To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Auburn
Fall event, 3 - 5 September 2020.
Estimate:
$40,000 - $50,000
- Offered from the Walter Miller Estate
- Fascinating, unique coachwork on an extended 145-in.-wheelbase
chassis
- Originally delivered to Senator Peter Gerry of Rhode
Island
- Handsome older restoration
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
Bearing the sill plates of prestigious New York coachbuilder
Brewster, this handsome and unique Cadillac was built for Peter
Gerry, a multi-millionaire U.S. Senator for Rhode Island and
descendant of founding father Elbridge Gerry, a signatory of the
Declaration of Independence and Vice President under James Madison.
The elder Gerry is best remembered for the politically advantageous
redrawing of his Boston district in an amorphous shape resembling a
salamander- hence the popular term of a "gerrymandered"
district.
The car was built on a 1919 Series 57 chassis with a massive
145-in. wheelbase, some 20 inches longer than standard, as ordered
by Senator Gerry from the Cook & Stoddard Company of Washington,
D.C., all clearly noted on the Cadillac build documents. Along with
the rather sporting open touring body, with its "military"-style
sharply angled fenders, custom radiator shell, and victoria top
with elaborate tendelet and side curtains, it resulted in an
automobile of great impressive elegance. Interesting features
include numerous custom storage compartments within the interior,
and an access panel for the rear axle under the rear seat.
According to the late Walter Miller, the car was acquired in 1943
by early collector Hans Hinrichs of St. Louis; a photograph showing
the car as-purchased accompanies in the file, depicting it in solid
and complete original condition and, importantly, very much
appearing as it does today. Mr. Hinrichs and his family maintained
the Cadillac for forty years before it was sold in 1983 to
collector Fred Weber, also of St. Louis, who performed the present
restoration. Later the car was acquired by Trevor R. Roycroft of
Citrus Heights, California, who is believed to have sold it in 1992
to James F. Cotter of Oklahoma. Mr. Miller purchased it from the
Cotter Estate via a Midwestern intermediary early in its 100th
year, as one of the final acquisitions for his collection, and
subsequently exhibited it at The Elegance at Hershey 2019.
Now a mellowed older restoration, the car retains its original
generator/starting system, Kellogg tire pump, and wooden artillery
wheels, as well as a storage bag for the top and side curtains,
several tools, and an owner's manual. It is also filled with
charming period hardware and accessories, including nickel-plated
drum headlights with Monogram lenses, Delco Dayton horn, Boyce
Moto-Meter, Waltham dash clock, and the clever "fat man" steering
wheel. An electric fuel pump has been fitted for ease of use,
bypassing the original vacuum system.
This most unusual Cadillac would be a conversation piece in any
collection of "The Standard of the World."To view this car and
others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/af20.