To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
£65,000 - £75,000
- "The Golden Caddy," a marvelous vintage creation
- Restored finished in 23.75-karat gold leaf
- Numerous trim pieces decorated with fine gems
- Sure to be the center of attention wherever it goes!
Please note that this lot will need to be collected in Chobham,
U.K.
This glamorous 1931 Cadillac V-8 convertible coupe was originally
delivered with this coachwork by the Hall Cadillac Company of
Denver, Colorado, as noted in its accompanying build sheet. It was
meticulously restored between 1972 and 1975 by Jack Smith of Garden
City, Kansas, a longtime enthusiast who, as noted in news reports
of the period, "this time wanted something different." Smith
finished the entire exterior of the Cadillac in 23.75-karat gold
leaf, contrasting beautiful white leather upholstery. The outside
door handles are 24 karat gold plated, with the inside door
handles- and windshield wiper arms- in 24-karat gold, and the
gearshift knob in platinum with eighteen rare gems. Further, the
mascot and hubcaps were both inset with gems, including seven
diamonds on each of the latter. Later owners refinished the door
handles in chrome and fitted a wooden gearshift knob, but much of
the original finishes remain intact, although the mascot is now
missing one of the rubies.
Mr. Smith sold his golden Cadillac at the Auburn Fall auction in
Indiana in early September 1975, drawing much attention and
positive press. Afterward the car eventually moved overseas and
resided for over a decade on display in a German museum, before
acquisition by the current owner, who has enjoyed showing it
extensively, drawing the attention for which it was built! It has
since undergone considerable restoration work, reportedly at a cost
of tens of thousands of pounds. In addition to its glitzy glamour,
it retains Pilot Ray driving lights that turn with the front
wheels, as well as wire wheels painted gold to match and, of
course, the golf bag door permitting stowage of clubs in the floor
of the dickey seat.
This is truly a showstopper which remains one of the most dramatic
automobiles imaginable. It really is "something different," and is
sure to be the center of attention at any show or display - or
imagine it rolling down the road, sparkling, on a sunny day, the
envy of Auric Goldfinger!
Please note that this lot is currently on display at CARS in
Chobham at Alpha 319 Chobham Business Centre, Chertsey Road,
Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8JB and can be viewed on appointment on
Thursday October 29th and Friday October 30th between 9am and 5pm.
Please contact our office at
+44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or email
Britta Buchmann at
[email protected] to
secure your appointment. Should you want more information on this
lot, feel free to email
[email protected]
Please note this car is title by its engine number
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf20.