1923 Cadillac Type 61 V8 Roadster Engine no. 20819

1923 Cadillac Type 61 V8 Roadster Engine no. 20819
314ci L-Head V-8 EngineSingle Cadillac Carburetor60bhp at 3,000rpm3-Speed Manual TransmissionFront and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes*Offered from the Paul Bush Collection*Previously owned by Silent Era actress Ann Christy*Lovely patina throughout, with possibly original interior and paint*Elegant and sporty, V8-powered Cadillac RoadsterTHE V8 CADILLACThe place of the V8 Cadillac in automotive history is assured. The Model 51 Cadillac was introduced in September 1914 for the 1915 season, and while there had been other V8 engines before, most had been ephemeral prototypes and only the French De Dion-Bouton company had actually marketed a production V8, starting in 1909.In America, the Cadillac company had established a fine reputation for the introduction of the first practical electric starting, lighting and ignition system and for its precision of production ensuring absolute interchangeability of parts - two achievements that had earned it the unique distinction winning two of the British Royal Automobile Club's Dewar Trophies for technical innovation. Consequently, the company adopted the proud motto "Standard of the World".Preliminary development of a new V8 engine to outclass all Cadillac's six-cylinder rivals had started in 1912, when Cadillac bought a De Dion V8 for study purposes and installed a V8 Hall-Scott aeroengine in a car chassis, then built an experimental V8 engine incorporating the best features of both designs. Work to produce a production V8 really got underway in 1914 when the British engineer D. McCall White, formerly with Daimler and Napier, was placed in charge of the project. Strictest secrecy was observed as a handpicked development team worked to engineer a smooth-running V8 with excellent low-speed torque. It proved to be such an outstanding engine that the V8 layout became the hallmark of Cadillac for decades to come. THE MOTORCAR OFFEREDIf one were to literally step back in time and walk into a Cadillac showroom in 1923, this car must provide a close allusion to that experience. Alongside its brethren and other coachwork designs, this Roadster would have looked extremely handsome. This Cadillac was previously owned - possibly from new - by silent movie star Ann Christy. Christy used the Cadillac on her and her husbands ranch in Vernon, Texas. One day, she got stuck in the sand and broke the clutch trying to free up the Cadillac. The car was then sent to mechanic George Long, but when Christy and her husband separated, the car was left with Mr. Long, and eventually in 1945, Christy's ex-husband surrendered the title to Mr. Long. Don Lee in California had put 4-wheel brakes on the car for Ms. Christy, and added chrome features, supposedly charging the wealthy actress a small fortune for the work! Mr. Paul Bush later purchased the car from George Long and would retain the Cadillac Type 61 V8 Roadster in his collection ever since. Impressed with the originality of the Cadillac, Bush left the car in original condition, resulting in the lovely patina seen on the car today. Finished in blue with black fenders, the Cadillac features twin rear mounted spares. Viewed today, in keeping with its claim to the Standard of the World, one can clearly see the quality of the product that Cadillac offered.