Lot 103

Motor City 2014

1920 Cadillac Model 59 Victoria

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$26,400 USD | Sold

United States | Plymouth, Michigan

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Engine No.
59-B-658
  • Continuously driven and enjoyed since new
  • Well-preserved original condition
  • Formerly owned by William Walker

79 hp, 314.5 cu. in. L-head V-8 engine, three-speed selective sliding-gear manual transmission, solid front and full floating rear axles, and rear-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 132 in.

The Victoria offered here is unusual and perhaps unique among 1920 Cadillacs, as it has been continuously enjoyed since the day it was built. It was shipped from the factory on June 10, 1920, and delivered to Claude Nolan Cadillac, of Jacksonville, Florida, where it went unsold. The car was then transferred north to George Blakeslee, a dealer in Hackensack, New Jersey, who sold it to L.K. Scudder, of Glen Cove, New York, in 1921. It was driven by the Scudder sisters until the beginning of World War II, at which point the body was removed and the chassis was put into military service as a truck.

After the war the Cadillac was acquired by William Walker, a well-known early enthusiast in upstate New York. Mr. Walker reinstalled the victoria body on its original chassis and proceeded to extensively tour with this car for over 40 years. The engine was rebuilt at least once during this time, and safety glass was installed to suit the safety standards of the day.

Only in 1985 did Mr. Walker part with his prized Cadillac, selling it to Maureen Jones, who brought it back to Long Island and enjoyed it until her passing in 2004. It was then acquired by Richard Hendrickson, of Bridgehampton, New York, from whom it was acquired by the present owner. During Mr. Hendrickson’s care, the car was featured in The Ultimate History of American Automobiles by Frederic Winkowski and Frank D. Sullivan, which was published in 2006.

This charming original Cadillac is described as being an absolute pleasure to drive, with known, impeccable provenance since new, and it provides its new owner the opportunity to continue a proud tradition of Nickel Era touring.