83 hp, 314.5 cu. in. V-8 side-valve engine, single up-draught carburetor, three-speed manual transmission, semi-elliptic front and rear springs with live rear axle, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes, wood spoke wheels. Wheelbase: 132"

- Outstanding Preservation Class contender with only 42,500 miles

- Extraordinary original condition

- Subject of feature in July 2009 Hemmings magazine

Every so often, a car comes along that essentially stops the clock in the year it was made—a time machine that offers a glimpse into history. The 1924 Cadillac V-63 Touring Phaeton on offer here is just such a car, and it will be a serious contender in the Preservation Class, wherever it is shown.

The year 1924 saw Cadillac extensively redesign its V-8 engine, after 10 years’ production. The 90-degree crankshaft was counter-balanced to minimize vibration, and the end result was an extremely smooth-running car. Four-wheel mechanical brakes were introduced, and 18,827 cars were built in the model year. The four-passenger Touring Phaeton cost $3,085, but prices ranged as high as $4,600 for the seven-passenger limousine.

This car was the subject of an extensive feature in the July 2009 issue of Hemmings magazine, which marveled at its overall condition and how well it drove. It enjoyed long-term ownership in California, where it was scrupulously maintained. Painted in Brewster Green with black fenders, the DuPont Duco lacquer is original and remarkably well preserved, and the original black leather seats remain flexible with, amazingly, only a few pulled stitches. The black top and headliner are original, including its liner, and the wood wheels retain their original paint. Even the carpeting is original! The engine compartment is spotless and correct, and the engine reportedly runs like a clock. Options include the original Westinghouse Air Spring shock absorbers, period trunk, twin-demountable spare rims and a Bi-Flex front bumper.

Clean and rust free, this car was acquired at Hershey several years ago from a private collection and since then has been in a climate-controlled garage and driven only in fair weather, currently showing 42,500 miles, which is strongly believed to be correct, original mileage. In many ways, the value of any antique is that it shows evidence of the passage of time. In this case, time has passed very gently indeed, and left a priceless patina.