By the end of 1923, Cadillac had produced more than 160,000 V-8–engined automobiles, including 2,000 that were sent overseas as staff cars in World War I. Newly promoted chief engineer Ernest Seaholm, who would oversee Cadillac’s technical developments for nearly two decades, directed the first major redesign to the groundbreaking V-8. Until that time, it was common to design a V-8 as two four-cylinder engines on a common “flat” crankshaft. This worked well enough but was subject to inherent imbalance that gave the engine a certain roughness. For 1924, Cadillac introduced a balanced, two-plane crankshaft that was counterweighted with rod journals at 90 degrees to one another; the way all V-8s are made today. The difference was dramatic. The engines exhibited remarkable smoothness and, thanks to a lighter flywheel, developed more power.

The other major improvement to the new V-63 model Cadillacs was four-wheel braking, which was becoming increasingly popular in the market, although the system was mechanical not hydraulic, as used by Duesenberg and Chrysler.

The Type 63 phaeton offered here was born with this body style, and is noted on its build records as having been sold new by the Cadillac Sales Company of Davenport, Iowa, to J.H. Hanlon of Iowa City. At some point a correct replacement engine was installed. The car was subsequently fully restored prior to its acquisition by the Calumet Collection, although it has received numerous cosmetic and mechanical improvements in their care, bringing it to the superb condition in which it is seen here. Fit, finish, and presentation are outstanding throughout, wanting for virtually nothing. In fact, at the 2016 Southern California Grand Classic, it was scored at a perfect 100 points in CCCA competition.

The car is offered with a reproduction owner’s manual and with an original tool set, as well as proper restored side curtains, a copy of the aforementioned build documents, and a charming period set of leaded glassware in the rear compartment.