1924 Cadillac Type V-63 Opera Coupe

By the early 1920s, the Cadillac V8 engine was a tried-and-true piece of machinery. Over 160,000 examples had been produced by the close of 1923 which included around 2,000 staff cars used during the First World War. Under the direction of the newly appointed chief engineer, Ernest Seaholm, the V8 engine was redesigned. Up to this point in history, the V8 was assembled as two four-cylinder engines on a common 'flat' crankshaft. It worked but suffered from imbalance.

Cadillac introduced its newly re-designed V8 engine in 1924. It was balanced, had a two-plane crankshaft, counterweighed with rod journals at 90 degrees to one another. This is the same way V8 engines are made today. The result was a very smooth engine that produced more power - thanks, in part, to a lighter flywheel.

Cadillac introduced four-wheel braking to their new V-63 model. It was mechanical while other marques, such as Duesenberg and Chrysler, used hydraulic braking.

This 1924 Cadillac Opera Coupe is powered by a 314.5 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine that is capable of producing 83 horsepower. There are a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel mechanical brakes. It has been treated to a high-quality restoration in the late 1970s and has been carefully maintained since that time. It is painted tan with black fenders. The interior is brown mohair. It has the standard equipment Kellogg tire pump on the transmission and an extendable trouble light. The rear of the car features a small luggage compartment, accessed from above the aft-mounted spare tire.

In 2008 this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $60,000. It was offered without reserve. Since it was offered without reserve, the new owner was treated to a bargain as bidding ceased at $27,500 including the buyer's premium. The lot was sold.

In 2009, this example was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $50,000 - $60,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $34,100 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2009