Jim Meade's mother-in-law, Maria del Pilar Gutierrez, was age seven and remembers Gardel's visit to San Juan Puerto Rico in April 1935, shortly before his tragic death. 

Her father's 12-cylinder Cadillac convertible was used to transport Gardel through the streets amid the throngs of people.

In 1935, Jose Gutierrez-Sosa was a successful businessman living in the Santurce section of San Juan. He made his money from legalized slot machines, weighing machines and other vending machines throughout Puerto Rico. Later, he operated a successful women's apparel store on La Calle Cruz in Old San Juan. 

About 1932, he purchased a 12-cylinder Cadillac convertible from a gentlemen on the US mainland who had suffered during the depression, and had the car shipped to Puerto Rico. He could often be seen riding in his car with his chauffeur driving. 

When Carlos Gardel visited San Juan in April 1935, there were two cars that were worthy of being used to carry him around the city. One was a closed sedan and the other was the Cadillac convertible, which was chosen. Mr Gutierrez's daughter, Margarita Gutierrez, who was ~23 years old at the time, was among the several local young women who accompanied Mr. Gardel's entourage in San Juan. 

Jim Meade
Pittsford, NY USA - September 16, 2003

In April 1935, Gardel visited San Juan, Puerto Rico. 
Jose Gutierrez-Sosa's 12-cylinder Cadillac convertible was used to drive him around the city.

Detail from another photo with Margarita Gutierrez & Gardel.

Note: I would like to thank Jim Meade for his contribution to the Gardel legend.

• Gardel en Puerto Rico abril de 1935
• Antonio Ganem, saw Gardel sing in Cartagena in June 1935