1927 Cadillac 341-A V-8 Tourer

Coachwork by Fisher

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

*1 of only 6 surviving Cadillac touring cars built for use in Glacier National Park
*Believed to be 1 of the 7 cars to ferry President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his party on historic trip through Glacier Park in 1935
*Single ownership, ex Park, by the Rice family from 1936-2000
*Cadillac build sheet on file
*Impressive 1920s Touring Cadillac

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Cadillac Touring car was built in 1927, and according to the vendor, it is understood to have been one of seven special touring cars ordered by Howard Hays Sr, President of the Glacier Park Transport Company. Built on a full 150 inch wheelbase, these were truly imposing and had many features that were not commonly seen on other Cadillacs. Those included special split rim wheels for the fitment of Heavy duty tires and a prominent large trunk compartment built into the back of the body with compartments for the fitments of snow chains. The cars were used within the park to transport various VIP guests and, as legend has it, they were all painted in the same orange red, to match the color of certain mountain berries that grow within the park.

The history on this particular car seems to be rather interesting, in that it was retained by the park from 1927 to 1936, which covers the time period that President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the park. A well-known occasion, period photographs show him riding in one of these special touring cars, with he and his entourage apparently using 7 of the park's vehicles to take them on a drive along the 54 mile "Going to the sun road".

These cars were all given three digit fleet numbers. This number was applied by decal, and many have faded away. From what we can tell from information provided, we believe that this particular car is No. 156 or No. 157. Number 156 was one of the cars used by President Roosevelt party on the trip through the park. No. 157 was not on the tour through Glacier Park but was used by FDR the next day on a trip to Fort Peck dam. Throughout this period the vehicles are understood to have been maintained and managed by the Greyhound Bus Company per government contract.

In 1936 Glacier Park replaced the Cadillac with vehicles sourced from Dodge. At that time this example was purchased by a Mr. John Rice, whose interest was that he had apparently been on the trip with Roosevelt and may well be pictured with Roosevelt in period photographs sitting in one of the tour cars. The car was kept for years in the family heated garage at their lake lodge within the Glacier park, and was used on the road until 1965 when it was stored. Amazingly, it would remain in the Rice Family until 2000 when it was sold as part of John's wife, Mary Rice's estate. At the time of writing, owing to the FDR Library being closed this is not something that Bonhams has been able to source documentary evidence to support, however the simple nature of its history and the tale therefore being first hand suggests that it was indeed likely to have been one of these noted Cadillacs.

Eight years after Mary Rice's death the consigner acquired the car in 2008, and in 2013 the car went out for the 75th anniversary tour of the history FDR historic journey. It performed flawlessly was even pictured with Kate Roosevelt, Roosevelt's granddaughter.

Today the Cadillac is believed to be one of only two surviving Glacier National Park tourers. Close inspection suggests that the Rices seem to have kept the car well as it appears to be very well preserved and retains features such as its original side curtains and snow chains. It remains finished in the same color scheme which it was painted originally, and the black interior retains its occasional seats and folding rear windscreen.

This imposing and undeniably individual Cadillac is a unique piece of motoring history, and of the brand. Coupled with the fact that it was one of the Cadillacs that carried one of the most iconic and renowned U.S. President's entourage, or possibly the car that FDR used on his trip to Fort Peck dam site. It would surely make a fantastic addition to any collection or museum or for the person that wants to tour with abundant luggage or passengers.