Cadillac Runabout and Tonneau
Encyclopedia
The first Cadillac
automobiles were built in the last quarter, 1902; they were 2-seater "horseless carriages" powered by a reliable and sturdy 10 hp single-cylinder engine developed by Henry Martyn Leland and built by Leland and Faulconer Manufacturing Company of Detroit, of which Henry Leland was founder, vice-president and general manager.
Reformed as the Cadillac Automobile Company in August 1902, it began manufacturing the runabouts and named them "Cadillac" after the city's founder Antoine Laumet, the self-styled Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac
. This early "letter model" naming system was used from late 1902 (often considered 1903s) to 1908.
All single-cylinder Cadillacs share many parts in common. In fact, the Models E, F, K, M, S, and T are essentially the same vehicle with different bodies.
The engine employed a patented variable-lift intake valve
licensed from Alanson P. Brush. The restrictions of this design led the company to develop their own four-cylinder engine for the later Models D, L, G, and H
.
Throughout 1903, 2,497 units were built . Production began in March 1903 and output totalled 1,895 units from March 1903 to March 1904. The 2-seater runabout
cost $750; an optional rear entrance detachable tonneau
cost $100 and doubled the occupant capacity. It was bolted on the chassis and could be lifted without removing disconnecting any plumbing or wiring.
Cadillacs of 1903 sometimes are identified erroneously as the Model A; in fact, they were known simply as the "Cadillac Runabout" and the "Cadillac Tonneau". When a new Cadillac was introduced in 1904, it was designated the "Model B"; meanwhile, production of the earlier runabout and tonneau
models continued through a second year. Only at that time did Cadillac
began to designate them as Model A cars to distinguish them from the new, 1904 models.
These cars ran on a 72 in (1829 mm) wheelbase.
or surrey
, both priced at $900 and weighing roughly 1450 lb (660 kg).
was detachable, unlike the Model F. Riding on a 72 in (1829 mm) wheelbase, it was available as either a runabout, priced at $750, or touring car
, priced at $850. The lightweight runabout weighed just 1330 lb (600 kg), 120 lb (54 kg) less than the touring model.
model with seating for two, priced at $750 in 1905. It used a 74 in (1880 mm) wheelbase, splitting the difference between the C and the B/F.
The Model F was available as either a 2-door touring car
with seating for 4 or a 2-seat delivery vehicle. Both were priced at $950 in 1905. The 76 in (1930 mm) wheelbase was shared with the Model B.
Production and sale of the Models K and M continued in 1907. Three 1907 Model Ks were used in the famous Dewar Trophy
test of the Royal Automobile Club
in England . They were disassembled, the parts mixed, and then reassembled without problems. This test cemented the Cadillac's reputation for precision and quality and brought fame to the marque.
The Model M continued as a commercial delivery vehicle for 1908, priced at $950.
for 1909. The main difference between the S and T was that the latter lacked running board
s.
Cadillac
Cadillac is an American luxury vehicle marque owned by General Motors . Cadillac vehicles are sold in over 50 countries and territories, but mostly in North America. Cadillac is currently the second oldest American automobile manufacturer behind fellow GM marque Buick and is among the oldest...
automobiles were built in the last quarter, 1902; they were 2-seater "horseless carriages" powered by a reliable and sturdy 10 hp single-cylinder engine developed by Henry Martyn Leland and built by Leland and Faulconer Manufacturing Company of Detroit, of which Henry Leland was founder, vice-president and general manager.
Reformed as the Cadillac Automobile Company in August 1902, it began manufacturing the runabouts and named them "Cadillac" after the city's founder Antoine Laumet, the self-styled Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac
Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac
Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac was a French explorer and adventurer in New France, now an area of North America stretching from Eastern Canada in the north to Louisiana in the south. Rising from a modest beginning in Acadia in 1683 as an explorer, trapper, and a trader of alcohol...
