1913 Cadillac Model 30 Touring Chassis no. 83386

1913 Cadillac Model 30 Touring Chassis no. 83386
335ci L-Head Inline 4-Cylinder EngineSingle CarburetorEst 45bhp at 1,200 rpm 3-Speed Manual Transmission 4-Wheel Leaf Spring SuspensionRear Mechanical Brakes*Offered from the Paul Bush Collection*Previously part of the Ben Roney Museum*Prominent 5-Passenger Tourer coachwork*Recent carburetor rebuild performedTHE CADILLAC MODEL 30Cadillac's first automobile was simple runabout powered by single-cylinder engine - known as 'Little Hercules' - that was an exemplary performer by the standards of its day. From these humble beginnings Cadillac rapidly expanded its range, adding a large four-cylinder luxury car at the opposite end of the scale yet within a few years was heading for bankruptcy. Faced with decreasing demand for both its main products in the wake of a nationwide economic slump, the company responded with a new medium-priced car - the Model 30 - which was introduced in December 1908. Offering luxury and performance at a relatively modest price, the 'Thirty' was produced within budget constraints that were as exacting as the engineering tolerances set down by company head Henry Leland, the 'Master of Precision', who dictated that it should be built to a tolerance of a mere thousandth of an inch, using a system of 'go' and 'not go' gauges that guaranteed absolute accuracy. This degree of manufacturing control - only possible since Cadillac made virtually every component of its cars in house - enabled Leland to cost the manufacturing process precisely. The profit margin had been set at just $25 per car and the company was rewarded by record sales in the new model's first year.THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDThis large and prominent Cadillac Model 30 Tourer was purchased by the late Paul Bush and added to his impressive collection during the 1970s. Mr. Bush had seen the car in fellow Texas-based collector Ben Roney's museum, although Mr. Roney had told Mr. Bush he would never sell a car from his museum. At the time of purchase the Model Thirty Touring retained its original interior. Mr. Bush restored the car, took it to Hershey and drove it on tours. The carburetor was recently rebuilt, and the older restoration shows well throughout. Non-Skid tires and Grey & Davis headlights are fitted, giving the large Tourer the right look.