Cadillac Runabout and Tonneau

The first Cadillac automobiles were built in the last quarter, 1902; they were 2-seater "horseless carriages" powered by a reliable and sturdy Convert|10|hp|kW|0|abbr=on 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.

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.

ingle-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 Convert|9|hp|kW|0|abbr=on 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 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.

1903/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 [ Model A at The Crittenden Automotive Library [http://www.carsandracingstuff.com/library/m/modela_c.php] ] . 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.

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.

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 car or surrey, 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 tonneau 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 E

The Model E was released in January, 1905. It was a featherweight 1100 lb (500 kg) runabout 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 inches

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.

Model K/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 test of the Royal Automobile Club in England [ Model K at The Crittenden Automotive Library [http://www.carsandracingstuff.com/library/m/modelk.php] ] . 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/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 Thirty for 1909. The main difference between the S and T was that the latter lacked running boards.

References