. This early "letter model" naming system was used from late 1902 (often considered 1903s) to 1908.
All single-cylinder Cadillacs share many parts in common. In fact, the Models E, F, K, M, S, and T are essentially the same vehicle with different bodies.
Single-cylinder engine
The Models A, B, C, E, and F shared a single-cylinder 98.2 in³ (1.6 L) engine rated from 6.5 to around 9 hp depending on model. The cylinder was horizontal, pointing rearward, and was cast from iron with a copper water jacket. Bore and stroke were square at 5 in (127 mm).The engine employed a patented variable-lift intake valve
Variable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
licensed from Alanson P. Brush. The restrictions of this design led the company to develop their own four-cylinder engine for the later Models D, L, G, and H
Cadillac Model D
The Cadillac Model D was a vintage car introduced in January 1905, and sold throughout that year. It was a large automobile, the first four-cylinder car from Cadillac. Priced at $2800, it can be seen as the first luxury car from the company....
.
Model A
Three cars were completed in time for the New York Auto Show staged in January, 1903. All three cars were sold at the show and by mid-week orders had been taken for 2,286 further units, each one requiring a deposit of $10.Throughout 1903, 2,497 units were built . Production began in March 1903 and output totalled 1,895 units from March 1903 to March 1904. The 2-seater runabout
Runabout (car)
Runabouts were a popular car body style at the beginning of the 20th Century. They were small, inexpensive, open cars. Most runabouts had just a single row of seats, providing seating for two passengers. Many also had a tonneau at the rear to provide optional seating for four or five...
cost $750; an optional rear entrance detachable tonneau
Tonneau
right|thumb|260px|1903 [[Ford Model A |Ford Model A]] rear-door TonneauTonneau cover , describes a hard or soft cover used to protect unoccupied passenger seats in a convertible, roadster, or for a pickup truck bed. Hard tonneau covers open by a hinging or folding mechanism while soft covers open...
cost $100 and doubled the occupant capacity. It was bolted on the chassis and could be lifted without removing disconnecting any plumbing or wiring.
Cadillacs of 1903 sometimes are identified erroneously as the Model A; in fact, they were known simply as the "Cadillac Runabout" and the "Cadillac Tonneau". When a new Cadillac was introduced in 1904, it was designated the "Model B"; meanwhile, production of the earlier runabout and tonneau
Tonneau
right|thumb|260px|1903 [[Ford Model A |Ford Model A]] rear-door TonneauTonneau cover , describes a hard or soft cover used to protect unoccupied passenger seats in a convertible, roadster, or for a pickup truck bed. Hard tonneau covers open by a hinging or folding mechanism while soft covers open...
models continued through a second year. Only at that time did Cadillac
Cadillac
Cadillac is an American luxury vehicle marque owned by General Motors . Cadillac vehicles are sold in over 50 countries and territories, but mostly in North America. Cadillac is currently the second oldest American automobile manufacturer behind fellow GM marque Buick and is among the oldest...
began to designate them as Model A cars to distinguish them from the new, 1904 models.
These cars ran on a 72 in (1829 mm) wheelbase.
Model B
The Model B was similar to the Model A, sharing its engine but using a pressed-steel frame and longer 76 in (1930 mm) wheelbase. It continued in production through 1905. The Model B was available as a touring carTouring car
A touring car, or tourer, is an open car seating five or more. Touring cars may have two or four doors. Often, the belt line is lowered in the front doors to give the car a more sportive character. They were often fitted with a folding roof and side curtains. Engines on early models were either in...
or surrey
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
, both priced at $900 and weighing roughly 1450 lb (660 kg).
