Framed or unframed, desk size to sofa size, printed by us in Arizona and Alabama since 2007. Explore now.
Shorpy is funded by you. Patreon contributors get an ad-free experience.
Learn more.
With the help of our commenters, we've identified this plush barouche as a 1926 Cadillac Model 314 Four-Passenger Phaeton.
San Francisco circa 1923. "Touring car, top view." Who'll be first to put a name to this swank charabanc? 6½ x 8½ glass negative, Wyland Stanley. View full size.
What's the doo-hickey next to the driver's visor at the top of the windshield? E-Z Pass prototype? Still had several year before there'd be a Bay Bridge or Golden Gate to use it on.
Introducing the 1926 Man and Car of the Year.
I just tagged a Cadillac for the 51st time, so I'm thinking this one might yet be rolling along. There was a time when that "Standard of the World" was equivalent to "built to last".
The little door covers the front pivot of the semi-elliptic rear leaf spring on each side. Removing the door allows access to the Alemite grease fitting that serves the pivot. On this and many cars, the splash aprons are quite close to the springs, so the door is domed to make room for the grease fitting and securing hardware for the springs.
If you look closely at the side of the body right near where the rear "stepping pad" ends on the floorboard, you'll see a small curved door with a chrome knob/screw holding it closed.
It seems like many of the cars in this era -- expensive or not -- have some kind of opening in that spot. What is it for?
[Umbrella compartment. - Dave]
What's with the 1/2 seat in the back?
[That's an arm rest in the middle of the seat.-tterrace]
Dave is channeling L.J.K. Setright.
You had virtually the same car from a more traditional angle and with the top up here-but in Washington, DC.
https://www.shorpy.com/node/7582
[Not quite the same -- it's the larger seven-passenger touring car. - Dave]
I did notice a difference in the rear area of the two after I had sent the posting.
Memo to self: Never play against Dave in Scrabble, especially if money is involved.
Despite the caption date. Drum headlights, battery box in the fender, hood louvers, fuel-pump plunger on the left side of the dash, hubcaps, painted reveal-panel on the rear door.
[Ding ding ding. We have a winner! The car looks to be a 1926 Cadillac Model 314 Four-Passenger Phaeton. - Dave]
Addenda:
1. Sometimes even a blind pig finds an acorn.
2. One thing I never saw before in a period photo is the "Split-Screen" rearview mirror. The mirror on my '25 Cadillac is about 4 inches wide, although that easily spans the rear window, which isn't much bigger. The blind spots are epic on closed cars of this era.
I have no chance of identifying the car, but I want to say that I'm intrigued by how shiny the tire cover is, and I wonder what type of material was available in 1923 that would look like that. It's so shiny you can see the reflection of the bridge from which the photo was taken!
[Tire covers for 1926 Cadillacs were available in Satin, Black Patent and Dupont Fabrikoid (nitrocellulose) finishes. The shiny cover seen here would seem to be the Black Patent. - Dave]
Looking forward to learning identity of this splendid example of a touring car. By far the best in class for 1923.
No idea what make it is (40's/50's/60's are my era), but:
1) it's brand spanking new: look at that shine!
2) there is not a whole lot of info conveyed to the driver via the instrument panel.
3) it is pretty darn swanky- as is the attire of Mr. Passenger. Both he and car look pricey.
Not Flint. Probably not Michigan either.
These poor, benighted souls had no gift for branding. Even my underwear veritably shouts its name!
I am by no means a car buff, but this car looks great.
Crisp clean lines.
Lever handles.
Very architectural looking.
If I am not mistaken, this may be a Flint E55 Touring - built by Durant Motors Co. It was considered an assembled car because Durant Motors used components manufactured by different suppliers.
[Keep guessing. -Dave]
On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5