A perennial favorite at Wings, Wheels and Keels is Alan Merkel’s 1930 Cadillac “All Weather Phaeton” with body by Fleetwood, which was voted first in its class by exhibitors. It is one of 21 examples that are know to survive, he said.
The 6,000 pound luxury car with a 148-inch wheel base is powered by a V-16 engine with overhead valves 452 cubic inches. In 1930 is cost $6,650, which is equal to about $115,000 in today’s money.
Merkel, 83 of White Stone, took 25 years to restore this example of unlimited luxury. He’s now restoring a second 1930 Cadillac “All Weather Phaeton” that left the factory on the same day 92 years ago. One went to Spokane, Washington, while the one above went to Jacksonville Florida. “Both of them are in my garage now,” he said.
