Tuesday, June 6, 2023
  • Advertise
  • Submit Story Idea
  • Submit Event
  • Calendar
  • Logout
Arlington Today Magazine
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Arlington News
    • People
    • Community
    • Commentary
    • Business and Education
    • Featured
    • Wellness
    • Scene
    • Design and Interiors
    • Uncategorized
  • Digital Editions
  • Join the Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Register
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Arlington News
    • People
    • Community
    • Commentary
    • Business and Education
    • Featured
    • Wellness
    • Scene
    • Design and Interiors
    • Uncategorized
  • Digital Editions
  • Join the Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Arlington Today Magazine
Home People

The grandest and most glamorous

Richard Greene by Richard Greene
March 3, 2020
in People
0 0
0
The grandest and most glamorous

Mike Ames’ dream care is a 1933 V16 Cadillac Series 452C All Weather Phaeton. Only eight vehicles of the model were built in this body style. (Photos: Richard Greene)

0
SHARES
936
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

If you asked Arlington classic car collector Mike Ames in the past to say which of his amazing vehicles is his favorite, he might have responded by saying such a question was akin to asking him to pick his favorite child or grandchild.

However, he may have a different answer now that he has finally landed something he has always wanted.

Related posts

Catching Up with Texas Rangers’ Sideline Reporter Emily Jones

Catching Up with Texas Rangers’ Sideline Reporter Emily Jones

May 1, 2023
‘Hero’ Perfectly Suits Her

‘Hero’ Perfectly Suits Her

April 5, 2023

“My goal has always been to acquire a 1933 Cadillac V16 because it is the grandest, most glamorous model ever produced!” Ames says. “Outrageous and subtle at the same time – nowhere on the car does the Cadillac name appear, just a modest V16 on the horn button in the middle of the steering wheel. From the massive four-bar bumpers and gold-plated hood ornament to concealed air valve stems on the wheels, a study in attention to detail and craftsmanship – a rare and wonderful experience!”

Mike Ames’ dream care is a 1933 V16 Cadillac Series 452C All Weather Phaeton. Only eight vehicles of the model were built in this body style. (Photos: Richard Greene)

Mike Ames’ dream care is a 1933 V16 Cadillac Series 452C All Weather Phaeton. Only eight vehicles of the model were built in this body style. (Photos: Richard Greene)

If you tend to believe that Mike’s description is a bit over the top, consider this as confirmation of his superlatives: The designer of this Great Depression Era masterpiece is one of the automotive world’s most renown – the legendary Harley Earl, the first head of design at General Motors.

In addition to his induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1986, the Detroit Free Press, in a special section in 1999, ranked him the third-most-significant Michigan artist of the 20th century behind Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.

So, Mike’s portrayal of the newest addition to his museum-like garage is entirely confirmed – this car is in every way a stunning work of American art.

Mike had known of this car and its owner for a long time and always admired its Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance pedigree. He tried to exercise some restraint when it recently came up for auction.

“I got the call that it was coming onto the platform, and I informed the caller that I would not be a bidder. He called again as the auction commenced, and I repeated my decision. Then, it was sold to the highest bidder.

“Only problem was that bidder was ultimately disqualified, and I received a follow up call to say it was mine if I wanted it. Surely, I thought, this was meant to be, and a few days later the transport arrived at my home and rolled the magnificent beauty onto my driveway.”

This V16 Cadillac Series 452C All Weather Phaeton was one of only eight built in this body style and, today, one of the only three that remain. It was the most expensive model in the Cadillac line that cost an astonishing $8,000 (about $160,000 in today’s dollars) in the worst of economic times in American history. The huge car weighs in at 6,100 pounds with a 149-inch wheel base and is nearly three feet longer than today’s Escalades coming off Arlington’s GM assembly line.

“Breathtaking from every angle,” Mike confirms, “with an incredible attention to detail and quality that was unrivaled at the time.

