Cadillac 1903-1929: The Breakthrough Journey of a Legend
1903: Cadillac Model A Runabout – The First Cadillac
The first Cadillac, the 1903 Model A Runabout, was a two-seat car with a single-cylinder engine. This model was originally introduced in 1902, but it was only in 1903 that it became known as the “Model A” to distinguish it from the “Model B” introduced in 1904. In the photo below, the first Cadillac runabout prototype was Driven by A.P. Brush; WC. Leland (sitting in the car); E.E. Sweet and Walter Phipps (behind the rear left wheel); and Frank Johnson (fourth from left, no hat).

1905: Cadillac Builds Car Body
One of the favorite cars of Cadillac founder Henry Leland was the one-cylinder, two-seat Osceola, the first car in the industry to have a completely enclosed body. The Osceola body was built under the supervision of Fred J. Fisher, who later co-founded Fisher Body, which became the body assembly division of General Motors in North America. This Osceola, mounted on a single-cylinder chassis in 1906, was named after the famous Seminole chief, Osceola. This closed coupe was originally painted green, then repainted dark blue and is currently on display in the Historic Collection of GM’s Cadillac Automobile Division.

1910: Cadillac Model 30 – Closed Body Design
In 1910, Cadillac made the closed body design standard for all coupe models, enhancing the brand’s prestige and luxury, while creating a breakthrough in the auto industry. This design helps drivers and passengers be able to drive in all weather conditions without having to worry about dirt, mud, snow or rain dirtying their clothes. The Model 30 has a 4-cylinder engine and offers 30 horsepower for $1,600.

1912: Automatic Electric Starting System
In 1912, Cadillac introduced the automatic electric starting system invented by Charles “Boss” Kettering. This system eliminates the need for dangerous and difficult hand cranks, making driving safer and more convenient. By 1916, electric starting systems appeared on 98% of cars manufactured in America. This system helped Cadillac win its second Dewar Trophy from the Royal Automobile Club of London for its most significant contribution to the automobile industry of the year.

1915: First V-8 Engine
In 1914, Cadillac became the first manufacturer to mass-produce cars using a V-8 engine. Cadillac’s V-8 engine had a compact design, making the chassis shorter and easier to maneuver. This 314 cubic inch engine produced 70 horsepower at 2,400 RPM, marking the first major step in the development of high-speed, high-compression engines. By 1915, the V-8 engine had become standard on all Cadillac models.

1927: Cadillac LaSalle – First Car Designed by a Professional Designer
In 1927, Harley Earl, considered the father of automotive design, designed the LaSalle for Cadillac, becoming the first production car designed by a professional designer. The LaSalle stands out with its low profile and front-to-rear curves, setting it apart from other production vehicles. Earl then created the auto industry’s first in-house design department, where he was responsible for designing all of GM’s vehicles.

1928: Synchromesh Synchronized Gearbox
Cadillac introduced the Synchromesh synchronized transmission in 1928, which eliminated chatter and friction when shifting gears, laying the groundwork for the development of fully automatic transmissions.

1929: Shatterproof Safety Glass
In 1929, GM introduced shatterproof safety glass on all Cadillac and LaSalle models, which quickly became standard on all GM vehicles.

From its early days with the Model A Runabout to cutting-edge technical innovations like the electric starter system and the V-8 engine, Cadillac has been a pioneer in the auto industry, laying the foundation for future success and outstanding development.