Vehicle Description
By the middle of the 1920s, Cadillac firmly established its
reputation as a leader in luxury, innovation, and quality.
Cadillac's founder Henry Leland was a pioneer in the American
automobile industry. Inspired by what he learned from firearms
manufacturing, he became the leading proponent of parts
interchangeability. As head of Leland & Faulconer Engineering,
Henry Leland advised Ransom E. Olds on these principals of
standardized parts and assembly line production, thereby setting
the stage for modern mass-manufacturing of automobiles. Leland's
innovative spirit continued to inspire Cadillac, even after they
joined General Motors as the company's flagship marque. One of the
most significant breakthroughs came with the development of the
electric Self-Starter system and electric lights in 1912. It was
the self-starter that was primarily responsible for cementing the
internal combustion automobile's dominance over electric and steam.
Three years later, they introduced the world's first mass-produced
V8 engine. Scottish-born engineer D. McCall White designed the
engine, which featured two cast iron cylinder blocks with integral
heads mounted atop an aluminum-copper alloy crankcase. It was an
ingenious design that utilized fork and blade connecting rods to
provide clearance for opposing cylinders as well as dual water
pumps when most cars made do with simple, inefficient
thermo-siphoning cooling systems. The engine produced an impressive
70 horsepower and was a marvel of smooth running and linear power
delivery. 1924 saw the introduction of the new Type V-63, and along
with it, a host of refinements to the V8 engine and the chassis.
The 90-degree, 314.5 cubic-inch V8 now featured a counter-balanced,
cross-plane crankshaft to minimize vibration. This revolutionary
new design, in conjunction with a lightened flywheel, gave the V-63
exceptional refinement. Such was its smooth and quiet nature that
even Rolls-Royce of America took notice, the firm's chief engineer
stating that "the quartered-crank V8 would make obsolete all long
crankshaft engines." A new frame utilized additional bracing for
strength and durability, and new axles with four-wheel mechanical
brakes; a first for Cadillac. Eleven catalog body styles were
available, ranging from $3,085 for the touring to $4,600 for the
flagship limousine. The Type V-63 was a technical marvel of
America's golden age of motoring, and it was a tremendous success
for Cadillac, selling 25,000 examples in its two-year production
run. However, very few of these beautiful and imposing Cadillacs
survive today. This 1925 V-63 Phaeton is a rarely-seen example of
Cadillac's technological tour de force. According to factory
records, this car left the factory on the 21st of May, 1924,
destined for Munger Auto Co. of Dallas, Texas. Copies of the
original ledger show the first owner was J.A. Russell, also of
Dallas. This car remained in Texas for nearly all of its life,
trading hands early on to Earnest McCanless, another local
resident, who owned the car from the mid-1920s through 1942, when
he sold it to Charles Gharis. In 1966, Gharis sold the Cadillac to
Charles Matthews of Waxahachie, Texas who restored the big V-63 and
enjoyed it for many years. In the 1970s, Matthews parked the
Cadillac in his barn, and it remained there until after his
passing. In 2010, the Campbell family (also of Texas) acquired the
Cadillac from the Matthews estate and treated it to a high-quality
cosmetic restoration including a new top, interior, and restored
artillery wheels. Following the restoration, the V-63 won a CCCA
National First Prize, and the most recent owners have enjoyed it
for touring and road events. It presents in a handsome color
combination of maroon with black fenders, accented with bright
polished nickel fittings. The quality of the paint is excellent,
showing light signs of use in places while presenting with a
pleasing glossy finish. Accessories include nickel-plated
Broadlight drum headlamps, a Moto-Meter, rear-mounted trunk, and
dual rear-mounted spare wheels. The trunk and spares accentuate the
length, and allow for a clean, uncluttered profile, giving this
phaeton a particularly sporting appeal. During the restoration, the
top was restored and reupholstered with period-correct cobra-grain
vinyl material. Included in the sale is a full set of matching
side-curtains. Black leather upholstery covers the seats and
interior panels, with carpeting in the rear compartment and
period-appropriate textured flooring up front for the driver. The
soft trim is tidy and inviting, showing only slight creasing in the
seating surfaces. Instruments and controls are in good condition,
and the wood steering wheel wears a high-quality finish. The
powerful and refined V8 engine features authentic detailing
overall, with some moderate patina on the painted finishes,
appropriate with age and use. The engine mates to a 3-speed
sliding-gear transmission, and this car features Cadillac's
four-wheel braking system. Like the engine, the undercarriage shows
evidence of regular enjoyment on the road. The V-63 is a very
significant model in Cadillac's rich history, as well as with the
development of the V8 engine as a whole. This influential motorcar
laid the foundation for the Series 341 and Series 355 that defined
Cadillac throughout the next decade. This lovely example is suited
to continual enjoyment on the road, where its power and technical
sophistication are best appreciated. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6490-1925-cadillac-type-v63-phaeton-convertible/