It is often forgotten that the 1918 Cadillac represented quite a significant step forward for the company, as its first ever-so-subtle step towards a modern, and indeed, streamlined design. The restyled bodywork now featured a hood and cowl that formed a continuous line to the windshield, and both the hood louvers and windshield were inclined by six degrees, giving the car a bit sportier appearance. Cadillac audaciously offered their V-8-powered automobile in no fewer than 17 body styles, including five different limousine configurations alone. It was truly one of America’s best-engineered automobiles, and a great credit to its creators.

The most beautiful of the 1918 Cadillacs was undoubtedly the two-passenger roadster, of which the car offered here is a high-quality example. In the consignor’s ownership this car underwent a complete, body-off restoration, reportedly taking some seven years to complete, and including a full rebuild of the V-8 engine. The car’s build sheet indicates that this engine number was originally mounted in a town landaulet, while the body shell is an original, likely from another example, rebuilt with new wood. The body was finished in a rich royal blue, with black leather interior to both the driver’s compartment and rumble seat, with accents of a black fabric top, blue wooden-spoke “artillery” wheels, and blackwall tires. Nickel accents throughout are few and subtle, including the headlamps, radiator gauge, and hubcaps, while the rear-mounted spare adds an appropriately jaunty and jazzy touch.

The meticulous restoration was completed in 2018, in time for the car’s 100th birthday, after which it was exhibited at a handful of East Coast events. It has otherwise been well-preserved within the owner’s distinguished collection of pre-war Cadillacs, with occasional exercise. Undoubtedly few 1918 Cadillacs have been restored to such a high standard of presentation and finish.

A striking example of a significant model within the history of the storied marque, this car is deserving of the greatest collection of “The Standard of the World.”