The Cadillac name has long been associated with luxury, style, and innovation. Since 1902 (when the first Cadillac cars were released), this automaker has produced top-of-the-line vehicles that often surpassed other American brands in terms of quality and price. But what is the priciest Cadillac ever sold?
The most expensive Cadillac is the 1930 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Sedan. When this antique vehicle was auctioned in 2015, it sold for $1.9 million. This distinct automobile was customized and created for Charles S. Howard, a prominent businessman during the early 20th century.
If you’re in the market for a gorgeous (and expensive) Cadillac, this ranking can guide you in the right direction!
Here Are the Top 10 Most Expensive Cadillacs Ever Sold:
- 1930 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Sedan – $1.9 million
- US Presidential State Car – $1.5 million
- 1931 Cadillac V-16 Roadster – $1.46 million
- 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe – $1.43 million
- 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton – $1.2 million
- 1934 Cadillac Sixteen Custom Roadster – $1 million
- 1937 Cadillac Sixteen Custom Phaeton – $962,500
- 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Cabriolet – $857,500
- 1948 Cadillac Eldorod – $802,500
- 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car – $781,100
10. 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car – $781,100
When the 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car went up for auction in 2006, it looked like it rolled directly out of yesteryear, with a sparkling black-painted exterior, chrome trim, and a partially transparent top that exuded both a futuristic and vintage charm.
Due to this antique Cadillac’s undeniable charm, it fetched a remarkable $781,100. Though this vehicle isn’t the costliest Cadillac, it’s far pricier than several of the most expensive Jaguar cars.
Why It’s Expensive
This low-riding Cadillac was the height of consumer luxury when it was released in the mid-1950s. But this refurbished version is even more spectacular, with gold-plated components (including gold-plated vanity accessories) and a powerful V8 engine.
Due to this model’s distinct design and sumptuous elements, it’s easily one of the most valuable Cadillac cars on the planet.
9. 1948 Cadillac Eldorod – $802,500
This 1948 Cadillac (called The Eldorod) is a bit of a Frankenstein. It features several non-Cadillac parts, including Ford headlights and a Chevrolet bumper. It also lacks the iconic emblem commonly found on the front of Cadillac cars.
But that’s because this car was born to be customized. From the moment it left the production line until the day it sold at auction for $802,500, every aspect of this car was altered to meet the whims of its two famous owners: Boyd Coddington and Chip Foose.
In short, you’ll never find a Cadillac that looks (or drives) precisely like this one!
Why It’s Expensive
Customized cars are often far pricier than run-of-the-mill ones released to general consumers. This vehicle’s notable ownership history and mix-and-match arrangement of components make it a one-of-a-kind find, naturally making it more attractive to wealthy car collectors.
And when demand is high, but supply is limited (like in this case), prices can soar.
8. 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Cabriolet – $857,500
Though the name of this purple-and-black two-door cruiser might be similar to the name of the previous entry on our ranking (and both cars were released the same year), it has many features that immediately differentiate it from the 1948 Cadillac Eldorod.
Firstly, this Cadillac is a convertible with an exaggerated front grill reminiscent of earlier models and the infamous Rolls-Royce vehicles of the early 20th century. It has an Art Deco design created by French automobile artists, giving it a stately but youthful ambiance.
Secondly, this is a customized car built for Louis Ritter, a wealthy hotel owner and an infamous socialite. As such, its ownership history makes it a one-of-a-kind vehicle. When this vehicle hit the market in 2017, it sold for $857,500.
Why It’s Expensive
There are quite a few reasons why this Cadillac commands high prices. But its flashy design, incredible history, and top-notch condition are some of the most notable aspects influencing its exceptional value.
7. 1937 Cadillac Sixteen Custom Phaeton – $962,500
This is another classic custom Cadillac to top the list. Selling for an incredible $962,500 in 2012, the 1937 Cadillac Sixteen Custom Phaeton is unquestionably elegant, featuring a black-and-white design that exudes wealth and charm.
But though its simple color pattern is understated, its long engine compartment and tightened front end are anything but. Still, despite this vehicle’s name, it wasn’t created until the 1980s, making it one of the more contemporary “antique” Cadillacs ever built.
This customized Phaeton is made from the body of a rare 1937 Cadillac Sixteen Series 90 Seven-Passenger Limousine. Fran Roxas, a car restoration expert, created this vehicle due to a passion for antique car designs.
