1914 Cadillac Model 30 Phaeton

Cadillac won the coveted Dewar trophy for automotive innovation for the second time in 1914. This tremendous accomplishment would never again be duplicated. In this case, it was a Timken two-speed rear axle that helped seal the award for Cadillac. A door-mounted, electrically operated shifting device changed the rear axle ratios from high to low and back, quickly and reliably. thereby improving fuel economy.

This Sport Phaeton has been in the care of California collectors as far back as the 1950s when it was owned by Jordy Carlton of the San Francisco Bay Area. While in his care, it was treated to an early restoration.

In the 1970s, the car was purchased from the Carlton estate by Edgar Morgan of Scotts Valley, CA. In the early 1980s, it was purchased by Central Coast collector Dale Johnson, who performed an engine rebuild before selling the Phaeton to collector Norman Buckhart. At a later date, the Cadillac entered the collection of Ray Gibson, who had the car cosmetically restored in 2010.

Powering the car is a 366 cubic-inch, L-head, four-cylinder engine with a Float-Feed Updraft carburetor producing 40 horsepower. There is a three-speed selective, sliding gearbox and a 2-speed rear axle.

In 2011, at the Pebble Beach, CA auction presented by Gooding & Company, the car was estimated to sell for $90,000- $120,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $85,250 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011