Model C
The Model C was a short-wheelbase car intended to replace the old Models A and B for the summer of 1905. It shared much of the Model B chassis components, but used the hood and radiator of the Model F. The tonneauTonneau
right|thumb|260px|1903 [[Ford Model A |Ford Model A]] rear-door TonneauTonneau cover , describes a hard or soft cover used to protect unoccupied passenger seats in a convertible, roadster, or for a pickup truck bed. Hard tonneau covers open by a hinging or folding mechanism while soft covers open...
was detachable, unlike the Model F. Riding on a 72 in (1829 mm) wheelbase, it was available as either a runabout, priced at $750, or touring car
Touring car
A touring car, or tourer, is an open car seating five or more. Touring cars may have two or four doors. Often, the belt line is lowered in the front doors to give the car a more sportive character. They were often fitted with a folding roof and side curtains. Engines on early models were either in...
, priced at $850. The lightweight runabout weighed just 1330 lb (600 kg), 120 lb (54 kg) less than the touring model.
Model E
The Model E was released in January, 1905. It was a featherweight 1100 lb (500 kg) runaboutRunabout
A runabout is a small vehicle:* Runabout , a small boat* Runabout , antique car body style and 1964 3-wheel GM concept car* Runabout , horse-drawn vehicle* Runabout , a destruction driving game series...
model with seating for two, priced at $750 in 1905. It used a 74 in (1880 mm) wheelbase, splitting the difference between the C and the B/F.
Model F
The Model F was the primary new Cadillac model of 1905. It had a sharper hood and radiator, prompting the update of the Model B (which became the Model C) and even spawning an aftermarket of updates to existing Model A and Model B cars. Models E and F shared the same chassis, though the latter was lengthened by two inchesThe Model F was available as either a 2-door touring car
Touring car
A touring car, or tourer, is an open car seating five or more. Touring cars may have two or four doors. Often, the belt line is lowered in the front doors to give the car a more sportive character. They were often fitted with a folding roof and side curtains. Engines on early models were either in...
with seating for 4 or a 2-seat delivery vehicle. Both were priced at $950 in 1905. The 76 in (1930 mm) wheelbase was shared with the Model B.
Model K and Model M
Cadillac's lineup was consolidated into two models for 1906, the short wheelbase Model K and long wheelbase Model M. Priced at $750 for the Model K or $950 for the Model M, 3,650 units were sold that year. The K and M were essentially similar to the Models E and F from 1905 but with updated bodies.Production and sale of the Models K and M continued in 1907. Three 1907 Model Ks were used in the famous Dewar Trophy
Dewar Trophy
The Dewar Trophy was a cup donated in the early years of the twentieth century by Sir Thomas R. Dewar, M.P. a member of parliament of the United Kingdom, to be awarded each year by the Royal Automobile Club of England "to the motor car which should successfully complete the most meritorious...
test of the Royal Automobile Club
Royal Automobile Club
The Royal Automobile Club is a private club and is not to be confused with RAC plc, a motorists' organisation, which it formerly owned.It has two club houses, one in London at 89-91 Pall Mall, and the other in the countryside at Woodcote Park, Surrey, next to the City of London Freemen's School...
in England . They were disassembled, the parts mixed, and then reassembled without problems. This test cemented the Cadillac's reputation for precision and quality and brought fame to the marque.
The Model M continued as a commercial delivery vehicle for 1908, priced at $950.
Model S and Model T
The Model S and Model T of 1908 were essentially stretched wheelbase (to 82 in/2083 mm) versions of the K/M from previous years. These would prove to be the last single-cylinder Cadillacs, with the lineup unified with the four-cylinder Model ThirtyCadillac Model Thirty
The Cadillac Model Thirty was introduced in December, 1909, and sold through 1911. It was the company's only model for those years and was based on the 1907 Model G. The 1912 Model 1912, 1913 Model 1913, and 1914 Model 1914 were similar but used larger engines...
for 1909. The main difference between the S and T was that the latter lacked running board
Running board
A running board is a car or truck accessory part, a narrow step fitted under the side doors of the vehicle. It aids entry, especially into high vehicles. Typical of vintage cars which had much higher ground clearances than today's cars, it is also used as a fashion statement on vehicles that would...
s.