Cadillac 355-A Convertible Coupe Glaser Bodied

A 1931 Cadillac 355 Convertible Coupe, very rare model with coachwork by Glaser of Dresden in Germany with right hand drive steering and 4 seats.

This vehicle was commissioned and built for an Argentinian Industrialist. A very rare example with original Bill of Sale from Gaines and Adcock, featuring in “Great Marques-Cadillac” by Andrew White.

Although similar to its Series 353 predecessor, the 355-A featured a lower slung stance thanks to its new chassis. Sitting on a 134-inch wheelbase, this improved ladder frame incorporated divergent side rails, all round drum brakes and a lowered Radiator. Equipped with a lighter version of the legendary 5. 7L, side valve V8 engine (complete with revised 5-point mounting), three speed manual gearbox and spiral bevel final drive, the 355-A offered nigh-on 80mph performance. Externally distinguished by the five rectangular doors that ran down each side of its bonnet, the new model also boasted a radiator guard, single bar bumper and dual horns.

The vast majority of these cars were bodied by Fisher and Fleetwood; however, it is known that a small number of 355-A chassis were clothed by European coachbuilders including Pinin Farina and Glaser.

Reportedly rebuilt in the 1980’s, it was sold through Sotheby’s of Geneva in 1988, when it was first brought to the UK.

Finished in cream over chocolate brown, this Glaser bodied two-door convertible coupe features wind-up windows, an opening windscreen, integral trunk and rear mounted luggage rack.

In the interior, its brown calfskin leather upholstery is offset by an ivory gear knob, black and silver ‘rising sun’ patterned instrument binnacle (complete with Jaeger clock and 100mph AC speedometer), wooden door capping’s and beige hood lining. Its twin side mounted, cased spare wheels are crowned with rear view mirrors whose backs are decorated with etched concentric circular patterns with a Cadillac emblem.

The body itself features a moulded swage line, scuttle vents and a pair of bulkhead mounted MACO spotlights.

Under the bonnet of this lovely 1931 Cadillac 355 Convertible Coupe, the black painted cylinder heads carry a cast ‘HC” logo and the steering box is a Saginaw unit.