The cars
For the Love of Automobiles
W.J. had an admiration for the automobile. The first car he ever owned was a 1899 De Dion Bouton from France. It was the first horseless carriage to grace the Thumb of Michigan. There is a replica of the car on the front elevation of the Carriage House. His next car was a 1906 Olds Palace Touring Model, "and a good car it was." Following the Olds, Buicks and Fords were used for business and pleasure cars. In 1914 he bought his first Cadillac. He had worn out several Cadillacs since then, but his 1914 was always his pride and joy as he played a big part in customizing it. He was a member of the VMCCA and enjoyed touring with them and his 1914 for many years.
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Photo Gallery
1898 De Dion Bouton
1898 De Dion Modified
1898 De Dion Modified
A french little number said to be the first horseless carriage in the Thumb of Michigan. This picture was taken just after it arrived in Caro in the year 1899.
1898 De Dion Modified
1898 De Dion Modified
1898 De Dion Modified
Of course he modified this car to his own specifications as well. He modified the front section to include an additional headlight, removed the convertible top mechanism. added a rear seat, and added a storage box on the running board, complete with his name. He basically transformed his little runabout in a touring car.
De Dion Replica
1898 De Dion Modified
1906 Oldsmobile Palace Touring Model
A replica of the 1898 De Dion and faceted to the carriage house during renovation. W.J. took the two existing round windows of the structure and moved them together to create the wheels of the auto.
1906 Oldsmobile Palace Touring Model
1906 Oldsmobile Palace Touring Model
1906 Oldsmobile Palace Touring Model
"And a good car it was"
1914 Cadillac V8 Special
1906 Oldsmobile Palace Touring Model
1938 Cadillac Sixty -Special
This was W.J.'s pride and joy. It now resides in The Louwman Museum in the Netherlands.
1938 Cadillac Sixty -Special
1906 Oldsmobile Palace Touring Model
1938 Cadillac Sixty -Special
Said to be one of the great designs of the 30s and a milestone for Cadillac styling. The car was sporty and daring, yet elegant.
VMCCA Meeting
VMCCA Meeting
VMCCA Meeting
WJ. was a member of the Veterans Motor Club of America for many years. In the year 1950 he hosted a meeting of the VMCCA at his home in Caro.