Luxury Cars of Status (1900s - 1930s)

Despite the fact that the foundation of automotive technology had already been established, only royalty and members of the upper society in Europe were able to take advantage of the automobile. As a result, horse-drawn carriages remained as the principal form of transportation. However, in the U.S., Ford's popular Model T was gaining in momentum. New features were continually being developed, allowing for the possibility of greater luxury in cars. New automakers held a high regard for the traditional skills of coach builders, who had perfected the design of a highly efficient chassis, thereby laying the groundwork for the deluxe body frame. The time was more than ripe for a high-class, luxury car. Yet the arrival of World War I and the Great Depression led to a setback in the development of luxury cars. It was during this time that the great deluxe automobile gradually disappeared from the road.  

Cadillac Model Thirty (1912, U.S.)

In the years between 1910 and 1920, automobile equipment underwent great improvement, especially in American cars. Cadillac developed the innovative self-starter motor, liberating drivers from having to use the crank. One of the principal features of the Cadillac was electric headlamps, which were installed as standard equipment.

This was the first car to have a self-starter motor, with an electric generator and electric head-lamps as standard equipments. The electricity lit the head lamps and recharged the batteries, but most importantly provided power for the self-starter which improved the usefulness of automobiles remarkably. Just in case of breakdowns, however, the Model Thirty still had a crank handle.

Duesenberg Model J (1929, U.S.)

The Duesenberg was a symbol of wealth and the luxury dream car of Americans. The Model J, in particular, was built to become the world's No. 1 automobile by the U.S.'s greatest coach builder. It boasted beautiful styling and power comparable with racing cars. The body is Murphy's Dual Cowl Phaeton.

Thanks to the 265 horsepower produced by its DOHC 32-valve 6.9-liter engine, the Model J could attain a top speed of 186km/h. Unlike most high-performance cars of their day, Duesenbergs were equipped with a hydraulic brake system of their own. From this model of 1929, this system was supported by a vacuum booster.

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