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help Identifying car
Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2019 11:30 am
by brian2264
Hi Guys, I have a friend in the office that has been documenting the family tree and just got a new picture to work from with his great great grandfather in a car and he is wondering if we can help ID the car and year? All help is appreciated.
Re: help Identifying car
Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2019 12:02 pm
by Rich Bingham
Not a real car. Looks like a studio photographer's setup, note the wrinkles in the sheet in the background, as well as in the "car" body, which is likely a canvas prop. Photo likely dates from 1905 or before (?) It was popular to have photos taken with an automobile as a prop when they were very expensive and rarely seen. Wonderful photo !! (I wouldn't rule out that the prop was intended to be faithful to a specific make/model, perhaps someone knows.)
Re: help Identifying car
Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2019 12:26 pm
by brian2264
We were discussing the idea off that being a prop but want sure. Could still be helpful to understand what year car it was based on, your 1905 is a good start. Thanks
Re: help Identifying car
Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2019 12:36 pm
by Rich Eagle
I would agree with Rich. The prop has similarities to the 1 cylinder Cadillacs from 1904 to 1908. The step plate, muffler, the change in frame height and the radius rod mounting are all too similar to be anything else. I don't recognize the body style. Tulip Bodies were prevalent at that time.
It's always fun to see these photos especially if there is some connection to the forum member.
Rich
Re: help Identifying car
Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2019 12:47 pm
by Rich Eagle
This top Model M (1907) may be similar but the prop has been stylized.
- Caddlak.jpg (62.21 KiB) Viewed 3706 times
Re: help Identifying car
Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2019 3:21 pm
by Rich Bingham
Good call, Rich ! The scenery painter did a decent rendition of the Model M Caddy, even if the cowl lamps are "out of drawing"
Thanks for posting this, Brian !
Re: help Identifying car
Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2019 8:05 pm
by Rich Eagle
I don't claim to be a Cadillac expert but have a "Instructions" book for Models A, B, C, E, F, K, M, S and T. The Model designations seem to be for various equipment and year differences. All used the single cylinder and it looks like the same frame. Perhaps length and horsepower were differences. Advertising seems to show a particular Model using different body styles. It states that this group of Models used this gas tank, oiler, throttle and gas controls or axle assembly. We do have some experts among us but it looks confusing to me.
Rich