1904 Cadillac Model B

Cadillac stands second only to Buick as Americas oldest continuously operating car company, with roots reaching clear back to the origins of automobile manufacture in Detroit. Well before General Motors and even the Ford Motor company existed, car building was the domain of the Detroit-based engineering firm, Leland & Faulconer. Henry Leland and Robert Faulconer laid the groundwork for volume automobile manufacturing, providing engines and production expertise to Ransom E. Olds for the Curved Dash model Americas first mass-produced automobile. L&F also provided engineering services for other motoring pioneers such as Col. August Pope and the Pierce Manufacturing Company, during the bicycle boom in the late 1800s. Leyland & Faulconers gear cutting equipment and patented hardening processes allowed for greater standardization and higher quality parts, and the lessons learned there proved invaluable as the motor car moved from novelty to necessity in America.

It wasnt until 1902 that Henry Leland entered the automobile business as a full-fledged manufacturer. Following Henry Fords tumultuous departure from the short-lived Henry Ford Company, the remaining investors called in Leland to appraise their assets for liquidation. Recognizing an opportunity to build a complete car around L&Fs single-cylinder Little Hercules engine, Leland convinced investors to back him instead, and with that, Cadillac Motor Car Company was born. Lelands new Cadillac was a precision engineered motorcar of exceptional quality, simultaneously designed for efficient, highly standardized production.

The earliest Cadillacs featured the 98 cubic-inch, single-cylinder Little Hercules engine mounted horizontally in the center of the chassis, with a 2-speed planetary transmission and chain-drive rear axle. At the 1903 New York auto show, Cadillac general manager William Metzger took an astonishing 2,286 orders for the $750 Runabout and $850 four-seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau. With nearly $2M in orders upon its debut, Cadillacs future looked bright. With just a handful of known survivors, todays collectors covet these early Cadillacs as representatives of the genesis of one of the worlds greatest marques.

This 1904 Cadillac Model B Rear Entrance Tonneau is a rare and significant horseless carriage hailing from only the second full year of Cadillac production. Similar in mechanical specifications to the Model A, the Model B features several improvements to the chassis and is recognizable by its more upright front-end design and chin-mounted radiator. According to the Cadillac build ledger supplied by GM Heritage, this charming Model B was delivered to A.E. Hathaway of Sioux City, Iowa in July, 1904. It is presented here with an older, well-maintained restoration displaying a high degree of authenticity. It is a past participant in the celebrated London to Brighton Veteran Car Run (November 1, 1981) and is highly eligible for a wide array of horseless carriage events.

Finished in the classic deep red as it was delivered, with black trim and black button-tufted leather, the restoration has taken on a pleasant character through age and use, while remaining highly attractive overall. Some minor cracks appear in the body, which is to be expected, only adding to this cars inviting character. It is nicely adorned with white tires, period SOLAR brass headlamps, cowl lamps, and a spot lamp. Period style wicker umbrella holders and baskets can carry several picnics worth of sundries, and a removable stationary surrey top is there for a bit of protection from the elements.

Few motoring experiences compare to the pure joy of piloting a horseless carriage, especially when they are as well-engineered as this early Cadillac. With its lovely detailing and pleasing, authentic restoration, this handsome Model B tonneau is prime for adventure, whether making the journey from London to Brighton, or for relaxed touring somewhere closer to home.

Offers welcome and trades considered