You can own a piece of history, or you can own a really significant piece of history. The 1903 Cadillac Model A Runabout shown above definitely falls into the latter category, for it is the 13th Cadillac to be made and the oldest known survivor. This beauty will be on the block at Bonham's Quail Lodge action during the Pebble Beach/Monterey week next month, where it is expected to attract a large quantity of dollars or pounds or yen, depending on who buys it. It was Cadillac that proved the theory of mass production by pioneering the use of interchangeable precision parts, as demonstrated conclusively in 1908 at England's Brooklands track under the supervision of the Royal Automobile Club.

Three single-cylinder Cadillacs were disassembled, the parts scrambled. The cars were then reassembled using randomly chosen parts and driven around the track, performing flawlessly. The rear-entrance tonneau on this model can be removed to make a 2-seater, while the entire body can be lifted off without removing wiring, plumbing or controls. It was on display at the New York Auto Show in 1903 and was the first Cadillac to be sold west of the Mississippi. An historic automobile, indeed.

Source: Motor Trend Magazine