1914 Cadillac Model 30 Touring

The 1914 Cadillac Four was offered with a two-speed, direct-drive rear axle. With the flick of an electric switch on the dash, the driver could change from low to high gear, giving a 42 percent boost in speed - per period Cadillac ads. The Austin Automobile Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan sued Cadillac for using this feature, resulting in it being quietly discontinued the following year.

Prior to 1914, Cadillacs were mostly built with right-hand drive. For 1914, all Cadillacs adopted left-hand drive. Another change for 1914 was a hinged steering wheel that swung up and out of the way when the driver entered the car.

This particular example was acquired by Donald Hosking of Lebanon, Oregon, in the late 1960s, and drove it sparingly, mostly in parades. Michael Sullivan of Newbury Park, California acquired it from the Hoskings' estate, and in September 2005 was sold to Bob Rohrer. Mr. Rohrer spent nearly $100,000 to restore the car, with Steve Bono doing most of the work. Beginning in 2006, the car was used on several tours before being sold in June 2016 to its current owner.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2020