A historic 1903 Cadillac Model A Runabout drove past its pre-auction estimate a RM Auctions on Saturday (June 5).
The sale featured over 40 automobiles which have been in long-term ownership - including "some of the most significant and technically interesting," in the words of RM.
One of the first ever Cadillacs on the road, the 1903 Cadillac Model A Runabout is powered by an engine designed by the automotive pioneers Henry Martyn Leland and partner Robert C Faulconer.
 The 1903 Cadillac Model A Runabout |
The Model A sold for a final price of $99,000 - the fourth highest lot in the sale of classic automobiles from the former Pate Museum of Transportation in Cresson, Texas.
The car's unique features include a rear-entry Tonneau (the door on the back, see pictures). Only 2,500 examples were ever built.
In its heyday, the Model A had a reputation for performing well on hill climbs and reliability trials; and carried high hopes when it appeared at RM's sale valued at $50,000-75,000.
 The Model A was one of the first ever Cadillacs on the road |
Top lot in the sale was a 1935 Aston Martin Mk II Tourer (sold for $187,000), followed by a 1934 Pierce-Arrow Silver Arrow V12 ($139,700) and 1967 Shelby GT 500 Fastback (also $99,000).
RM's remarkable sale proved an excellent warm-up for its forthcoming Classic Muscle & Modern Performance auction, due to take place in San Diego on June 19.
Among the auction's powerful highlights are not one but two L88 Corvettes and an exceptionally rare Chevrolet Chevelle SS LS6 "Earth Mover".
