Cadillac has rarely struggled to find the words with which to promote itself, advertising its early Model A as “the automobile that solves the problem” and introducing its Model G as having “received all the care and thought that could possibly be given a car costing twice as much.” When it built this 1926 V-8 Custom Phaeton, its advertising promised that “Cadillac not only delights you with the perfection of its service, but it contents you with the deep, abiding conviction that you have the finest thing of its kind that money can buy.”

To say that it would delight and content its owner was no more puffery then than it is today. This Fisher-bodied Series 314 phaeton rides a 138-inch wheelbase and its combination of a rear-mounted trunk and single spare rather than sidemounts produces an attractively long and smooth look. The effect is enhanced by the two-toning of a delicately light green body with medium green fenders and splash aprons, belt stripe and detailing. Twin-beam drum headlights, front and rear bumpers, wood artillery wheels and a tan convertible top complete the exterior appearance, while inside, the deep green carpeting contrasts nicely with the tan upholstery and wood steering wheel.

The convertible top boot, side curtains, glass windwings and wiper for the opening windshield are among the features making the car well-suited to touring, but every bit as important, of course, are the 314-cubic-inch V-8 with its 85 horsepower, three-speed transmission, four-wheel brakes and the reliability and performance for which Cadillacs are known. Whether to tour with it or show it might be the biggest decision facing its next owner, but fortunately, that doesn’t have to be an either/or decision as the Cadillac was the recipient of a meticulous – and very proper – nut-and-bolt restoration from the ground up. The goal of the work was to ensure its place among the upper level of show cars and that the plan succeeded is proven by its Classic Car Club of America First Place and Senior National awards.

Although the car has been driven and enjoyed, it continues to show well, a strong tribute the craftsmanship that went into its restoration and the care it’s been given since then. For the right owner, this Cadillac can provide the best of both of those worlds with no cause for hesitation.

“Think of a car,” the company advertised in 1926, “about which you do not even have to think – of a car you can buy with a confidence and a certainty that does not admit of a single second’s doubt. Is there any other element of motorcar ownership which even remotely compares with this solid conviction of value and performance which you feel about the Cadillac?”