1935 Cadillac 1935 Cadillac

The town car has always been the epitome of luxury and grace, and the vision of an Art Deco machine with a chauffeur in crisply tailored driving attire gliding effortlessly down a city avenue lit with theater marquees is ingrained in our national psyche. Typically custom built for discerning clients, town cars were often the most expensive machines you could buy and every single detail was typically bespoke according to one person’s tastes. Sadly, the town car disappeared almost entirely following the war and while chauffeurs probably breathed a sigh of relief, it was a definitive end to an era. After that, limousines simply became extra-long sedans, and where’s the fun in that?

This particular 1935 Cadillac model 5725 7-passenger Town Cabriolet has an extraordinary story to tell, making it all the more interesting as a historical artifact. Originally owned by cosmetics icon Elizabeth Arden, it was custom-tailored to her exacting specifications and given her impeccable tastes, the car is simply stunning. It has a known history from new, with Ms. Arden giving it to her chauffeur, Charles Noble, in the late 1950s, as a token of her gratitude for years of service. Shortly thereafter, the car was placed in protected storage until Mr. Noble passed away in 2003. The car passed to his sons, Robert and Roger, who disinterred the car and rebuilt the engine. The car was offered for sale in 2006 and was purchased by the current owner shortly thereafter. Aside from body paint, some of the exterior chrome, the padded roof, and the driver’s compartment seat covers, the car remains in original condition and shows just 32,134 original miles. It has been awarded some of the highest honors in the hobby, including the J.E. Roll Award for best interior at the 2007 Glenmoor Gathering of Significant Automobiles, which was the first time the car had ever been shown. This car showcases not only state-of-the-art 1935 luxury accommodations, but also Ms. Arden’s exquisite sense of style and good taste.

Refinished in its original combination of Bolivian Brown with black trim, this is one of only three 5725 Town Cabriolets built on a 146-inch chassis (same as the V12 model) known to exist, and the only one with a V8 engine. Significant exterior details include modified hood sides with adjustable louvers and the complete elimination of all insignias save for the Cadillac insignia on the radiator shell and hubcaps. The paint is expertly done with a lovely soft gloss that is entirely appropriate to the period and gives the car a magnificent look under any conditions. All four doors open and close with hand-built precision that simply can’t be restored back into a car, and there is no single element that is either too fresh or too original to stand out, giving the car a spectacular all-of-a-piece look. To give a better idea of this car’s impressive level of preservation, please note that the rubber step pads on the running boards are original and shockingly well-preserved. Note other lovely details such as the crease cutting through the front fenders at knee height before dropping down to meet the bottom of the radiator shell and the wonderfully ornate taillight lenses. Even Ms. Arden’s initials are still shown monogrammed on the rear doors (E.N.G. for Elizabeth Nightingale Graham, her actual name). The restored chrome pieces, including the bumpers and belt moldings, are almost as-new, with other pieces being very well preserved and quite presentable, and you will note that the optional slanted windshield frame is polished brass, not chrome, for an interesting contrast. This car was originally equipped with full wheel discs, which are included with the car, but the current owner prefers the look of the black painted wire wheels, and I’m inclined to agree with him.

It is the remarkable interior that is truly the jewel in this car’s crown. The driver’s compartment seat was reupholstered in correct black leather that shows only the most minor signs of use. The carpets are so nice that it’s possible they were replaced as well, and they are now protected by a set of aftermarket mats that are easy to remove for shows. Aftermarket turn signals have been integrated into the car using the fog lamps up front and the standard taillamps in back, but otherwise the equipment inside is completely original. The massive steering wheel is not only attractive, but functional, making the massive car surprisingly easy to maneuver. Gorgeous instrumentation monitors all of the engine’s vitals and it’s worth noting that all of the gauges save for the clock are fully functional. This car also carries a rare period Philco pushbutton radio and an accessory Arvin under-dash heater, both of which are fully functional. The folding roof over the front compartment is in outstanding condition inside and out, fully lined and with the windows up it’s quite snug, although the owner reports that he has never tried to fold it in order to preserve its condition.

The rear compartment is entirely original and a wonderful place to spend some time. The tan wool broadcloth upholstery is extremely well preserved given its age and remains entirely usable and ready to show. The carpets are original, and yes, they’re plush white fur which is how Ms. Arden originally specified the car, and those irreplaceable coverings are now protected by aftermarket oriental rugs for an appropriate look. Handles and window cranks are delightful castings plated in chrome and gold, framed by handsome, simple door panels. All the wood trim is walnut and presents extremely well with no dryness, cracks, or other signs of age and onlookers are often moved to touch those glowing surfaces as if to prove to themselves that they’re real. In back, the adjustable seat has a center armrest as well as a collection of lighted vanities, beveled glass mirrors, ashtrays, and other convenience items that are wonderful little pieces of sculpture all by themselves. Two occasional seats fold out from behind the partition and include their own storage compartments, as well as a clock on the partition itself. As you can see in the photos, everything is in absolutely stunning original condition, making this a very significant car for authenticity enthusiasts. Even the trunk is well-appointed, with reasonable cargo capacity and a neatly-finished lining.

Cadillac’s robust and reliable 353 cubic inch V8 provides motive power and as you’d expect, it’s effortless, smooth, and powerful. Recently tuned and serviced, it is ideally suited to the motoring for which the Town Cabriolet was designed. It idles quietly but not silently, offering a very pleasing mechanical woosh from under the hood and a delightful muted V8 burble from the single tailpipe out back. Following its long internment, the engine was rebuilt in 2004, only to ensure that it was in top condition, and recent service work means that it’s ready to go immediately. It starts easily and will run at 50-55 MPH on the highway without complaint.

The transmission is a 3-speed manual that shifts in the conventional style and with Cadillac’s pioneering use of synchronizers, it’s effortless and quite modern-feeling to run through the gears. Of course, the car is geared to be able to idle in high with barely a whisper from the engine, and it’ll still do that if you’re so inclined. Brakes were still mechanical in 1935, and this is a heavy car, but with a vacuum assist they’re surprisingly capable when driven within their means. The chassis is entirely original, so it is not detailed for show but there are no signs of trouble and this car rides beautifully thanks to that massive 146-inch wheelbase. As I said, the original wire wheels and hubcaps are on the car now with wheel discs included with the sale, and it has been recently fitted with 17-inch Diamondback Classic wide whitewall radials that look right and transform the ride and handling of this impressive automobile.

There is also considerable documentation that accompanies the car, including historical accounts of Elizabeth Arden’s life and times.

There’s no denying Elizabeth Arden’s contribution to high fashion, and it even shows in her choice of automobiles. This is a very rare opportunity to own a car with notable ownership, an unbroken chain of custodianship, wonderful originality, and immense presence. Fully sorted and ready to show or tour at almost any level, it remains first-class travel for a discerning few. An extraordinary car looking for an extraordinary new owner to serve as its next curator.

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