From the Barton and Lucy Carlson Collection 1910 Cadillac Model...

1910 Cadillac Model 30 Three Passenger Roadster
Chassis no. 20493
Engine no. 43250
255.4ci L-head Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
33bhp
3-Speed Sliding Gear Transmission
Front and Rear Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
2-Wheel Mechanical Brakes

*The car that established Cadillac as the 'Standard of the World'
*Handsome and sporty factory body style
*Well maintained and detailed older restoration
*Sensibly updated for safe, enjoyable touring
*Former AACA Senior National First Prize winner

THE CADILLAC MODEL 30

The Model 30 was arguably the machine that established Cadillac as the "Standard of the World" for quality, luxury, performance and value, and laying the groundwork for a century of leadership that followed.

When the Model 30 was introduced, Cadillac was still in its infancy under the guidance of its founder, Henry Martyn Leland, and his son Wilfred, and had only a few years years before merged with Leland & Faulconer, having taken over the assets of the defunct Henry Ford Company. By 1910, the company had been absorbed into William Crapo Durant's General Motors Corporation, as one the cornerstones alongside Buick.

Cadillac's first four-cylinder automobile was the 1905 Model D, which featured four individual cylinders with copper water jackets and unusual variable valve lift throttle system similar to that of the successful Cadillac singles' design and construction. Its configuration was refined over subsequent years until in 1909 Cadillac realized the singles which had gotten it started were now a distraction from the rapidly evolving market which had come to expect greater refinement, size, reliability, and power. So, for the 1909 model year, Cadillac reduced its catalogue from five different models to just one, the Model 30. Rationalizing the catalogue and streamlining production allowed Cadillac to improve quality and at the same time lower prices by a whopping 30%.

That the Thirty met the expectations of the market is clear in its longevity. It remained the sole Cadillac model for the next six years, with improvements to the engine and chassis coming on a nearly annual basis. Perhaps the most significant refinement to the Model 30 came in 1912, with the introduction of Delco's 'Self Starter' system – which revolutionized the automobile industry in the pre-Great War era.

THE CAR OFFERED

Another fine early Cadillac from the Carlson Collection is this 1910 Model 30 Gentleman's Roadster, distinguished by its cozy two-place front cockpit and removable rear rumble seat. Handsomely presented in light blue with black fenders and trim, and blue artillery wheels. This particular example wears a quality older restoration – as evident from the 1994 AACA Senior National First Prize award – and has been very well maintained in the Carlson collection, having taken on an appealing character through age and enjoyment.

Being experienced tourers, the Carlsons made select user-friendly updates to include an electric starter, cast-iron brake drums on the rear axle, and halogen headlamps fitted to the Cadillac-branded Grey & Davis brass lamp housings. Other niceties include a roadster top, brass windshield frame and cowl lamps, auxiliary fluid canisters, and a Cadillac-branded Standard speedometer. Eminently inviting and attractive, this early Model 30 has been thoughtfully prepared for driving enjoyment, while its grand and imposing looks will ensure it looks right at home alongside the Gilded Age mansions of Newport.