Description
LOT 210
1904 Cadillac Model A Runabout
THE GOLDEN AGE OF MOTORING
4 November 2022, 17:00 GMT
London, New Bond Street
£50, 000 - £70, 000
1904 Cadillac Model A Runabout
Registration no. ZV 92230 (Republic of Ireland)
Engine no. 3642
• Formerly part of the Swigart Museum Collection in the USA
• Purchased as a 'barn find' in 2007
• Offered from a prominent private collection in Ireland
• Re-commissioned by the vendors' mechanics
• VCC Dated
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.
Carrying a rear license plate dating from its last registration in Virginia, USA in 1919, this Model A Runabout was in complete and un-restored 'barn find' condition when it was purchased at a US auction in 2007, the sellers being the Swigart Museum Collection. Since its acquisition for the vendors' private collection, the car has been re-commissioned by their own mechanics and is presented in running order. The Cadillac is offered with a Pennsylvania Certificate of Title, a VCC dated certificate (no. 4145, issued in 2018), and its corresponding report.
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.
READ MORE
Additional information
Auction information
Buyers Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge what is known as a Buyer's Premium. Buyer's Premium on all Automobilia lots will adhere to Bonhams group policy:
27. 5% on the first £20, 000 of the hammer price;
26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20, 000 up to and including £700, 000;
20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700, 000 up to and including £4, 500, 000;
and 14. 5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4, 500, 000.
For Motor Cars and Motorcycles a 15% Buyer's Premium is payable on the first £500, 000 of the final Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on any amount by which the Hammer Price exceeds £500, 000. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Some lots may be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price. These lots will be clearly marked with the relevant symbol printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
Collection Notices
Please Note the Automobilia department do not ship out purchased lots, please contact them to be advised of recommended shippers.
Successful bidders will have until 6pm on Friday 4th November to collect.
All lots not collected at the sale by 6pm will be charged an Uplift fee as the lots are taken back to storage in Guildford.
All lots marks with 3 diamonds that remain uncollected after the sale are taken to a storage facility in Guildford, separate to the Bonhams Guildford office.
Lot Symbols
•
EXEMPT FROM VAT
Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium.
IMPORT LOW RATE
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
AR
ARTISTS RESALE RIGHT
Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.
?
IMPORT HIGH RATE
VAT on imported items at the prevailing rate on Hammer Price and Buyer's Premium.
AUTOMOBILIA
All lots will be charged a minimum of £10 + VAT Uplift and storage at £1 + VAT per day per lot. Please check the Catalogue of website for lot details.
?
UPLIFT AND STORAGE CHARGES
£25 + VAT uplift and storage at £5 + VAT per lot per day.
??
UPLIFT AND STORAGE CHARGES
£50 + VAT uplift and storage at £10 + VAT per lot per day
???
SPECIALIST SHIPPING AND STORAGE
All lots marked with 3 diamonds will require specific shipping and storage arrangements, as they are either extremely heavy or large items, they will be removed by Autofreight Ltd, who provide independent uplift and storage services for larger lots. There are charges for this service and for storage in their warehouse in Guildford, Surrey, at the buyers expense.
Please contact John Wood, Autofreight Ltd, by phone the details below, or email using the button below for further information, details of costs and charges or to arrange collection from GU3 3HD.
Shippers or Agents wishing to collect on behalf of the purchaser must provide written instruction from the client before Bonhams will release the lot(s). All purchases are at Buyers risk from the fall of the hammer.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalogue.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