Why It’s Expensive
This vehicle might not be a standard antique Cadillac, but its unique nature and excellent condition make it an exciting find. And though the selling price for this car is just under a million bucks, it was designed and built to be driven by the world’s wealthiest car enthusiasts, making it more valuable than the average Cadillac.
6. 1934 Cadillac Sixteen Custom Roadster – $1 Million
Fran Roxas didn’t make only one vintage-inspired Cadillac car. In classic form, he built two, each balancing the other out in a yin-and-yang fashion.
While the Phaeton, as mentioned above, is almost solid black, Roxas’ 1934 Cadillac Sixteen Custom Roadster is a milky, creamy off-white. The body style is strikingly similar, with another notable difference being the frame source: a 1935 Cadillac Sixteen Seven-Passenger Limousine.
Another difference between this Cadillac and its darker twin is the selling price. While the Phaeton sold for under $1 million, this vehicle managed to drum up a solid million when it went to auction in 2012.
Why It’s Expensive
This opulent roadster is unlike any Cadillac released in 1934, likely because it was built in the 1980s.
It’s a stylish, customized car that would look at home in a movie set in the 1920s. Its unique qualities make it a must-have commodity for drivers with a passion for Jazz Era vehicles.
5. 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton – $1.2 Million
The 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton is arguably one of the most sought-after antique Cadillac cars in the world, and this particular vehicle has a laundry list of famous owners. Its first owner was likely Richard Arlen, an actor who earned his fame during the 1920s and 1930s.
It then traded hands several times, being owned by James Brucker Sr. and Jim Pearson. But this car’s fame soared to new heights when it appeared in the 1964 drama, Carpetbaggers.
This bright red antique car sold for $1.2 million in 2019 and will likely sell for much more if it ever goes back up for sale. For the price of this stylish antique Cadillac, you could afford to travel to some of the most expensive places in the world!
Why It’s Expensive
Antique cars in excellent condition can quickly sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. But this particular vehicle was owned by a famous silver-screen film star and featured in a popular movie, making it even more valuable.
4. 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe – $1.43 Million
This Cadillac looks like it was ripped from the pages of a spy novel, with a compact interior cabin and decadent gold accents. The slightly wraparound rear window is also a nice touch, though it’s not the main reason the 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe sold for $1.43 million in 2016.
Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia only built two of these cars, making them some of the rarest luxury coupes in the world. Due to this Cadillac’s historical significance and natural beauty, one of the two is currently housed in the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.
Why It’s Expensive
Supply and demand are some of the strongest forces affecting prices.
Though many of the world’s wealthiest car collectors might be eager to own the 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe, only two models exist. Consequently, demand is high, but supply is starkly limited, making for a staggering price.
3. 1931 Cadillac V-16 Roadster – $1.46 Million
The 1931 Cadillac V-16 Roadster looks similar to the 1930 Cadillac V-16 Sport Phaeton. But this car is a deep, elegant black instead of a sporty red. It also doesn’t have the spare wheel component at the front or the vintage-style toolbox at the rear.
Additionally, this is a two-door coupe built for two instead of seating up to four (or five) passengers. Though RM Auto Restoration restored this Cadillac, it contains almost all of its original parts, something that’s virtually unheard of with most antique cars from this period.
Why It’s Expensive
This vehicle’s original parts and jaw-dropping condition are the primary reasons it sold for $1.46 million in 2016. After all, few cars released in 1931 retain their original components!
2. US Presidential State Car – $1.5 Million
The United States Presidential State Car (nicknamed Cadillac One) is a unique vehicle with several design aspects borrowed from pre-existing Cadillac models, including the Escalade, XT6, and Escala.
Though there have been many different Presidential State Cars over the years, the current version is pure Cadillac excellence, released in 2018. This car has it all—car handles that can shock unwanted intruders, hermetic sealing, and tires that can keep rolling after going flat.
It’s a rolling fortress, making it safe enough for any president. But this vehicle’s hi-tech safety features are the primary reason it’s valued at about $1.5 million.
Why It’s Expensive
Protecting the leader of one of the most powerful countries on Earth is no small feat. As such, the care and effort to make a Presidential State Car are almost unequaled.
But the cost of creating a bullet-proof, hi-tech luxury limo is jaw-dropping, which is why the current Cadillac One is so expensive.
1. 1930 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Sedan – $1.9 Million
The most expensive Cadillac ever sold is the 1930 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Sedan. This antique automobile fetched an incredible $1.9 million in 2015, making it more valuable than the US Presidential State Car!
