1908 Cadillac Model S

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys The Hershey Auction event, 7 - 8 October 2026.
Offered Without Reserve $20,000 - $30,000 USD

• One of 1,482 Model S and Model T Cadillacs
• Sold new by Bagwell Auto Co. in St. Louis, Missouri; said to have remained in the area for many years
• Acquired in 2002 by Dr. Thomas and Roberta Maudlin of Illinois
• Restored by Dr. Maudlin, later donated to the Gilmore Car Museum in 2021
• Eligible for HCCA events and tours

Henry M. Leland, who at the time was operating Leland & Faulconer Manufacturing Company, was initially hired to appraise the Henry Ford Company for liquidation following Henry Fords departure in March 1902. After reviewing the firms assets, Leland convinced the companys remaining investors that a reorganization and a new car powered by an engine of Lelands own design was a far better alternative than complete liquidation. Cadillac was officially founded from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company on 22 August 1902. Named in honor of Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, the French explorer who founded Detroit, the new marque debuted their first model at the 1903 New York Auto Show. Orders flooded in, and Cadillac quickly established itself as Americas premier luxury auto manufacturer. From 1904 through the 1909 General Motors acquisition led by Billy Durant for $4.5 million, Cadillac consistently ranked in the top 10 of US auto sales. Following the GM acquisition, Leland would remain with Cadillac as an executive until 1917, when he left to form the Lincoln Motor Company.

For 1908, Cadillac offered five models, the Model G, Model H, Model M, Model S, and Model T. The Model S and Model T both debuted in November 1907 for the 1908 model year. The one-year-only models were the last single-cylinder Cadillacs produced. The Model S was built on an 82-inch-wheelbase chassis and was offered in either a Runabout or a Victoria Runabout body style. Single and double rumble seats were available as options, with Cadillac recommending an upgraded tire size if additional passengers were to be a common occurrence. An optional top was also available, offered in either hand-buffed leather ($80 to $175), or reinforced smooth face-rubber jeans ($60). The Model S was an attractive entry point into Cadillac ownership with prices ranging from $850 to $885, which included three oil lamps, a horn, and full running boards. For 1908, Cadillac grouped production of the Model S along with the Model T, with 1,482 total examples produced.

This 1908 Cadillac Model S Runabout left the factory on 4 April 1908, destined for Bagwell Auto Co., a St. Louis, Missouri dealer. The Cadillac is said to have been purchased locally, remaining in the area until it was acquired in 2002 by Dr. Thomas and Roberta Maudlin of Illinois. Dr. Maudlin was a rural veterinarian and active member of the Illinois Collector Car Club and International Harvester Collectors Club. Dr. Maudlin fully restored this 1908 Cadillac, as well as a 1910 Buick Toy Tonneau. He showed the Cadillac at the 2012 Milwaukee Masterpiece, taking home an award for antique and Brass Era cars. Dr. Thomas and Roberta Maudlin enjoyed the Cadillac on several Horseless Carriage Club of America tours before donating it to the Gilmore Car Museum in 2021.

Considered the ultimate swan song for the single-cylinder Cadillacs, this 1908 Model S offers a wonderful entry point into HCCA events and tours.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.