Having become a division of General Motors in July 1909, Cadillac was one of the first manufacturers to achieve true standardization of replacement parts throughout a model year, which greatly enhanced the value and notoriety of the brand. The sole model from Cadillac in 1910 was the Model 30, which saw 8,008 units built in a variety of open and closed body styles. Among the most popular was the Demi-Tonneau, such as the example offered here.

The history of this special Cadillac dates back to 1955, when according to notes on file, it was purchased as a high school graduation gift for Henry Bartholomew “Bart” Cox, who had great affection for the car and enjoyed it as his daily driver over many thousands of miles. In 1962, after graduating from Princeton University, Bart’s parents had the Cadillac renewed for him by the legendary restorer Ralph Buckley, who at the time was regarded as the finest craftsman in the country for Brass Era restorations. Bart Cox, who went on to work as a historian with the US Department of State, was noted for his pivotal role in recovering a large cache of stolen original Thomas Edison notebooks, and later in life completed his collection of the autographs of every signer of the US Constitution. Perhaps the greatest testament to his regard for the Cadillac of his youth, is the fact that he still owned it at the time of his passing in 2007.

Mark Smith acquired the Demi-Tonneau later that same year, and Mr. Buckley’s restoration, now over 60 years old, continues to present quite well. Complete with its folding top, and fitted with an electric starter over half a century ago, this long-beloved Cadillac now awaits its next caretaker to return it to the road in search of further adventure.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.