Cadillac history 1902-1979

In 1902, when cars were still rare and the car workshops were more like sheds, made a genius named Henry M. Leland handful of excellent mechanics assisted by working hard in order to complete the first Model A.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution, Negative #: 44002 B http://americanhistory.si.edu/onthemove/collection/object_1268.html

This small factory they heaped the first Model A's, 10 hp and one cylinder vehicle. Perhaps they already guessed then that this sign was the future direction of viewer throughout the automotive industry.

Former workshops of Leland, Faulconer and Norton was soon forthcoming Cadillac Automobile Company. Their common goal was to get up a car factory, which develops a car which would be the best thing at their existing technology was possible.

During the past few years Cadillac engineers have designed a car which has been a pioneer in more models than any other auto brand in the world. Today, Cadillac employs approximately 12000 employees, whose ongoing goal is to complete the development of the car. Cadillac mills, there is a saying: "The best skill is our desire to care and our laws." Mr. Leland, you could see us now. "
Cadillac - A Standard of the World Cadillac - A Standard of the World

The name of the factory designing Henry Leland and the partners chose to designate a car factory in Detroit and the founder of a major French adventurer, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac's that. Leland said that Monsieur Cadillac's virtues represented by the courage, competence and desire to succeed are also likely to represent his company, even today Cadillac stands behind these words. Cadillac has become an American institution.

Brass name plates Cadillac was already used since 1904, but the 1906 Cadillac's name appeared for the first time, such as when it was customary, the cooling cell. A famous literary characters, written in Cadillac brand was first performed in 1911 in a car.

Model A's chief architects have been many different estimates, mainly because of the Ford Motor Company as the first car in 1903 was an almost complete copy of the Model A from. Sure we are in any case, the fact that Henry Ford was the Detroit Motor Company's payroll until 1902, until, after which he founded Ford Motor Company. The question is Did he seized or drawings of the Model 1902 from A, ie it is possible that the Model A, designed by the famous Henryt together. What could be finer start to this car the car!
 

Cadillac Milestones 1902-1979:

The factory was reorganized in 1902 and was renamed the Cadillac Automobile Company. The first two years the factory was completed in 2500 pcs Model A, which list price was $ 850

1905
Cadillac was elected to power an entirely new four-cylinder engine. That is why Cadillac settled a multi-cylinder frontrunner engines. The factory name was changed to Cadillac Motor Car Company, when Leland & Faulconer Manufacturing Co.united with it.

1906
Cadillac's first limousine model was completed. It was a 7 seater Model L, which was decorated in Morocco leather and satin.

1908
Cadillac was the first American car on the famous Dewar Trophy, awarded by the Royal Automobile Club of London. That honorable mentions were awarded since 1904 and it took the car in the world Nobel-prize.

1910
Cadillac was the first car, intorucing a model which was completely closed frame (e.g no open sides, roof etc)

1912
Cadillac was once a pioneer and a production produced its first car, which had electric start, headlights and ignition system. Due these innovations Cadillac was the first and only brand which got the second Dewar Trophy for the world. Charles Kettering was the man behind the starter motor. He was to become the Cadillac for nearly as important as the man himself, Henry Leland.

1913
First manufactured by Fleetwood Cadillac bodywork was presented.

1915
As first American automobile Cadillac introduced a car that was equipped with a water-cooled V8 engine. This engine type is entered then to (copied) all the major car brands until today.

1916
Cadillac became part of General Motors. Brougham model was the first time in production. U.S. Army chose the Cadillac 7 seater model to their standard fleet. During 1st world war Cadillac Liberty aircraft engines, military vehicles, airframes, other components and tools.

1920
Cadillac completed the new Clark Avenue plant in Detroit. It was at the time the most modern factory in the world.

1922
Cadillac introduced the first control system using the carburetor heat as an input (enricher etc.)

1923
Cadillac is once again a trendsetter and technology, having introduced the first Balanced V8 engine, where the cylinders are 90-degree angle to each other.

