Standing in the footprints of such great GM show cars as Cadillac’s La Espada, LaSalle II, Cyclone, and many others came the 2003 Sixteen. GM North America Chairman, Bob Lutz, called it A New World Standard. He went on to say “It’s a reminder of the glorious past as well as progressive statement. Cadillac’s tradition is rich, and in the next several years it will introduce vehicles as solid, dynamic and beautifully designed as anything it’s ever done. And the Sixteen is a harbinger of this era.” The name speaks to the car’s powerful 1000-horsepower V-16 engine. The engine harks back to the glory of the classic years, 1930-1940, when Cadillac alone, except for a brief fling by Marmon, produced a 16-cylinder engine.

Make no mistake this is one large car, weighing in at 2.5 tons. It rides on a 140-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 223.3 inches. The 830 cubic inch ((13.6 liter) engine, with its 1000 horsepower and 1000 pound feet of torque propels this beast along very smartly on 24-inch polished aluminum wheels. The midnight silver aluminum body gives the Sixteen a striking appearance. The hand-stitched Tuscany leather seats, walnut burl veneer inlays, and hand-woven silk carpets are further reminders of the classic heritage of this car. The modern era has not been forgotten with four-door hardtop styling and an all-glass roof. This is an ultra-luxury vehicle of the first order.

Norev is an old established French model maker. They were founded in 1946 in Lyon by Joseph Veron who chose to turn around his name for the company name. They introduced a line of inexpensive plastic models in 1953. The plastic models were often disparaged as cheap toys, hurting the company’s reputation. In recent years Norev has drastically changed their image with good-looking, well detailed diecast models. Promotional models, particularly for Cadillac and Chrysler have brought them to the attention of the American collector. All specifications are spot on, the paint finish is immaculate, and the full glass roof gives a wonderful view of the beautiful interior. If you collect Cadillac’s, concept cars, or just like a nice looking model, you will want to add the Norev #100005 Cadillac Sixteen to your collection.