Lot 135

Hershey 2011

1928 Cadillac Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton

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$115,500 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Addendum: Please note a copy of this car’s original build sheet from the GM Heritage Center confirms this car to be an original Sport Phaeton.

90 bhp, 341 cu. in. V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission, front suspension via beam axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, full-floating rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel servo-assisted mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 140"

- Attractive color combination

- An older restoration that has been well taken care of

- Offered from the Henry Lewis Collection

The origins of the new-for-1928 Cadillac models can be traced to the enormously successful 1927 LaSalle. Styled by Harley Earl’s new Art & Colour Section, the LaSalle introduced a decidedly European flair to American car design, even if it did closely resemble the elegant Hispano-Suiza, which Earl openly admired. Earl next worked his magic on the 1928 Cadillac models, and the result was stunning, especially the huge new 12-inch headlights that framed an impressive chrome-plated grille. Meanwhile, sweeping fenders emphasized the longer wheelbase, and the multitude of elegant new bodies from Fisher and Fleetwood generated a great deal of public excitement.

Mechanically, Cadillac’s sound engineering continued to lead the industry. Displacement of the robust V-8 engine increased to 341 cubic inches, and the refinements for 1928 included offset cylinder blocks, side-by-side connecting rods, a horizontally mounted starter, a single exhaust system, an oil-level indicator and an engine-mounted oil filter. In addition, the new all-synchromesh three-speed transmission provided much smoother shifting, and the new double-action Delco hydraulic shock absorbers made for a smoother ride.

Cadillac advertised “Fifty body styles and types – Five hundred color and upholstery combinations,” while the New York Automobile Salon catalog for 1928 boasted of “Colors from Nature’s Own Studio.” The strategy of allowing customers to individualize their production cars was well received, and soon Cadillac buyers were ordering their favorite colors and fabrics from the myriad of options available, with delivery possible in just three to seven weeks for Fisher-bodied models.

The current owner, Mr. Henry Lewis, acquired this Cadillac Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton over 20 years ago from a well-known collector in West Virginia. It is very appealing in crimson with contrasting black fenders, beige cloth top and saddle tan interior, set off nicely with chrome wire wheels with wide whitewall tires. Many other attractive details are evident, including basket weave inserts on the rear doors. It also features dual side-mounts and dual stanchion spot-lamps. Like all of Mr. Lewis's automobiles, the car was well cared for in a climate-controlled environment and received little road use. Although an older restoration, the paint is still highly presentable, and the seats have the lovely patina of age, while the top has no tears but is beginning to show some fading.

A former CCCA award winner, and having been shown at the Amelia Island Concours, its quality and authenticity still impress. It comes complete with its full set of side curtains for inclement weather, which this car has not been subjected to in decades. In addition, it is reported to be a smooth runner that drives as well as a senior Cadillac of the Classic Era should.