1933 Cadillac V-16 Model 452C All Weather Phaeton

Photos courtesy of National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection), Reno, Nevada Al Jolson’s Show Stopping V-16

Asa Yoelson was lic was dazzled by the very notion of a born in Russia in 16-cylinder powerplant. Despite the 1888, but it wasn’t technological innovations and high qual- long before he ity custom coachwork, Cadillac sales became known to dropped yearly as the Depression dev- the world as Al astated the luxury car market. But this Jolson -- “The did not deter Jolson, as he certainly had World’s Greatest the means. He placed a special order Entertainer”. The for this five-passenger All-Weather son of a rabbi, Phaeton Series 452-C, style 5579, VIN# Jolson first planned to become a cantor 5000056. The car weighs an authorita- but turned to the stage after coming with tive 6110 pounds, and at $8000 it was his family to the United States. Jolson one of Cadillac's most expensive mod- worked in circuses, minstrel shows, els. Only eight of this convertible style vaudeville, and eventually in radio, film were produced in 1933. Al Jolson's car and television. He made over 200 was body number 56, built on March 31, recordings and starred in eleven feature 1933. The build sheet indicates the fol- films. He will forever be remembered for lowing “extras”: folding center armrest in his role in “The Jazz Singer” (1927). rear seat; 9/32” chrome body stripe; tool This was the first major motion picture kit; goddess radiator ornament; and a with sound. Although not politically cor- pair of metal tire covers with mirrors. rect today, Jolson was best known for Styling features introduced on the 1933 performing “Mammy”, “Swanee” and V-16 include four-bar bumpers and hood other popular songs in minstrel black- and fender spears. This stunningly face. Jolson’s tremendous charisma beautiful Cadillac is currently in the care As was the custom for those ordering these fabulous- and unique singing style brought him of the National Automobile Museum ly expensive automobiles, the customer’s name was enormous fame and great personal (The Harrah Collection) in Reno, engraved on a dash plaque. The fender spears were introduced on the 1933 V-16’s. The chrome body wealth. In an era of automobiles with Nevada. The world’s greatest entertain- stripe was an extra, according to the car’s build fours, sixes and straight-eights, the pub- er died in 1950 at the age of 62. sheet.