226ci Inline 4-Cylinder
30bhp
3-Speed Sliding Gear Transmission
2-Wheel Mechanical Brakes

*The quintessential brass automobile
*Delightful and sporty demi tonneau coachwork
*Highly original example
*Great running car that is ready to tour

THE CADILLAC MODEL 30

The Model 30 was not the first four-cylinder Cadillac, but it was arguably the perfected four-cylinder Cadillac, setting a standard for quality, luxury, performance and price which positioned Cadillac for the century of leadership that followed.

As any contemporary observer will quickly recognize the re-invention of Cadillac which the Model 30 represented was not the last time Cadillac would endure that wrenching metamorphosis. In 1909 Cadillac was only in its sixth year. It was still under the guidance of its founder, Henry Martyn Leland, and his son Wilfred, and had only five years before merged with Leland & Faulconer. It was in only its second year as part of William Crapo Durant's General Motors.

Cadillac introduced its first four-cylinder automobile in 1905, the Model D. Its arrangement of four individual cylinders with copper water jackets and unusual variable valve lift throttle system mimicked aspects of the successful Cadillac singles' design and construction. Its configuration was refined over subsequent years until in 1909 Cadillac realized the singles which had gotten it started were now a distraction from the rapidly evolving market which had come to expect greater refinement, size, reliability and power.

In 1908 there had been five different models in Cadillac's catalog. Three of them were singles. Two were fours. A year later in 1909 there was only one, the Thirty. Rationalizing the catalog and streamlining production allowed Cadillac to improve quality and at the same time lower prices by a whopping 30%.

That the Thirty met the expectations of the market is clear in its longevity. It remained the sole model in Cadillac's catalog for the next six years although the model designation changed and in 1913 an increase in stroke of 1 1/4" substantially increased displacement and brake horsepower even though the calculated rating stayed the same. Annual production went from 5,903 in 1909 to 15,018 in 1913 and 14,003 in 1914.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This charming "30" is finished in the standard Cadillac color of the period, Royal Blue with black fenders, and is righthand drive, as all Cadillacs were until the advent of the V-8. The interior retains much of its beautiful original black leather, there is a full-length black cloth top and a brass framed two piece windshield. Its Demi-Tonneau coachwork (called a Toy Tonneau by other marques) seats four in contrast with the 5-seat accommodations of full-size coachwork.

Equipment includes Gray & Davis acetylene headlamps with matching Gray & Davis acetylene generator, Gray and Davis kerosene sidelights and tail lamp. The frame and undercarriage are painted Royal Blue with white coachlining. Suspension is by semi-elliptical leaf springs at the front and platform rear suspension. The rear longitudinal semi-elliptical leaf springs have been rebuilt, matched and painted, new shackle pins and bushes are fitted, and the rear axle and torque tube have been rebuilt with new bearings, seals and bushes. The rear wheels have both contracting band and expanding shoe drum braking. Drive is taken through a cone clutch, 3-speed transmission and shaft drive to the rear wheels.

Close inspection shows the Cadillac is highly original. The diamond tufted upholstery is beautifully preserved and has had only a few areas renewed. The body was refinished in 1966 but has mellowed and harmonizes nicely with the car's original features.

Mechanically the Cadillac runs strongly and was fitted with an electric starter in 2019. Having benefitted from a good recent service with the magneto and spark boxes rebuilt, all new ignition wiring and water hoses, it ticks over like a Swiss watch. The car benefits from one minor change – a new higher ratio gear set has made the car an even more pleasant touring machine that can comfortably move along with modern traffic.

The quality of this 1910 Cadillac Model 30 Demi-Tonneau is apparent and is a credit to the leadership and standards set by Henry Leland and Cadillac during the formative years of the automobile era. A lovely very original example of a most charming automobile.