LOT 83
1914 Cadillac Racer Engine no. 87556
Sold for US$67,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 83
'From the Lindley Bothwell Collection'
1914 Cadillac Racer
1914 Cadillac Racer
1914 Cadillac Racer
Engine no. 87556
Engine no. 87556
365.8ci L-Head 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
40bhp, Single-Plug Magneto
3-Speed Sliding-Gear Transmission
Front Semi-Elliptic Springs, Rear Three-Quarter Elliptic Springs
Rear Mechanical Brakes, Hand and Foot
*Among the final cars offered from the legendary Lindley Bothwell Collection
*Owned by the Bothwell family since the 1940's
*Competed in the 1950 revival of the Vanderbilt Cup Road Race
*Perfect for brass car tours, shows, and track
*An evocative early Cadillac from a historic collection
THE 1914 CADILLAC
Cadillac's first "multi-cylinder" model was a four-cylinder, introduced in 1905. Cadillac knew they had to move on from their proven single-cylinder engines as their competitors advanced into larger engines. The four-cylinder range hit its stride in 1909 with the introduction of the 30 horsepower Model 30. The Model 30 bore much of the distinctive engineering of the single-cylinder engine, such as the copper water-jackets and unique carburetor, but the new engine was nevertheless a major step forward. Cadillac was able to offer a relatively powerful and well-performing car, at an excellent price. This combination made it popular from the start and keeps it popular today among brass car enthusiasts.
THE CAR OFFERED
Built on a 1914 Cadillac chassis, this evocative racer is bound to be a thrill to drive. Cadillac never produced anything quite like this in period, so this car is likely a well-executed conversion, though it has been in this configuration for many years. Part of the Bothwell collection since the early 1940s, it is one of the two last vehicles to be offered directly from the family.
The Cadillac four's power is put to good use thanks to extensive weight loss in the style of a 1920s Grand Prix racer. It sports appealing cosmetics with an appropriate racecar-like patina. The red hue ensures it will stand out on the racetrack, with details like cream stripes, Cadillac lettering and race numbers reflecting the year. Color coordinated components provide a purposeful look, while the varnished wood artillery wheels are a wonderful contrast. A finishing flourish is the aggressive exhaust with its bright white heat coating. Said to have been used in recent years, the consignors report it runs and drives well.
In its current configuration, this Cadillac competed in the Santa Monica Vanderbilt Cup Road Race in 1950, a revival of the original event. A delightful machine with a fantastic period aesthetic, this Cadillac should prove tremendous fun on the road, track or on a brass car tour. Considered by many as a highlight of the Brass Era, 1914 Cadillacs rarely come to market, and this is a wonderful opportunity to get the last offerings from the legendary Bothwell collection.
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Title in transit.
Additional information
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