1904 Cadillac Model A Rear Entrance Tonneau
Registration No. BS8449
Engine No. 2913
VCC Dating Certificate No. 2528
£POA
The Cadillac Automobile Company of Detroit, Michigan, was founded by Henry Leland and Robert Faulconer and their first car completed its test run in October 1902. The company’s superior manufacturing technology – precision gear cutting was Leland and Faulconer’s first speciality – soon established it as the foremost builder of quality cars in the USA. The new Model ‘A’ Cadillac made its triumphal debut at the New York Automobile Show in January 1903 where sales manager William E Metzger took orders for no fewer than 2,286 cars, famously declaring mid-week that the Cadillac was ‘sold out’.
Known as ‘Little Hercules’ Cadillac’s 1.6 Litre single cylinder engine was incredibly reliable, powerful and easy to maintain. Driven by a 2 Speed with reverse planetary transmission, the Cadillac Model A was undoubtably the most popular 4 seat vehicle of its time due to its easy of driving. When running well, achieving speeds in excess of 30mph, the Cadillac also outperformed many of its rivals.
This example was imported into the UK by VCC Stalwart Graeme Bennett in the 1990s who entrusted the services of Nigel Parrott at NP Veteran Engineering to overhaul the car throughly. Work that was carried out consisted of a transmission rebuild, attention to the running gear, new camshaft, new exhaust valve and relining of both the transmission and rear brake bands.
Mr Bennett rallied BS8449 extensively in the UK and Europe and completed many London to Brighton Veteran Car Runs. His ownership came to an end in 2008 when the car was sold to the current custodian, who resides in Belgium.
BS8449 was last used on the London to Brighton Run in the late 2010’s by the current owner who is now looking to part with the vehicle due to his age. Some recommissioning is to be expected and this is something that we can offer support with. Supporting the sale is the rear coupe panel (for 2 seat driving). This car has been registered for use in Belgium and therefore was exported from the UK. It will however have import taxes paid upon receipt of the asking price.
