Handsome, big Full Classic ready to tour. Smooth 314 cubic inch V8 just serviced by Steve Babinsky. Beautiful older restoration with fantastic original interior. Runs and drives extremely well. An entry-level Full Classic that offers big stature and wonderful road manners.

The 1920s were a time of rapid advancements in the automotive world, and as the Standard of the World, Cadillac remained at the forefront. With V8 power, 4-wheel brakes, shock absorbers, and myriad comfort features, few cars could match them on the road. Today they represent a fantastic value, trading hands for little more than a Model A Ford but still offering that old world elegance and exceptional quality that defined the brand. This big sedan is an imposing machine, stretching almost 18 feet long on a 132 inch wheelbase and emphasized by the dual rear-mounted spares, but it’s beautifully proportioned so it never looks awkward. Brewster Green was a popular color and gives the sedan a proper formality, especially paired with the black fenders which is how a car like this is supposed to look. There’s also a bright apple green pinstripe that adds a little contrast, but not too much—old world luxury is never flashy. The doors close with that solid THUNK that only cars of this vintage can offer and there are wonderful details like the tool boxes on the front fenders (the left one houses the battery), the moto-meter atop the radiator, and the original three-element taillight with a brake light shaped like the Cadillac crest. Those big canisters perched on the front and rear bumpers are accessory shock absorbers and yes, dual exhaust was standard equipment in 1926. This is a big, attractive car from any angle.

The brown mohair interior appears to be largely original and in fantastic condition. There are some mild signs of use and we believe the door panels and carpets have been replaced at some point, but it has a consistent all-of-a-piece look that remains appealing. The big wood-rimmed steering wheel makes the giant car easier to wheel around town and details like the woodgrained accents across the dashboard remind you that this isn’t an entry-level car. Controls are familiar, but you may need some practice with the 3-speed manual transmission, which is non-synchronized—don’t worry, a quick double-clutch makes it shift effortlessly. The center instrument panel features gauges to monitor all the car’s vitals, although the speedometer is offline (we believe it’s the cable, which should be easy enough to replace). In back, there’s massive stretch out space and tremendous headroom, all standard features of luxury in the 1920s. Two folding jump seats make room for additional passengers and nobody will feel cramped. Lovely silk shades provide privacy for rear seat passengers and you’ll note there’s a pair of lovely inlaid wood vanities, too. Our only complaint is that the window cranks are a little stiff and while we tried to free them up, they will probably require some disassembly to properly clean and lubricate the mechanism. First class accommodations were never this affordable!

The engine is related to Cadillac’s first V8, introduced in 1915 and the first mass-produced V8 engine in the industry. It makes about 90 horsepower and a whole mountain of torque, so it moves the big sedan without any real effort and cruises happily at 45 MPH with a soft V8 burble coming from the exhaust. It starts quickly and easily once you master the process: pump up the fuel tank until the gauge reads 2 PSI, pull the choke, hit the starter. VROOM! It fires quickly and idles so smoothy that you may not even feel it. A recent service by noted expert Steve Babinsky includes rebuilt water pumps and a clean cooling system, so it’s ready to tour this summer, and a full tune-up explains why it’s so easy to start. The engine bay is tidy if not detailed for show, but we like the functional look of the big V8—kind of like a vintage steam locomotive. It’s all business. It’s completely stock with no questionable modifications, which is always how you want to buy your vintage iron. The three-speed manual transmission is easy to master and there’s so much torque on tap that downshifts are all but unnecessary except for near dead stops. 4-wheel brakes were a new innovation and provide confidence on the road. You’ll also note that this car wears its original mufflers (wow!) and retains it’s Kellogg air compressor on the back of the transmission, which is designed to fill the tires in an emergency. The springs are still wrapped in leather gaiters which explains the supple long-wheelbase ride quality, and it pretty much glides along like a luxury car should. Big wood-spoke wheels are the right accent to the dark green bodywork and carry 6.00-23 blackwalls, which are exactly the right choice.

Extras include the original jack assembly and hub tools.

We were instantly smitten with this car when it first arrived. We love the look, the luxurious interior, and the easy-going mechanicals, which fired quickly and easily even in sub-freezing temperatures coming off the trailer. Not many cars of this vintage are so cooperative. It’s a wonderful combination of originality and restored components and has a charming patina that suits its old money image. An affordable entry to all the CCCA events, a comfortable tour car, and the star of the show just about anywhere else. Why not give it a try? Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.