Cadillac Models & History 1912
Sameas 1911 except
courtesy of Doug Heym
Price
- Basic price increased to $1800.
Bodies
- Demi-tonneau and Foredoor Touring replaced by Phaeton.
- Coupe accommodates extra passenger on folding seat.
- The only fully enclosed standard four cylinder Limo.
- Open bodies of steel, closed bodies of aluminum.
- Full set of doors on all body styles.
- Hoods once again louvered.
- Running board dust shields cover frame and running board brackets.
- Exterior trim Nickel plated.
- Electric side lights have external wiring.
- All controls inside except brake lever on open bodies.
Chassis: Brake drum diameter increased to 431.8mm
Drive line: No significant change.
Engine
- New carburetor, made by Cadillac to C. F. Johnson patents.
- Delco 6/24 volt starting — lighting — twin ignition system.
I.D. DATA
1912 Cadillac
If serial numbers were used they were on the plate on dash (with engine no.) Engine numbers were stamped on top surface of crankcase — in front of and to the left of number one (front) cylinder. Starting: 61001. Ending: 75000.
STYLE
1912 Cadillac Roadster
| Doors | Name | Seating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Touring | 5 | $1800 |
| 4 | Phaeton | 4 | $1800 |
| 4 | Torpedo | 4 | $1900 |
| 2 | Roadster | 2 | $1800 |
| 4 | Limousine | 7 | $3250 |
| 2 | Coupe | 4 | $2250 |
ENGINE
| Description | Vertical, in-line, L-head. Four cylinder. Individual cast iron cylinders, copper water jacket |
| Bore & Stroke | 114.3mm x 114.3mm |
| Displacement | 4.691 Liters |
| Brake Horsepower | 40 plus. A.L.A.M. H.P.: 32.4 |
| Main bearings | Five |
| Valve lifters | Mechanical — push rod — roller cam followers |
| Carburetor | float feed; Made by Cadillac to C. F. Johnson patents |
CHASSIS
| Wheelbase | 2946mm |
| Front/Rear Tread | 1422mm; optional: 1549mm |
| Tires | 36 x 4 |
DRIVETRAIN
| Transmission | Selective, sliding gear transmission |
| Speeds | 3 Forward and one Reverse |
| Steering position | Right hand drive, controls to right |
| Clutch | Leather faced cone clutch |
| Drive | Shaft drive |
| Axle | Full floating rear axle |
| Differential | bevel drive, bevel gear differential |
| Overall ratio | 3.92:1 (Phaeton & Torpedo 3.66:1 Roadster 3.43:1) |
| Brakes | Mech. brakes on two wheels — service / foot / contracting — emerg./lever/expanding |
| Wheels | Wood artillery wheels, 10 & 12 spoke, quick detachable rims |
| Wheel size | 28 in. |
| Optional Final drive ratios | 3.05:1, 3.43:1, 3.66:1 |
OPTIONS
1912 Cadillac Roadster
| Front bumper | $18.00 |
| Clock | $15.00 |
| Seat covers | $32.00 – $50.00 |
| Mohair tops | $60.00 – $90.00 |
| Windshield | $35.00 – $40.00 |
| Trunk rack | $10.00 |
| Kamlee No. 1000 trunk | $30.00 |
| Demountable rims | $25.00 |
| Electric horn | $25.00 |
| Power tire pump | $35.00 |
| Handy lamp | $2.00 |
HISTORICAL NOTES
1912 Cadillac Notes
- Introduced September, 1911.
- Cadillac introduces the Kettering self-starter
- Cadillac introduces generator-battery lighting and ignition system
- Model year sales and production: 13995.
- Henry M. Leland was president and general manager
- Frank Johnson was chief engineer
- Earl C. Howard was general sales manager
1912 Automotive Notes
- Industry produces 356,000 cars and 22,000 trucks
- Thomas Neal was president of GM until November when Charles W. Nash became president
- Thomas Neal became chairman of the board at GM in November
- Ford cuts prices of Model T by $80 (now only $600)
- Chevrolet 6-cylinder touring car sells for $2150
- Charles W. Nash is president of GM
- Walter P. Chrysler is Buick’s plant manager
- Packard introduces its 6-cylinder T-head engine
- Stewart Motor Corporation produces cars and trucks
- Top model year production for 1912
Ford78,440 Willys-Overland28,572 Studebaker28,032 Buick19,812 Cadillac12,708 Hupmobile7,640 Reo6,342 Oakland5,838 Chevrolet2999
Keyword: Cadillac History 1912