Cadillac 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 US$10 ($326 in 2022 dollars). The cars had some similarities to the Ford Model A; however, the Cadillac was designed by Alanson Partridge Brush.
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 US$750 ($24,428 in 2022 dollars); an optional rear entrance detachable tonneau cost $100 and doubled the occupant capacity. The entire body was bolted to the chassis and could be lifted without removing or disconnecting any plumbing or wiring.
Cadillac 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.
The front of the car had a sloping, curved, false hood and radiator. The car was advertised as having 6½ horsepower (4.8 kW). Power was transmitted the rear wheels by chain-drive through a planetary transmission. Pedal operated brakes on rear axles were supplemented by engaging reverse gear. The 22-inch wood wheels had 12 spokes and the car’s wheelbase was 72 in (1,800 mm).
Assembly: Detroit (USA)
Year: 1903
Engine: 1 cylinder; 1609 cc
Power: 7 HP
Max speed: 10 km/h
Weight: 830 kg
Rahmi M. Koç museum (Istanbul, Turkey)
