On the eve of WWI, Cadillac was a serious player in the high-end market dominated by Packard, Peerless and Pierce-Arrow, with handsome styling and advanced engineering, including the revolutionary “electric self-start” launched in 1912, and electrically operated lights, courtesy of the innovative Delco electrical system. In 1913 Cadillac sales reached a new record with 15,018 cars delivered, and like the rest of the Cadillac model line, this Model 30 Five-Passenger Phaeton was promoted as the “Standard of the World,” with the launch of that famous and enduring advertising campaign in the fall of 1912.

The entire 1913 Cadillac model line benefited from more graceful, sweeping bodylines, thanks in part to lengthened 120-inch wheelbase. Gone were the last remnants of the carriage era, replaced by bodies with a full cowl, flowing fenders and fully enclosed driver controls. Power was provided by Cadillac’s robust vertical, inline L-head 365.8 cubic inch four-cylinder engine, and advancements for 1913 included a longer stroke, a chain-driven camshaft, enclosed valve stems and a simpler, more compact starter and generator.

Formerly owned by noted Cadillac collector Richard Shappy, this fully restored Touring earned Best in Class and Best in Show at the New England Region Cadillac-LaSalle Club show in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, in 2008; it was also shown at the Amelia Island Concours in 2009. It features a very nice blue finish with black fenders and a black radiator shell, a beautifully fitted black folding top, nickel-plated brass components, rear-mounted spare tires and artillery wheels with whitewall tires, as well as button-tufted black leather upholstery. The engine, with its copper water jackets, is particularly striking. Recently sorted and tested, and now offered in show- and tour-ready condition, this 1913 Cadillac is a wonderful example of refined Brass Era luxury and engineering.