1907 CADILLAC MODEL M TOURING

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Henry M. Leland pioneered the concept of precision-manufactured interchangeable parts applied to automobiles. A Vermonter, he'd learned the machinist trade in the armories of New England where the ability to quickly swap a trigger, hammer, spur or cylinder from one firearm to another in combat were the difference between life and death. He was called in by the Henry Ford Company's stockholders to assess the company's factories for liquidation. Instead, he proposed creating a new company named

Cadillac after Detroit's French explorer discoverer, to apply his principles of precision manufacturing. The result was 'The Standard of the World,' winning England's prestigious Dewar trophy in 1908 with the Model K. This 1907 Model M is the same engine with 2' more wheelbase, a ten horsepower 98 cubic inch horizontal single-cylinder engine with 2-speed planetary transmission and chain drive, but with a more commodious 4-seat touring car body. Once part of Bill Harrah's famed collection in Reno (Sparks), Nevada, it has been restored with black coachwork, red chassis and wood spoke wheels, blackwall tires and black leather upholstery, road lighting is conveniently and adaptably supplied by an acetylene spotlight mounted on a swivel on the cowl, where the driver or passenger can direct its beam precisely on the Cadillac's path, in addition to brass cowl lights. A nonpariel bulb horn warns chickens, dogs and pedestrians of its approach. Restored some years ago, it has been consistently maintained since then and now runs and drives as well as being handsomely presentable. It is an example of the very best of early American automobiles, an ideal mount for Brass and Gas tours that open new experiences and communities of owners and enthusiasts to collectors.