Cadillac’s 1927 models were distinguished by very attractive, freshened styling, incorporating a new round emblem atop a tapered radiator shell, and an interior featuring a new walnut instrument panel with silver inlay effects. The engine compartment was rearranged to better display talented engineer Ernest Seaholm’s famed V-8 engine, one of the first steps towards new General Motors Design Chief Harley Earl’s intention to display engineering with the same verve as styling. As a result, inside and out, these were truly beautiful cars, and Cadillac buyers agreed, bringing home 36,369 of them, a healthy increase in sales over the previous two years.

Per its build record, a copy of which is included in the history file, the example offered here was born a sport phaeton, with its distinctive dual cowl and second windshield, and was delivered new to Los Angeles in April 1927. It was later acquired by the noted collector Aaron Weiss of San Marino, California, and by the time of his ownership had been beautifully restored in this crisp combination of black with red accents and matching red leather interior. In 2005 it received a national Primary First award from the Classic Car Club of America, with judging sheets on file confirming 99.25 out of a possible 100 points.

Acquired by Clive and Janet Cussler in the fall of 2017, the Cadillac is true to the sporty ethos of their Arizona collection, as well as its focus on great Roaring Twenties American cars—of which this Cadillac, still in excellent overall condition, is almost certainly one of the best available. It has wonderful authenticity, a fine restoration, and of course its Cussler provenance to recommend it to a new custodian.