Sometimes it takes a concours d'elegance to remind us of Cadillac's former greatness. Especially when two V-16s appear at the same show, as happened at the 2009 Desert Classic in Palm Springs. In 1933 Cadillac announced that it would build 400 cars with V-16 engines. No less than 70 body styles were offered but even that was optimistic as only 35 types were actually built, most of them 5-7 passenger sedans. In the end, only 126 Cadillac V-16's were manufactured, one of which was this 143" wheelbase Convertible with body by Fisher.

Discovered languishing in a field it was restored, but with some unfortunate changes intended to make the car appear "more sporty." When Aaron and Valerie Weiss of San Marino, CA, bought the car it was given a complete frame-off restoration to original specifications, the work taking three years to complete. That 1930 Cadillac V-16 in the background was a Palm Springs award winner but the beautiful red 33 Convertible was no less deserving.