1926
Cadillac founded as firts car company a comprehensive service network throughout the United States.

1927
Cadillac produced the first collection for La Salle, which also became the Indy 500 race Pace Car.

1928
Cadillac was the first to equip their vehicles with security windows as standard equipment. Cadillac designed and introduced a modern synchronized automatic transmission.

1929
Cadillac was the first to use chrome hub caps as standard equipment.

1930
Cadillac built the first 16 cylinder car engine. Later that year, was presented to Liberty V12 engine. Cadillac became the first automobile, which was to provide a full range of V-engines. Cadillac also used first hydraulic valve lifters.

1931
Indy 500 race Official Pace Car was a Cadillac V12.

1932
Cadillac introduced the first completely silent gearbox.

1934
Cadillac introduces the first modern governance. Spare wheel was placed in the car for the first time inside the car, of course, and Cadillac. Indy 500 race Pace Car was once again, La Salle.

1937
V8 engine proved to be very reliable and fast. An infringement of the previous speed records for Stock Car class Indianapolis.

1940
Cadillac first offered its customers an optional interior.

1941
Cadillac offers a first premium class automotive manufacturer the fully automatic Hydramatic transmission.

1943
Cadillac manufactures engines for military vehicles as well as for light tanks. These reliable products were likely to help American to win. Cadillac's engine was also installed on aircraft and Cadillac was awarded after the war du this.

1944
Cadillac lauched famous M-24 tank. It was the quickest and easiest tank tank to control. M-24 was used on all fronts. Powered by office Cadillac V-engine and Hydramatic gearbox.

1945
Cadillac manufactures M-19, a light motorized and armored anti-aircraft cannon.

1947
Cadillac introduces the 1948 model, which had the first time in fins in rear fenders. Fins dominated the entire next decade.

1948
Cadillac introduces their finest sample of expertise in their entire 45-year history: a new small, a more effective and more economical V8 engine.

1949
Cadillacs 1 000 000´s. car was completed 11/25/1949. Coupe de Ville name was presented.

1950
Cadillac introduces the all-time finest car: Cadillac "Deputante" Convertible. The car was upholstered in leopard in leather. Cadillac's annual sales exceed 100 000 for the first time.

1953
Cadillac offers a most powerful engine through sincr in mass-produced car. Eldorado model dmade debut in a sporty convertible (the name Eldorado was taken from spanish language where it means gold).

1954
Cadillac introduced the first car company the power steering as standard in all the models.

1957
Cadillac presents an unprecedented Eldorado Brougham model, which was the most expensive series-produced car. All Cadillac models had a new X-bar frame.

1959
Cadillac launches cruise control.

1960
Cadillac launches first side markers display on top of front wing and the automatic vacuum operated parking brake release.

1961
Cadillac renew the front axle suspension, resulting in body - frame connection was simpler. Cadillac offered a single pipe exhaust system and the defrosted rear windshield.

1962
Cadillac introduces the first side ligths in the front fenders and heating equipment can be found as standard on all models.

1964
Cadillac developed the first automated heating and air conditioning system.

1965
Cadillac launches first so called tilt steering wheel

1966
Cadillac offers the first American car with progresseve power steering solution.

1967
Front wheel drive Eldorado entered the market. Cadillac's annual sales reached more than 200 000 car limit.

1969
Cadillac introduces the first American car manufacturer which used closed cooling system. Dual Comfort 40/60 seat was presented.

1971
Eldorado Convertible dissapears the collection and replaced with de Ville Convertible.

1973
Eldorado Convertible returns to the collection and selected Indy 500 race Pace Car. Cadillac's annual sales exceeded for the first time a staggering 300 000 units.

1975
A new, slightly smaller Seville model is offered in the market. Cadillac offers the first American car manufacturer, electronic fuel-injection system.

1976
One of America's history, a nostalgic era ends 21/04/1976, so far the last American-produced series convertible was completed, when a line out of the white rolled Fleetwood Eldorado.

1978
Cadillac got trip computer and a diesel.

1979
Cadillac launches the revised Eldorado model, which among other things had independent suspension in every wheel.

 

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Cadillac history by John Barach (another Cadillac history package including pics)