1904 Cadillac Model B news, pictures, and information

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Surrey
Chassis Num: 3136

In 1904, Henry Leland introduced his improved version of the Cadillac Model B. The Model A's longitudinal semi-elliptic suspension was replaced with a transverse leaf front spring. The engine remained under the seat but the front was given a box-like hood. Located at the front was the radiator, just below the hood. The Model B was the same size as the Model A, which remained in production, but given a more potent engine rated at 8.25 horsepower. The Model B was available in a variety of configurations including a runabout, four-passenger surrey, rear-entrance tonneau and a two-passenger delivery car. The price for the Model was ranged from $800 to $900.

Sales were respectable for Cadillac in 1903, even considering a fire which shut down production for 45 days. Due to the fire, a total of 1,500 deposits were returned to customers since the company was unable to complete their orders.

This 1904 Cadillac Model B Rear-Entrance Tonneau was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $20,000 - $30,000 and offered without reserve. Bidding quickly surpassed the estimates with the final bid settling at $72,600. It has a wheelbase that measures 76-inches and its horizontal single-cylinder engine displaces 98.2 cubic-inches and produces 8.25 horsepower. There is a two-speed planetary transmission and dual differential-mounted brakes. The suspension is a solid front axle with transverse leaf springs and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and single chain drive.

This car has a very old restoration, completed around the late 1960s, and its exterior is painted maroon paint with black accent moldings. There are Solar 41A headlamps and a brass taillight, plus a light for the rear step. The engine is operable but requires some servicing.

Touring

The Cadillac Motor Car Company was founded by Henry M. Leyland in 1902, and named for the French explorer who discovered Detroit. Leyland brought a new level of precision to the entire automobile industry and with his introduction of interchangeable parts won Cadillac the prestigious Dewar Trophy. The company soon became known as 'the Standard of the World', and as a premiere marque. General Motors acquired Cadillac in 1908.

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Delivery
Chassis Num: 4248

The Cadillac Automobile Company was named after the founder of the Detroit area, Le Sieur Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. The engines used in the earliest Cadillac's were a single horizontal 5-inch bore, 5-inch stroke, 98.2 cubic-inch cylinder unit rated at 10 horsepower. The simple two-seat runabout was priced at $750 which was a rather hefty price at the time. The vehicle could be equipped with a detachable two-seat rear entrance tonneau for an additional $100. Soon, the company introduced the next iteration of the automobile, the Model B. Power was still from the Leland & Faulconer 'Little Hercules' engine, now quoted as having a more reasonable 8.25 brake horsepower. The Model B had a faux hood at the front event though the engine, two-speed planetary transmission, and running gear were still located under the floor boards. Under the hood was the finned tube cooling radiator, in front of the girder type front axle.

The Model B was available in a number of bodystyles, including a delivery car that met the increasing popularity of horseless carriages among progressive merchants.

While Cadillac was under Henry Leland's leadership, every aspect of design and development was a symbol of quality, performance, and practicality. LeLand insisted on precision manufacturing of interchangeable parts. Cadillac offered parts off the shelf that could be used interchangeably to replace worn or broken pieces without fitting, adaptation, or grinding.

This Cadillac Model B Rear Entrance Tonneau is equipped with a single headlamp, kerosene sidelights, and a single multi-purpose taillight that could be removed to illuminate nighttime repairs. There are flared mudguards, a detachable rear entrance tonneau, wicker pannier baskets for storage, a surrey-style top, and folding windshield.

In 2009, this Model B was offered for sale at the Houston Classic Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers and held in Seabrook, Texas. The lot was estimates to sell for $75,000 - $100,000 and was offered without reserve. The lot was sold for $66,000 not including buyer's premium.

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