1931 Cadillac 452A V16 Roadster Farina Model Car in 1:43 Scale by Ilario

This is the 1931 Cadillac 452A V16 Roadster Farina Model Car in 1:43 Scale by Ilario.  Limited edition of 99 pieces.

Since 1984, Illario makes miniature car models in the traditional way in small series. Assembled with the utmost care and composed of more than 170 parts, these models will satisfy the most demanding collector and bring tangible value to their collection. They are supplied in a luxury box with a transparent window attached to a leather base and precious wood.

This is one of just 21 rolling chassis delivered to foreign coachbuilders, in this case the newly founded Pinin Farina in Italy.

It was ordered by the Indian Maharaja of Orchha who needed a powerful machine to hunt tigers. For this purpose a boat-tail style roadster body was fitted with a slightly elevated rumble seat to give the young Maharaja a 360 degree field of vision.  Other striking elements are the cream and blue paintscheme and the absence of running boards.

The one-off Pinin Farina Cadillac was completed halfway through 1931 and shipped to Mumbai.

Amazingly the unique car survived its adventures in the jungle and today is one of the oldest surviving Pinin Farina designs.
After remaining in the Maharaja's family for well over three decades, the V16 Cadillac was finally sold in the 1960s and sent to America, it was Black/Red.
Later painted all black.
It is currently owned by an enthusiastic collector in the United States who has had it completely restored to its original condition.
Shown at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where Pinin Farina / Pininfarina celebrated its 75th anniversary.