Cadillac V16 Boattail Roadster

Vehicle Overview

The Cadillac V16 Boattail Roadster marked a significant milestone for Pinin Farina as it represented their inaugural endeavor on a non-Italian chassis. This collaboration between Pininfarina and Cadillac not only bridged continents but also brought forth a fusion of American power and Italian styling finesse. Drawing inspiration from the prevailing trends in sports roadsters across the Atlantic, Pininfarina crafted a design that married elegance with athleticism. Despite its classification as a two-seater spider, the Cadillac V16 boasted imposing dimensions that allowed for the creation of two additional seats concealed within its long, tapering tail. The integration of these “dickey seats” with doors added a touch of practicality to the vehicle’s extravagant design. The Cadillac V16 Boattail Roadster featured separate mudguards, with the rear ones showcasing an early iteration of embryo flanging—a design element that would later become widely adopted. The decision to forgo traditional running boards was justified by the sleek side member covers adorned with sloping dummy slits, contributing to the vehicle’s streamlined silhouette. Notable design elements included a two-segment, blade-type windscreen that complemented the car’s aesthetic and provided an unobstructed view for its occupants. Additionally, the side part of the bonnet featured five ventilation ports on each side, a departure from the conventional slits seen in other models. Despite Pininfarina’s relatively nascent reputation as a coachbuilder, their collaboration with Cadillac signaled a burgeoning recognition beyond the borders of Italy. The Cadillac V16 Boattail Roadster served as a tangible manifestation of Pininfarina’s design prowess and marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between European styling sensibilities and American automotive ingenuity. This iconic vehicle not only left an indelible mark on automotive history but also laid the foundation for future collaborations between international automotive giants and renowned design houses.