John D. Groendyke is a well-known car collector. As a passionate car enthusiast, he now owns a very large collection of classic vehicles. Over the last decade, he has expanded this collection to include the most important Cadillac V-16 models with a wide variety of body styles. He currently owns 17 such exhibits.
Preserving the splendor of the old days
However, the size of the exhibition is by no means the only reason for his fame: Groendyke's cars are no less famous for being exceptionally well maintained. He spares no expense or effort to ensure that everything works as it should and that the vehicles never lose their former glory. This is the only way to keep the vehicles authentic. Groendyke makes absolutely no compromises to achieve this goal.
Not affordable for normal consumers at the time
When the Cadillac V-16 was introduced to the general public in 1930, cars with a V8 engine were considered a luxury product and were not affordable for the average consumer. The Cadillac with its V-16 once again stood out from the upper class and set new standards in technology. The price range varied greatly depending on the model. In general, however, it can be assumed that prices at that time ranged between 5,950 and 9,200 US dollars.
Compared to a Ford A, which cost just under USD 400 in the cheapest version at the time, the price of the cheapest Cadillac V16 model was almost fifteen times as much!
The personal touch
To give the car a personal touch, customers could choose from 54 body styles. Seven of these body styles can be found in Groendyke's collection today. The showpiece of Groendyke's collection is the 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton by Fleetwood.
Largely original
To this day, the chassis, engine, axles and body of this sports phaeton are still in their original condition. Together with six other models, the model will be auctioned off at RM-Sotheby's Arizona Auction in Phoenix, Arizona on January 16 and 17, 2020. The estimated price is between 900,000 and 1,200,000 USD. Other Groendyke vehicles that will be auctioned are
- 1933 Cadillac V-16 All-Weather Phaeton, restored with a Fleetwood body, ($300,000 - $350,000);
- 1936 Cadillac V-16 Town Sedan by Fleetwood, ($250,000 - $300,000);
- 1939 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Coupe by Fleetwood, ($225,000 - $275,000);
- 1931 Cadillac V-16 Seven-Passenger Imperial Sedan by Fleetwood, ($100,000 - $150,000);
- 1932 Cadillac V-16 Five-Passenger Sedan by Fleetwood, ($175,000 - $225,000).
