Estimate: $90,000-$120,000 US

Sold: $82,500

40/50bhp, 365.8 cu. in. vertical inline L-head four-cylinder engine with float feed carburetor, three-speed selective sliding gear manual transmission, solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, full floating rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and rear-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 120"

On the eve of World War I, Cadillac had begun to chip away at the high-end market once dominated by Packard, Peerless and Pierce-Arrow, with its strong engineering and styling. Cadillac launched its revolutionary “electric self-start” in 1912, making the starting procedure far less inconvenient, difficult and dangerous. Cadillacs of this era also featured electrically operated lights, by virtue of their innovative Delco electrical system.

In 1913, Cadillac sales reached a new record with 15,018 cars delivered and Henry Leland, who later established his own luxury car with the Lincoln marque, was Cadillac’s president and general manager. Like the rest of the Cadillac model line, this Model 30 Five-Passenger Phaeton was justly promoted as the “Standard of the World”, with the launch of a famous and enduring advertising campaign that began in the fall of 1912.

In general, the entire 1913 Cadillac model line benefited from more graceful, sweeping lines thanks in part to its four-inch longer wheelbase that now measured 120 inches. Gone were the last remnants of the carriage era, replaced by bodywork with a full cowl, flowing fenders and fully enclosed driver controls. Mechanically, the Model 30 was powered by Cadillac’s robust vertical, in-line L-head 365.8 cubic inch four-cylinder engine, rated from 40 to 50 horsepower. Advancements for 1913 included a longer stroke, a chain-driven camshaft, enclosed valve stems and a simpler, more compact starter and generator.

While Cadillac marketed a full model range, the Five-Passenger Phaeton remains a favorite of enthusiasts to this day. This fully restored example earned National First Place honors at the New England Region Cadillac-LaSalle show, held in Portsmouth, Rhode Island in 2008. It is very nicely finished in blue with black fenders and a black radiator shell, complete with a beautifully fitted black folding top, nickel-plated brass components, rear-mounted spare tires and artillery wheels with whitewall tires. The interior is trimmed with button-tufted black leather upholstery. Offered in show-winning condition, this is certainly a wonderful example of refined Brass Era luxury.