The town car has always been the epitome of luxury and grace, and the vision of an Art Deco machine with a chauffeur in crisply tailored driving attire gliding effortlessly down a city avenue lit with theater marquees is ingrained in our national psyche. Typically custom built for discerning clients, town cars were often the most expensive machines you could buy and every single detail was typically bespoke according to one person’s tastes. Sadly, the town car disappeared almost entirely following the war and while chauffeurs probably breathed a sigh of relief, it was a definitive end to an era. After that, limousines simply became extra-long sedans, and where’s the fun in that?
This particular 1935 Cadillac model 5725 7-passenger Town Cabriolet has an extraordinary story to tell, making it all the more interesting as a historical artifact. Originally owned by cosmetics icon Elizabeth Arden, it was custom-tailored to her exacting specifications and given her impeccable tastes, the car is simply stunning. It has a known history from new, with Ms. Arden giving it to her chauffeur, Charles Noble, in the late 1950s, as a token of her gratitude for years of service. Shortly thereafter, the car was placed in protected storage until Mr. Noble passed away in 2003. The car passed to his sons, Robert and Roger, who disinterred the car and rebuilt the engine. The car was offered for sale in 2006 and was purchased by the current owner shortly thereafter. Aside from body paint, some of the exterior chrome, the padded roof, and the driver’s compartment seat covers, the car remains in original condition and shows just 32,134 original miles. It has been awarded some of the highest honors in the hobby, including the J.E. Roll Award for best interior at the 2007 Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles, which was the first time the car had ever been shown. This car showcases not only state-of-the-art 1935 luxury accommodations, but also Ms. Arden’s exquisite sense of style and good taste.
Refinished in its original combination of Bolivian Brown with black trim, this is one of only three 5725 Town Cabriolets built on a 146-inch chassis (same as the V12 model) and the only one with a V8 engine. Significant exterior details include modified hood sides with adjustable louvers and the complete elimination of all insignias save for the Cadillac insignia on the radiator shell and hubcaps. The paint is expertly done with a lovely soft gloss that is entirely appropriate to the period and gives the car a magnificent look under any conditions. All four doors open and close with hand-built precision that simply can’t be restored back into a car, and there is no single element that is either too fresh or too original to stand out, giving the car a spectacular all-of-a-piece look. To give a better idea of this car’s impressive level of preservation, please note that the rubber step pads on the running boards are original and shockingly well-preserved. Note other lovely details such as the crease cutting through the front fenders at knee height before dropping down to meet the bottom of the radiator shell and the wonderfully ornate taillight lenses. Even Ms. Arden’s initials are still shown monogrammed on the rear doors (E.N.G. for Elizabeth Nightingale Graham, her actual name). The restored chrome pieces, including the bumpers and belt moldings, are almost as-new, with other pieces being very well preserved and quite presentable, and you will note that the optional slanted windshield frame is polished brass, not chrome, for an interesting contrast. This car was originally equipped with full wheel discs, which are included with the car, but the current owner prefers the look of the black painted wire wheels, and I’m inclined to agree with him. This car is being offered by Carolina Classic Cars of Asheboro, NC http://www.thecarolinaclassiccars.com 3367368855 We finance with low monthly payments