And while this Cadillac might lack bullet-proof windows like the aforementioned vehicle, it is a one-of-a-kind survivor of the Great Depression. It’s also one of the few customized and refurbished 1930 Cadillac V-16s in existence, making it both historically significant and incredibly rare.
Why It’s Expensive
The royal red and sleek black exterior of this vehicle might be far more recent additions (dating back to the 1980s), but this car’s frame and style are unmistakably antique, with a look that exudes Jazz Age splendor. It’s an attractive ride that any well-to-do car collector would love to add to their collection.
Additionally, this 1930 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Sedan was owned and customized by famed businessman Charles Howard, separating it from similar models released that year. So, anyone hoping to own one of the rarest and most treasured Cadillac V-16 can’t find a better vehicle to spend their millions on.
Still, it’s worth noting that this unique Cadillac still costs millions less than the most expensive Porsche!
Why Are Some Cadillacs So Expensive?
Some Cadillacs command million-dollar prices, while others cost less than $100,000. If you’ve been thinking of purchasing one of these beloved cars, you might find yourself wondering, “Why are some Cadillacs so expensive?”
The answer often comes down to:
- Brand recognition
- Antique status
- Vehicle rarity
- Maintenance costs
Brand Recognition
In addition to Ford and General Motors, Cadillac was one of the first automobile giants in the United States. They’ve been building their brand for more than a century!
When most people around the world hear the name ‘Cadillac,’ they immediately think of a stylish American car. This level of brand recognition is hard to come by, and it helps make the Cadillac brand one of the strongest and most successful in North America.
And when your brand is synonymous with high-quality vehicles, selling them for higher-than-average prices is a cinch. But, of course, many of the most expensive Cadillac cars also enjoy antique status, making them historically significant, driveable artifacts from another era.
Antique Status
Many of the first mass-produced cars built in the United States have long ago rusted into hollow frames. However, a handful of lucky specimens have survived the passage of time, and many of these fortunate vehicles now sit unused in museums.
An even smaller percentage of antique cars make their way into the hands (and garages) of affluent buyers. Because the supply of turn-of-the-century and pre-war automobiles is minimal, wealthy enthusiasts are often willing to bid hundreds of thousands (or millions) of dollars to own a potentially one-of-a-kind antique car.
Vehicle Rarity
Many of the priciest picks included in this ranking are incredibly rare, either because they’re customized or because they’re one of only a handful of antique models remaining. This scarcity makes them more valuable to interested buyers, increasing prices to incredible heights.
But in addition to brand recognition, antique status, and rarity, many Cadillac cars are costly due to their higher-than-average maintenance costs.
Maintenance Costs
Many of the costliest Cadillac cars were built for luxurious drives around bustling cities. But when taken onto dirt roads and backcountry lanes, their parts can quickly show signs of wear and tear.
This trend is especially prevalent among the older models, but it’s also true of many of the newer Cadillac cars. Consequently, the maintenance costs associated with Cadillac vehicles are generally high, making ownership a true test of wealth and patience.
In short, owning a Cadillac won’t pose any problems if you’ve plenty of money to spend on an extravagant high-priced car. But if you’re looking to stick to a tight budget, these vehicles may be more of a burden than a treasure.
What’s the Most Expensive Brand-New Cadillac You Can Buy Today?
If classic cars don’t catch your interest, you’ll be glad to know that Cadillac produces several luxury sedans yearly. So, if you’re in the market for a brand-new Cadillac to rival the priciest Porsche and Audi cars, you might want to check out the 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing.
This car has a starting MSRP of about $92,000, but it can cost more than $150,000 after adding sumptuous component and accessory packages. Unlike other high-priced sedans, this vehicle mixes day-to-day utility with sporting power. It features a V8 engine, a rear spoiler, and a stylish interior cabin with all the latest tech.
If you’re looking for a slight upgrade on this model, you might want to try to get your hands on one of the exclusive 120th Anniversary Edition versions of this car. Cadillac will only produce 120 of these deluxe editions, and the first sold for an impressive $250,000!
What’s the Most Expensive Cadillac of All Time?
The most expensive Cadillac car ever sold is the 1930 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Sedan. This antique car sold for $1.9 million when it went to auction in 2015, far outselling other Cadillacs.
The 1930 Cadillac V-16 Convertible Sedan was the pinnacle of luxury upon its release, and it remained the most extravagant Cadillac vehicle until 1940 when the 1940 Cadillac Fleetwood Series debuted. Still, several of the priciest Cadillac cars ever sold are pre-1940s.
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