“Note the polished, stainless steel inlay that follows the outline of the fenders and upper body. The huge engine is turbine smooth with tremendous torque, allowing one to drive in high gear at very low speeds, dramatically reducing the need to shift gears in those days before automatic transmission.

“Personally, I am a big fan of Cadillac history from its beginning in 1903. Their dominance in the luxury market was unrivaled for decades, with domestic sales typically three times of their combined rivals, Lincoln and Chrysler.”

His newly-acquired depression era masterpiece is a magnificent demonstration of the company’s determination to set the highest bar in American automobile manufacturing. Anyone who sees this V16 Phaeton will know just how that result was achieved.

Cadillac’s slogan as “The Standard of the World” was born, proven and acknowledged with Harley Earl’s artistic achievement, and Mike Ames’ forever goal has been reached.

 

Tags: Classic Car
Gracie Lane June 2020

Follow Us

  • This album is going WILD for Texas Wildlife! 🎶 Read all about it in the link in our bio. 🐾
  • Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve our nation from Arlington Today. ⭐️ Happy Memorial Day! 🇺🇸
  • Not For Self, But For Country: read all about  @mohmuseum Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class William D. Halyburton Jr. In the link in our bio.
  • Should your Furry Friend be FAMOUS? 🐾 Send their picture to info@arlingtontoday.com for a chance to be featured in our magazine!
  • Don’t miss The Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show, Presented by Chevrolet June 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the historic Vandergriff Town Center! 🚘 

This awesome event is showcasing over 150 cars from the early 20s to the late 70s with all proceeds going towards the creation of the Fire Station Museum at Fire Station #1.
  • Get a look 👀 at Local Law Firms we LOVE! Read all about it in this month’s digital edition in our bio.
  • Greenhouse Outpatient is changing the way people seek treatment. Read all about it in the link in our bio.
  • This Mansfield custom build is Home Sweet Home! 🏡 Read all about it in the link in our bio.
  • 🌸 Happy Mother’s Day from Arlington Today! 🌸
  • 12 Mighty Orphans: There’s a fascinating ‘story behind the story’ regarding this fine film

    12 Mighty Orphans: There’s a fascinating ‘story behind the story’ regarding this fine film

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • March Scene

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Visionary Who Didn’t Give Up

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Boot-scootin’ Boogie

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • In case of emergency: Mansfield Fire Department introduces the ‘Vial of Life’ initiative to keep residents on the ready

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Arlington Texas Area News and Events Magazine

Follow us on social media:

Recent News

  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation Introduces Texas Wild, an Album as Untamed as Texas, supporting Texas’ Wild Things and Wild Places
  • DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON ANNOUNCES THE 2023 “DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON CLASSIC CAR SHOW, PRESENTED BY CHEVROLET”
  • UTA Opens New Building for State’s Largest Social Work, Nursing Programs

Category

  • Arlington News
  • Business and Education
  • Commentary
  • Community
  • Design and Interiors
  • Featured
  • People
  • Scene
  • Sports
  • Uncategorized
  • Wellness

Recent News

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation Introduces Texas Wild, an Album as Untamed as Texas, supporting Texas’ Wild Things and Wild Places

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation Introduces Texas Wild, an Album as Untamed as Texas, supporting Texas’ Wild Things and Wild Places

May 17, 2023
DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON ANNOUNCES THE 2023 “DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON CLASSIC CAR SHOW,  PRESENTED BY CHEVROLET”

DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON ANNOUNCES THE 2023 “DOWNTOWN ARLINGTON CLASSIC CAR SHOW, PRESENTED BY CHEVROLET”

May 11, 2023
  • Advertise
  • Submit Story Idea
  • Submit Event
  • Calendar
  • Logout

© 2023 Arlington Today - Designed by

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Arlington News
    • Community
    • People
    • Commentary
    • Business and Education
    • Featured
    • Wellness
    • Scene
    • Design and Interiors
  • Digital Editions
  • Join the Newsletter
  • Contact Us

© 2023 Arlington Today - Designed by

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist