This 1937 Cadillac V16 Custom Imperial Cabriolet was once owned by the vice-president of MGM Studios Edgar “Eddie” Mannix. A truly collectable vintage luxury ride, this jewel was used as an MGM studio car for many of the days’ stars, including Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh while filming “Gone with the Wind”. The precious vintage vehicle will go under the hammer on November 21st.
This car is one of the 50 Cadillac V16s ever made in 1937 and one of only two Custom Imperial Cabriolets. The other one was custom built for nobody else than Joseph P. Kennedy and used in London during his tenure as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1937 through 1940.
The rare Cadillac was ordered by MGM Studios’ General Manager and Head of Publicity, Edgar “Eddie” Mannix, a very controversial person in the movie industry of the time. Mannix was known in Hollywood as the “fixer”, as he could make any bad shades that would rise upon the studios go away. This includes taking care of recalcitrant employees or major stars during the golden age of the 1920s through the 1940s.
In fact, the man’s life has been the subject of a book called “The Fixers” and written by E.J. Fleming, which is actually going to turn into a movie, due for next year. Dubbed “Hail, Caesar!”, the Coen brothers will be the one to stage the upcoming movie that will star George Clooney as Eddie Mannix.
Among other exclusive amenities, it comes with a blind rear quarter and rear privacy shade, padded leather roof, roll-up divider window, rear clock and jump-seats.
The rare Cadillac was ordered by MGM Studios’ General Manager and Head of Publicity, Edgar “Eddie” Mannix, a very controversial person in the movie industry of the time. Mannix was known in Hollywood as the “fixer”, as he could make any bad shades that would rise upon the studios go away. This includes taking care of recalcitrant employees or major stars during the golden age of the 1920s through the 1940s.
The man behind the movie scene is now a movie character
Known to have an abundant line of acquaintances from every area, from reporters to doctors to corrupt police and district attorneys, Mannix covered up some of the most notorious crimes and scandals in Hollywood history, keeping stars out of jail and out of the public sight.In fact, the man’s life has been the subject of a book called “The Fixers” and written by E.J. Fleming, which is actually going to turn into a movie, due for next year. Dubbed “Hail, Caesar!”, the Coen brothers will be the one to stage the upcoming movie that will star George Clooney as Eddie Mannix.
Now, back to the car
According to Auctions America, the 1937 Cadillac V16 has a balanced 45-degree, 452 cubic inch, overhead valve, 195 horsepower engine. Its wheels work through a three-speed synchromesh manual transmission. It features four-wheel power-assisted brakes and a 154-inch wheelbase. We’re looking at the longest wheelbase for any American production car.Among other exclusive amenities, it comes with a blind rear quarter and rear privacy shade, padded leather roof, roll-up divider window, rear clock and jump-seats.