Story of a Classic: The 1908 Cadillac “Standard of the World”
A Gift of a Lifetime
Some classics arrive in our lives not simply as cars, but as milestones of love and legacy. In this edition of our Story of a Classic series, we revisit the remarkable journey of a 1908 Cadillac that began with a chance connection at Gold Bond Ice Cream in Green Bay. For four years, quiet visits and hopeful inquiries led to a September day in 1988 when, on the eve of a 15th wedding anniversary, determination turned into destiny.
Purchased as the ultimate gift for a husband, the Cadillac arrived in pieces: mail buckets of parts and a wooden body perched on an old trailer. What followed was four years of painstaking restoration, handcrafted parts, and family dedication that transformed the puzzle into a masterpiece. Today, restored to its original Brewster Green, this Cadillac remains a treasured heirloom, celebrated at family milestones and proudly displayed at shows and The Automobile Gallery in Green Bay.
Q: What’s the history behind your car and how did it end up in your possession?
Answer: I first knew of the 1908 Cadillac through its longtime owner, Mr. Lutsey, who ran Gold Bond Ice Cream in Green Bay. Over the course of four years, I would stop in from time to time and ask if he was ready to sell. Finally, in September of 1988, just before our 15th wedding anniversary, I expressed my deep desire to purchase it as a gift for my husband. After some negotiation, Mr. Lutsey agreed. The look on my husband’s face when I told him I had bought the gift of a lifetime was unforgettable! He couldn’t contain his excitement and insisted we pick it up immediately. At that time, the car was in pieces: parts stored in mail buckets and the wooden body perched on an old trailer.
From that day forward, it became a labor of love, taking four years to restore.
Q: Did anything surprise you when you started owning or restoring your car?
Answer: Absolutely! The sheer scarcity of parts. Who had 1908 cranks or wooden spoke wheels just lying around? My husband ended up fabricating many of the pieces himself. That challenge made the restoration even more personal and rewarding.
Q: Do you attend shows with your car? Has it won any awards?
Answer: While the Cadillac has made appearances at car shows and is displayed each Christmas at The Automobile Gallery in Green Bay. Its presence there is less about awards and more about sharing a piece of history with the community.
Q: Tell us about a car show experience!
Answer: One of the most meaningful moments was when our daughter rode in the Cadillac for her wedding in 1998. Seeing the car, restored to its original Brewster Green, carry her on such an important day was a proud family milestone. Since then, it has been part of shows where people marvel at its craftsmanship and story.
Q: What is your favorite element of being a part of the collector vehicle community?
Answer: For us, it’s the way these cars connect generations. The Cadillac isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a family heirloom that has carried us through milestones and allowed us to share its history with others. Being part of a community that values preservation, craftsmanship, and passion makes the journey even more meaningful.
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Want to see your collector car featured in our Story of a Classic series? Email [email protected] for more information.
