The Cadillac that helped drive Rolls-Royce to build beefier mills is up for grabs.

The 1934 V-16 Fleetwood Town Sedan has just been listed by M.S. Rau, with an asking price of $1.25 million. The historic ride is one of only 43 such examples in existence, according to the antiques dealer. It also comes with an incredible backstory that details its role in British automotive history. 

Legend has it that Rolls-Royce purchased this particular Cadillac (ID number: 5100024) in 1934, shipping it to England to study all that lay under the hood. The British marque, which had acquired W.O. Bentley’s firm just three years earlier, was eager to start producing engines as powerful as the American multi-cylinder mills and thus wanted a better understanding of their mechanics. Bentley himself tested the sedan, traveling over 10,000 miles across Europe before reportedly declaring it one of the most exceptional automobiles he had ever driven. The next generation of Rolls-Royce engines incorporated numerous innovations derived from the reverse-engineering of this very 16-cylinder ride, according to M.S. Rau.

Power aside, the Cadillac is a looker. The 1934 model year showcased an elegant new design, with coachbuilder Fleetwood crafting a body (no. 200) featuring streamlined fenders, a waterfall grille, and biplane bumpers. It is the epitome of Art Deco style, showing graceful curves and flowing lines. This example is finished in a deep blue hue and retains the original tan mohair interior. Under the sculpted hood lies a V-16 capable of producing 185 hp. 

After the stint with Rolls-Royce, the car entered the U.S. Embassy fleet in London, likely serving ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy, according to records. It returned to America after the war, eventually winding up with an Oklahoma collector. The four-wheeler has just emerged from a painstaking, nine-year restoration led by expert Steve Nannini, who sourced and professionally engineered every missing component and refurbished existing parts to factory standards. The result is 100-point perfection. 

The Cadillac is certainly primed for concours, but has yet to be shown. It is already attracting attention, though: It will be featured in Cadillac & LaSalle Club Magazine next month and will star in an episode of Jay Leno’s Garage on November 17. That all makes a mil sound like a bargain.