Reward offered for 1930 Cadillac V16 Roadster stolen in Redlands

REDLANDS, Calif. (KABC) -- Thieves may be seriously disappointed if they try to sell a swiped classic car. The rare Cadillac Roadster was stolen in Redlands. There's a reward for its return.

There are fewer than 20 of these beauties left on the road today, which is why the restored 1930 Cadillac V16 Roadster is estimated to be worth 3/4 of a million dollars. On Wednesday, it was stolen from Nicks Old Car Specialty.

"A trailer we had parked outside waiting for the client to come get his car, and the car was in it was gone," said Harry Nicks.

But it was not the owner who took it home. Sometime between midnight and 4 a.m., Nicks says thieves cut the lock to a gate and stole the trailer containing the classic car.

"They didn't have a clue that car was in there until they started trying to pull it, and that car weighs about 6,000 pounds," said Nicks.

The vintage car may be worth a lot of money, but Nicks says the Cadillac would be tough to sell for two reasons: it's rare and it's well known in classic car circles.

"I don't know what they think they are going to do with it, but they need to park it on the street and let us have it back," said Nicks.

The owner's insurance company is offering up a significant reward for information leading to the Cadillac Roadster.

The 2002 Pace American trailer is also noticeable with a chrome bumper and hardware. It's license plate reads 4AJ9402.

"I have feelings that we will get it back. I just wonder what kind of pieces it will be in," said Nicks.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Redlands Police Department.