“Dr Worcester buys an Automobile”, read the front page of the 20 February 1904 issue of the Middletown Daily Times. Clearly, P C Rutan of Port Jervis selling a Cadillac Model B to Dr J W Worcester was big news 121 years ago in upstate New York. And that’s the reported origin story of the car offered here.

Founded only two years prior, Cadillac did not initially rely on chassis numbers so identified its automobiles via their engines. The car offered here is fitted with engine number 3251, which records show was produced on 11 June 1904; however, the 1.6-litre single-cylinder “Little Hercules” motor is not thought to be original to this frame. It is believed that the car in this form was first owned by Dr Worcester, who from 1917 stored it in a chicken shed.

The Cadillac remained in the Worcester family through to 1957 when the son, Blaine, sold the Model B to Nelson B Krogslund, also of Middletown. He held possession through to March 1975, before selling to Mr Pat Kerman of Kaysville in Utah. In the mid-2000s, this four-seat open tourer was restored by noted Cadillac Single Cylinder Register members Bob Newman and Greg Tocket. Photographs of their work are included, along with that original newspaper clipping, in the history file.

The pair focused their attention on immaculately presenting the maroon wood body, which is said to be a reconstruction in the style of original Model B coachwork. When the car was imported into the United Kingdom in 2008 by Michael Bradbrook, it was sent for mechanical recommissioning with Nigel Parrot of NP Veteran Engineering in East Sussex. The following year, the Cadillac was bought by a new owner. Then in fine fettle, the Model B started what would become a regular string of finishes in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

In 2011, the car was submitted to the Veteran Car Club for dating and is duly recognised as a 1904 example. Accordingly, this car is complemented by its Vehicle Identification and Dating Certificate. Purchased by the consigning owner in April 2014, the Cadillac benefits from a September 2015 return to NP Veteran Engineering. Fitted with an electric starter motor, the Cadillac is praised by the vendor for its reliability and ease of maintenance. The car is also complemented by two side paniers and a large brass front light.

Enjoyed on every London to Brighton Veteran Car Run since 2015, and notably offered with an entry into the 2025 edition, this charming Cadillac Model B Touring boasts an intriguing history and would make for a welcome entry into any number of vintage automobile events.