The Great Depression was still wreaking havoc on the American economy and automobile sales were at an all-time low. Production of the multi-cylinder range of Cadillac cars - i.e. those with either a twelve or a sixteen cylinder motor - both introduced in 1930 - continued uninterrupted in 1932 but sales fell to some 2,000 units for the year (2,005 to be precise); this was less than the first ever Cadillac of which 2,500 were sold in 1902-1903, the first two years of production.
The La Salle saved the day for Cadillac, with sales of 3,482 units in 1932; the V-8 models were next, accounting for 2,096 sales. As for the V-12 and V-16 models, Cadillac sold only 1,709 and 296 units respectively.
Needless to say, if you happen to own a 1932 Cadillac or La Salle today, you may pride yourself in owning a very rare and desirable automobile. In addition to being rare in number, the 1932 models are particularly beautiful in their design and styling.
Considering the low sales volume this year, the beautiful sales and merchandising literature published concurrently by Cadillac is highly desirable. Many of the illustrations here are from these lovely catalogs and folders, the main one being the special portfolio of Fleetwood models that was kindly loaned to me by Z. Taylor Vinson of Washington, DC, that I might copy the illustrations for your pleasure.
A definite change of styling will be witnessed in these new models, compared with those of 1929 through 1931. Bodies now are longer and lower, with more gracefully curved fenders flowing smoothly into the running boards. Roof height is lowered from one to three inches - depending on body style - to achieve an overall longer, sleeker look.
The distinguishing mark of the 1932 models is the front grille ensemble. There is no longer a bright chrome stone guard to capture the attention; on all models (V8, V12, V16) the fine mesh grille is divided down the middle by one vertical bar and seven horizontal ones. All models have circular grille badges positioned on the second horizontal bar down from the top; these indicate the engine configuration ("V8", "V12" or "V16"). As in 1930-31, the V-8 badge has a black background; the V-12 is blue and the V-16 red. Wheel hubs have a similar, circular ID badge. In 1932 Cadillac had no fewer than four wheel types: (1) standard wire wheels, (2) thesame but with stainless steel spokes, (3) wood artillery wheels and (4) full discs over wire wheels.
The majority of the 1932 cars have bodies by Fisher. The remainder were dressed by Fleetwood. Since production figures by model are available only for the sixteens, I simply have listed the eights and twelves in numercial sequence of their styling codes. If any Database user has precise production figures for any of the V-8 or V-12 models, I shall be glad to include them here.
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Additional information on the 1932 models and the related sales literature may be found in The (New) Cadillac Database© sections entitled "Descriptions and Specifications of Cadillac Cars 1932 - 1937", "La Salle for 1932", "Cadillac and La Salle Sales Literature 1930 - 1934", "Dream Cars for 1930 - 1932" and "Cadillac V16 Production for 1932" including "Cadillac V16 Survivors for 1932". Further recommended reading includes:
(a) "Standard Catalog of Cadillac, 1903-2000" edited by James T. Lenzke, © 2000, published by Krause Publications, Inc., 700 E. State Street, Iola, WI 54990 [ISBN #0-87341-925-1, Library of Congress #91-61301]., and
(b) "Sixteen Cylinder Motor Cars", by Roy Schneider, © 1978, published by Automobile Heritage Publishing Co., Post Office Box 7, Temple City, CA 91780 [ISBN #0-917104-02-1]
Space-permitting, some additional photos of surviving cars may be added here, later.
The La Salle V8 Models for 1932
The Cadillac V8 Models for 1932
[illustrations and photos currently are not
available for all models]
Fisher bodies
on the 134" wheel base chassis
