Footnotes

Founded by Henry Leland and Robert Faulconer, the Cadillac Automobile Company, of Detroit, Michigan completed its first car in October 1902, the firm's superior manufacturing technology - precision gear cutting was Leland and Faulconer's first speciality - soon establishing it as the foremost builder of quality cars in the USA. In 1901, Olds Motor Works contracted for the supply of Leland-built engines and, when unforeseen circumstances frustrated the plan, Leland and Faulconer formed their own company using funds supplied by two of Henry Ford's ex-backers. The company took its name from the great French 17th century explorer who had founded Detroit in 1701.

The first Cadillac automobile was completed and test driven in October 1902, and the following January made a triumphal debut at the New York Automobile Show where sales manager William E Metzger took orders for no fewer than 2,286 cars, famously declaring mid-week that the Cadillac was 'sold out'. An exemplary performer by the standards of the day, the Cadillac's 98ci (1.6-litre) 10hp single-cylinder engine - known as 'Little Hercules' - was mounted horizontally on the left beneath the front seat and drove via a conventional two-speeds-plus-reverse planetary transmission, with centre chain drive to the rear axle. Keenly priced at only $750, the Cadillac was available with either two- or four-seat coachwork and had a maximum speed of around 30-35mph.

F S Bennett's Anglo-American Motor Company promoted the Cadillac in the UK, where outstanding performances on Sunrising Hill and in the 1,000 Miles Trial of 1903 ensured that there were customers queuing to place orders. That first 1903 curved-dash Cadillac was re-designated as the Model A after the Model B's introduction for 1904, the 'B' being a more expensive version with box-shaped 'bonnet', pressed-steel frame, 'I'-beam front axle and single transverse front spring. At first Leland & Faulconer supplied only engines, transmissions and steering mechanisms for the Cadillac before taking responsibility for its entire construction in 1905.

This early Cadillac was purchased for the current owners' private collection from the Henry Ford Museum circa 1989. The engine was rebuilt by Cox & Turner Engineering circa 2009 (see invoices on file) and the car is offered in running order. Additional documentation consists of a State of Michigan Certificate of Title and a VCC dating certificate (no. 2017, issued in 1994).

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £350 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.

This Lot is available to view at Classic Car Storage near Petersfield, Hampshire (by appointment with the Car Department only) from Monday 24th October to Wednesday 2nd November. It will then be available to view at Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street on Friday 4th November from 10am.