24. Cadillac V16
In the early days of motoring, V8 engines were a novelty, so just a few brands produced these engines. Most luxury models had straight-eight power plants with a lot of torque and were smooth-running units. Cadillac decided to introduce a new V16 engine, the first of its kind in the world. They wanted to deliver performance and power on a whole new level.
The Cadillac V16 had a displacement of 452 CID, 7.4-liters, and produced 185 HP. Despite its relatively small power figures, this engine delivered unmatched torque, smoothness, and effortless acceleration. Unfortunately, the timing of the V16’s introduction couldn’t have been worse. Soon, the stock market crashed and the Great Depression started just a few months before they offered the V16 for sale.
However, the qualities of the V16 found their way to the buyers. In 1940, when they stopped production, Cadillac had built more than 4,000 of those magnificent machines. The V16 was available in all body styles and often produced by specialized body shops that personalized it according to the wishes of the buyer.