• Understood to have been restored in 2003
• London-Brighton Run invitee in 2008
• Present ownership since 2012
• Little used since acquisition

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.

The first Cadillac automobile made a triumphant debut at the New York Automobile Show in January 1903 when 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 redesignated 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.

According to an old catalogue description, this Model A underwent a 'frame off' restoration completed in 2003, with brass work renovation carried out by Britain Brass Works. Following restoration, the Cadillac participated in several shows, including CCCA events, and in 2008 was invited to and prepared for the London-Brighton Run. When sold at a US auction in 2009 the car had covered only 70 miles since restoration; it was reported to run and drive perfectly and had been carefully maintained.

The current owner acquired the Cadillac from a UK auction in 2013, since when it has seen very little use. Displayed at the Bucharest Classic Car Expo in 2014, this beautifully restored American Veteran is offered solely with a European title and an old catalogue description.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. 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. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.