1904 Cadillac Model B Runabout

Lot details
Registration No: BS 8354
Chassis No: 3546
Mot Expiry: Oct 2004

Cadillac was founded by Henry M Leland and owes its name to the French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac who discovered Motown Detroit early in the 18th century. Although destined to become the most luxurious of all US brands, the first Cadillacs were very definitely pitched at Henry Ford's Model T pop end of the market. The first Caddy was displayed at the 1903 New York Show and, such was its immediate impact on pioneer motorists, a total of 1652 Cadillacs were sold in only the first year of production.
The Cadillac offered here was among 2418 vehicles made at the firm's Detroit plant during 1904. With Model B dummy bonnet, the horizontally-mounted single-cylinder engine, rated at 8.25hp, is located underfloor. Transmission is by two-speed gearbox and single chain-drive to rear axle. Finished in maroon, certainly period-correct for the luxury version, the black hide trimmed runabout has optional rear-entrance tonneau bodywork as well as restored, though unpainted spare rear deck for conversion into a two-seater.
Fully restored during the 1990s, this Veteran with all-important Veteran Car Club dating certificate was imported from Australia and immediately and successfully completed the 2001 running of the famous annual London to Brighton Run. We can then personally verify that BS 8354 also acquitted itself well on the road to Brighton during the 2003 Run as well as taking part in other events such as this year's Gordon Bennett Run in Dublin.
Both chassis and bodywork are still in perfect condition with paintwork also very good. Motor and transmission were rebuilt during previous ownership - and while the Lucas lamps would appear to be original, tyres, coil ignition and hand-start have been renewed relatively recently.
This 1904 Veteran, officially recognised as such by the VCC, could become your competitor's pass for the world's top fixture for such Vets, the up coming 2004 London to Brighton Run, an accepted entry for which is included with the purchase of this early American motor car here today.