Vehicle Description
When the V8-powered Type 51 arrived in 1915, Cadillac was already
well-established as one of the crown jewels of the American
motoring industry, confidently living up to their slogan "The
Standard of the World." Central to the new car was the
revolutionary new V8 engine designed Scottish-born engineer D.
McCall White. Notable as the first mass-produced V8, it 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 and dual water pumps when most cars used
inefficient thermo-siphoning cooling systems. With an impressive 70
hp output, the V8 was universally lauded for its smooth running and
linear power delivery. The Type 51 evolved through several
generations, and was known as the Type 57 by 1918. The Type 57
featured numerous mechanical improvements and revised styling which
kept it at the top of the increasingly competitive luxury
automobile market. Cadillac offered range of standard "catalog"
body styles, while outside coachbuilders were occasionally called
upon to meet the specific needs of select clientele. One such
example to receive the custom touch is this incredible 1919 Type 57
clothed in one-off phaeton coachwork by Brewster & Company of New
York. According to the factory build ledger, it was special-ordered
through Cook & Stoddard Company of Washington, D.C. for Hon. Peter
Gerry, a multi-millionaire Senator from Rhode Island. Senator Gerry
was part of a wealthy trading family, whose roots reached to the
foundation of America. He was a direct descendent of Elbridge
Gerry, the fifth Vice President of the United States, under James
Madison. The elder Gerry was one of the nation's founding fathers,
served on the Second Continental Congress, and signed both the
Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation. As
governor of Massachusetts, Elbridge Gerry devised a scheme to
redraw voting districts in his favor, resulting in an abstract map
shaped like a salamander - which forever became known as the
"Gerrymander." A closer look at the build sheet reveals Peter Gerry
specified his new Cadillac be built on a massive 145-inch wheelbase
chassis - a fulltwentyinches longer than the standard model. The
unique Brewster coachwork features an elegant Victoria top over the
rear compartment and an elaborate auxiliary top and side curtain
arrangement for the driver. The crisp and angular "military" style
fenders and custom radiator shell gave the Cadillac a particularly
sporting appearance, especially with the top folded. The body was
crafted to Brewster's typical standard of excellence, brimming with
superb detailing and fine craftsmanship. There is little doubt that
Senator Gerry made quite a splash when he arrived at State events
in his superlative one-off Cadillac. By the early 1940s, the
Cadillac was acquired by pioneering car collector Hans Hinrichs of
St. Louis, Missouri. It was allegedly a highly original, solid, and
complete car when he discovered it, and it remained in his family's
care for forty years. It was then sold to a fellow St. Louis
collector and enthusiast, Mr. Fred Weber. Shortly after acquiring
the car in, Mr. Weber commissioned a noted specialist to restore
the Cadillac to its present condition. Subsequent owners included
Trevor R. Roycroft of California, and James Cotter of Oklahoma, who
continued caring for the car and maintaining it in excellent order.
The previous owner carried on that legacy, and it continued to be
enjoyed in events, most recently at the exclusive Elegance at
Hershey Concours in 2019. Presented in a striking red and black
livery with discreet gold coach lines, the Cadillac is an
appropriately imposing motorcar fit for a wealthy and powerful
statesman. The restoration has aged remarkably gracefully and still
appears fit for shows and concours events. Paint quality is
excellent all around, and the dark red/black livery suits the car's
subtly sporting character. It rides on body-color artillery wheels
with meaty black wall tires while the twin rear-mounted spares
accentuate the Cadillac's already impressive length. Period
accessories include nickel-plated headlamps, Boyce Moto Meter,
Delco Dayton horn, and folding "fat man" steering wheel. The
Victoria top is fully functional, and the driver's weather
equipment accompanies the sale should the next owner wish to use
the car on driving events. The 314 cubic-inch V8 displays some
moderate patina consistent with the age of the restoration and is
authentically detailed with proper paint finishes and nickel
plating. Rated for 77 horsepower when new, it runs well and sends
its substantial power and torque through a three-speed sliding-gear
transmission. It retains its original Delco self-starter/generator
system as well as the factory-optional Kellogg tire pump system.
Beautifully presented today with a gently matured older
restoration, this most unusual, historically fascinating, and
wholly unique Cadillac will undoubtedly find a place of pride in
any collection of outstanding motorcars. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6786-1919-cadillac-type-57-brewster-cape-top-phaeton/