roxas's workshop, with interior work by Chris Nierstheimer. Invoices for the restoration are retained in the car's file. Custom gear ratios were fitted for improved touring capability.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownGroendyke Collectionpartial documentation
Maintained the vehicle to the same high standard established during the prior ownership.
Competition
- 19981998 Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance1st in class
First public showing following the post-fire restoration completed by Fran Roxas's shop.
- 1998Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance1st in class
Class victory followed shortly after the Meadowbrook win in the same season.
- 1998Pebble Beach Tour d'EleganceDriver: William B. Ruger Jr.
Participated in the inaugural running of this touring event; owner expressed enthusiasm about the car's driving qualities upon completing the tour.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationFran Roxas's shop
Full restoration spanning over two years following fire damage, encompassing expert bodywork preparation, fabrication of numerous absent trim elements including fender spears and running-board moldings, and retention of much of the original coachwork.
Invoices documenting the scope of work are included in the car's file. The side-mounted spare wheels were replaced by a single trunk-mounted spare as a deliberate styling choice.
- —MaintenanceChris Nierstheimer
Custom Bedford Cord interior professionally fitted as part of the restoration.
- —Modification
Installation of custom 3.31:1 final-drive gearing to improve long-distance touring performance.
Carried out at the direction of William B. Ruger Jr. as part of his broader mechanical improvement programme.
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