314.5ci Side Valve V8 Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
83bhp at 3,000rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes

*Offered from the Thomas Family Cadillac Collection
*Single family ownership since 1975; acquired from Movieworld
*Older restoration in charming colors
*Documented by a copy of its Cadillac build sheet

THE CADILLAC DUAL COWL PHAETON

Showing the early influence of Harley Earl, the dual cowl phaeton featured a cowl that curves down into a relatively low, long beltline, which along with a well-designed top essentially offered the grace of a roadster in a four-door car. A fillet panel at the top of the rear door on each side served to hold a bright spot of accent color.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Dual Cowl Phaeton offered here is verified as an authentic dual-cowl model, with a "B" following its style number on the body tag – matching the original build sheet, a copy of which accompanies. It is likely a lifelong Southern California car, having first been delivered in Los Angeles on April 24, 1928, finished in the appropriately Spring-themed color scheme of Atoll Green and Cream with black wire wheels and a grey cloth top.

The car was formerly part of the renowned Brucker Family collection at Movieworld, the famous old museum in Buena Park, California, that doubled as a supplier of automobiles to the film industry and as a hotbed of early "kustom kulture." It was acquired from Movieworld in 1975 by LaRue C. Thomas, the well-known proprietor of the Thomas Cadillac dealership in downtown Los Angeles from 1965 until 1989. Thomas Cadillac featured a large private collection of its founder's prized antique Cadillacs and other special automobiles on the building's sixth floor. While much of the collection was dispersed after the dealership closed its doors, several favorite automobiles were preserved by the family and have remained in storage since, including this dual cowl phaeton.

The car's restoration, completed in the early 1980s, is considerably older, in green with grey fenders, brown upholstery, tan top, and green wire wheels, as well as a Goddess radiator mascot and a trunk rack. A replacement engine of the correct type is fitted, and as indicated by the purchase correspondence it has been in the car at least since the Thomas Family acquired the Cadillac from Movieworld. While the potential exists to freshen the car for touring and preserve what could be considered a historic restoration, the car is also ready for a modern concours restoration and subsequent show appearances. In addition to the aforementioned copy of the build sheet, it is accompanied by the Thomas' small history file, including some older invoices for maintenance work and paperwork relating to the car's acquisition.