Vehicle Description
Henry M. Leland is one of the most important names in the annals of
American automobile history, and his early work with Cadillac was
perhaps his greatest contribution to the motor industry. From the
earliest days of the company, Leland strove to make Cadillac
superior in quality to any other motor car, all while employing his
knowledge of manufacturing efficiency to keep costs under control.
The earliest Cadillacs were small runabouts and touring cars
powered by the single cylinder "Little Hercules" engine, originally
developed by Leland and Faulconer Engineering, and supplied to
Ransom E. Olds. For Leland's Cadillac, the engine was further
refined, then centrally mounted beneath the car, putting power down
via a chain drive rear axle. These cars proved quite robust, and
were built to a very high standard of quality for their day.
Continuous refinement led to the Models K and M of 1906, which
retained the single cylinder engine and was available as either a
light runabout, touring car or panel delivery. This delightful
Model K has a fascinating history that originates in Virginia, when
a young college student named Thomas C. Lewis began the hunt to
satisfy his urge for an antique car. His queries eventually led him
to a junk yard where there were reports of an "old buggy with an
engine under the seat". Figuring he was there to see an early
Oldsmobile, he was finally able to look at the car, which was
covered with years' worth of dust and junk. He was thrilled to
discover it was in fact a Cadillac, and it was fitted with a
curious folding rumble seat. He soon learned the car had been
parked up since 1911 when it was left there by its original owner!
According to archives from the Cadillac Single Cylinder Register,
the car was delivered new to Mr. Cator Ragland of Bedford, VA. Mr.
Ragland owned the candy store in Bedford and he was the first owner
of an automobile in the small Virginia town. The story goes that he
drove the car regularly through 1911 until the abuse from the
rutted rural roads took its toll on the little Cadillac and the
crankshaft was broken. The car was sent to Mr. C.H. Rucker's
wrecking yard where it remained untouched for some forty years. Mr.
Lewis settled on a price of $150 and set to work restoring the
Cadillac, purchasing and rebuilding a replacement engine in the
process. Extensive historical records show correspondence between
himself and parts suppliers, as well as Virginia officials as he
prepared to register the car for the first time in half a century.
His hard work paid off and the Cadillac was completed in time for
the 1957 Glidden Tour, where it performed quite admirably over the
arduous course of the tour which, incidentally, took the Lewis' and
their Cadillac through the very same town where the car was first
delivered. The Cadillac repeated the feat the following year, both
acts proudly displayed on brass plaques affixed to the dash. It is
a special and well-known car among early Cadillac enthusiasts, and
it has been featured in Automobile Quarterly (Vol. 3, No. 3) and
shown by Mr. Lewis on numerous occasions. After changing hands,
this wonderful Cadillac was treated to its second high quality
restoration in the late 1990s where it was repainted in a correct
shade of dark green and detailed with lovely gold coach lines. It
retains the extremely rare Artz folding tonneau, and an array of
photos and receipts document the process, showing the level of
detail lavished upon the car. Today, the Model K presents in
excellent condition. The paint and body are in very good order and
the excellent brass trim has benefitted from a recent polish.
Upholstery is excellent both in front as well as on the unusual and
exceptionally rare Artz folding tonneau. This unique arrangement
was patented by the Artz Company, and period advertising actually
shows it fitted to a Cadillac Model K. The company claimed the
tonneau "Is opened in five seconds without the use of tools..."�
When folded, the rear mounted spare wheel lends the appearance of a
standard runabout, but provides room for two additional passengers
when open. The advertisements also mention the inclusion of
additional step plates and rubber matting to allow for easy access
to the rear tonneau. It is a clever and surprisingly functional
accessory, one we have never seen fitted to similar cars. The top
is in excellent order, with very good leather stay straps and a
restored frame. As with any horseless carriage, the cockpit is
minimalist, but this example is correctly detailed with
appropriately finished woodwork and correct pyramid-pattern rubber
mats. Along with the body, the chassis and running gear were
restored to a high standard with attractive detailing on the
chassis, axles and suspension. It remains in lovely condition,
having mellowed slightly since the restoration and now appearing
with a wonderfully authentic character. This charming
single-cylinder Cadillac has a fascinating history, extensively
recorded via the included files. With its extremely rare body, this
lovely car would be most welcome at numerous HCCA, Cadillac Club or
virtually any other similar club event or tour. It is a wonderful
foray into the world of horseless carriages, and an excellent
example of the breed.
