1904 Cadillac Model B Delivery

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 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 even 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 body styles, 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 a 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.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2009