Celebrities and Their Cars - Page 2

Eric Von Stroheim and his Cadillac

Stroheim was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1885. He emigrated to America at the end of 1909. On arrival at Ellis Island, he claimed to be Count Erich Oswald Hans Carl Maria von Stroheim und Nordenwall, the son of Austrian nobility like the characters he played in his films. The Cadillac V-16 was distinguished by its pioneering V-16 engine. Upon its introduction the new car attracted rave reviews from the press and huge public attention. January production averaged a couple of cars per day, then ramped up to twenty-two. By April, 1,000 units had been built, and by June, 2,000 cars. These could be ordered with a wide variety of bodywork.