Vehicle Description
Cadillac has rarely struggled to find the words with which to
promote itself, advertising its early Model A as "the automobile
that solves the problem" and introducing its Model G as having
"received all the care and thought that could possibly be given a
car costing twice as much." When it built this 1926 V-8 Custom
Phaeton, its advertising promised that "Cadillac not only delights
you with the perfection of its service, but it contents you with
the deep, abiding conviction that you have the finest thing of its
kind that money can buy." To say that it would delight and content
its owner was no more puffery then than it is today. This
Fisher-bodied Series 314 Custom Phaeton rides a 138-inch wheelbase
and its combination of a rear-mounted trunk and single spare rather
than sidemounts produces an attractively long and smooth look. The
effect is enhanced by the two-toning of a delicately light green
body with medium green fenders and splash aprons, belt stripe and
detailing. Twin-beam drum headlights, front and rear bumpers, wood
artillery wheels and a tan convertible top complete the exterior
appearance, while inside, the deep green carpeting contrasts nicely
with the tan upholstery and wood steering wheel. The convertible
top boot, side curtains, glass windwings and wiper for the opening
windshield are among the features making the car well-suited to
touring, but every bit as important, of course, are the
314-cubic-inch V-8 with its 85 horsepower, three-speed
transmission, four-wheel brakes and the reliability and performance
for which Cadillacs are known. Whether to tour with it or show it
might be the biggest decision facing its next owner, but
fortunately, that doesn't have to be an either/or decision as the
Cadillac was the recipient of a meticulous - and very proper -
nut-and-bolt restoration from the ground up. The goal of the work
was to ensure its place among the upper level of show cars and that
the plan succeeded is proven by its Classic Car Club of America
First Place and Senior National awards. Although the car has been
driven and enjoyed, it continues to show well, a strong tribute the
craftsmanship that went into its restoration and the care it's been
given since then. For the right owner, this Cadillac can provide
the best of both of those worlds with no cause for hesitation.
"Think of a car," the company advertised in 1926, "about which you
do not even have to think - of a car you can buy with a confidence
and a certainty that does not admit of a single second's doubt. Is
there any other element of motorcar ownership which even remotely
compares with this solid conviction of value and performance which
you feel about the Cadillac?"