Cadillac Models & History 1925
TheV-63 was a continuation of the 1924 line, expanded to include the “Custom” line introduced in October, 1924.
- Five “Custom” bodies were shown in the catalog, but a total of eight were listed by job number.
- The new line was custom to the extent that the customer could choose from 24 color harmonies and 10 upholstery patterns.
- The introduction of Duco finishes signaled this start to a color explosion which hit Cadillac in the next few years.
- Nickel plated radiator shell and lights became standard.
- The scrolled radiator shell, first exclusive to the “Custom” line, was adapted to the standard line.
- The “Custom” line was distinguished by sloping windshields and double belt molding.
- A two-door, five passenger Coach body was added to the Standard line.
I.D. DATA
1925 Cadillac
Serial numbers were not used.
Engine numbers were stamped on the crankcase just back of the right hand bank of cylinders, and on a plate on the dash.
Starting: 63-H:1551. Ending: 63-M-2572.
STYLE
| Standard Body Styles | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Style No. | Body Type | Seating | Price |
| 1149 | 4-dr. Touring | 7 | $3185 |
| 1150 | 4-dr. Phaeton | 4 | $3185 |
| 1151 | 2-dr. Roadster | 2/4 | $3185 |
| 5690 | 2-dr. Victoria | 4 | $3485 |
| 6150 | 4-dr. Sedan | 5 | $3835 |
| 5700 | 4-dr. Landau Sedan | 5 | $3835 |
| 5680 | 4-dr. Sedan | 7 | $3885 |
| 6030 | 4-dr. Imperial Sedan | 7 | $4010 |
| 6010 | 2-dr. Coach | 5 | $3185 |
| “Custom” Body Styles | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Style No. | Body Type | Seating | Price |
| 5750 | 4-dr. Sedan | 5 | $4550 |
| 5720 | 4-dr. Suburban | 7 | $4650 |
| NA | 4-dr. Imperial Sedan | 5 | – |
| 5760 | 4-dr. Limousine | 7 | – |
| 5730 | 4-dr. Imperial Suburban | 7 | $4950 |
| 5770 | 4-dr. Town Brougham | 7 | $- |
| 5740 | 2-dr. Coupe | 5 | $4350 |
| 5710 | 2-dr. Coupe | 2 | $3975 |
ENGINE
| Engine Type | Ninety degree V-8. L-Head. Cast iron blocks of four on Aluminum crankcase. |
| Bore and Stroke | 79.4mm x 130.2mm |
| Displacement | 5.153 Liters |
| Brake Horsepower | “over 80 horsepower” |
| S.A.E./N.A.C.C. H.P. | 31.25. |
| Main bearings | Three. |
| Valve lifters | Rockers with roller cam follower acting on mechanical lifters |
| Carburetor | float feed, auxiliary air control; manufactured by Cadillac under C. F. Johnson patents. |
CHASSIS
| All Standard body styles & Custom 2-P Coupe | Special Chassis | All Custom body styles except 2-P Coupe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 3353mm | 3683mm | 3505mm |
| Front/Rear Tread | 1422mm | 1422mm | 1422mm |
| Tires | 33 x 5 | 33 x 5 | 33 x 5 |
DRIVETRAIN
| Transmission | Selective sliding gear transmission. Case in unit with engine |
| Speeds | 3 Forward and 1 Reverse |
| Controls | Left drive, center control (right hand drive optional) |
| Clutch | Multiple disc, dry plate clutch |
| Drive | Shaft drive |
| Axle | Spiral bevel, full floating rear axle |
| Overall ratio | 4.50:1, 4.91:1 |
| Brakes | Mechanical brakes on four wheels |
| Wheels | Wood artillery wheels, demountable rims, 12 spoke |
| Wheel size | 23 in. |
| Optional Drive ratio | 4.15:1, 5.55:1 |
OPTIONS
| Black radiator shell | – |
| Wire wheels | – |
| Disc wheels | – |
| Five balloon tires on disc wheels | $140.00 |
| Six balloon tires on disc wheels, plus double carrier for spares | $215.00 |
| Five balloon tires on wire wheels | $225.00 |
| Six balloon tires on wire wheels, plus double carrier for spares | $315.00 |
HISTORICAL NOTES
1925 Cadillac Notes
- The 1925 Cadillac V-63 was a continuation of 1924 (“Custom” line introduced Oct., 1924).
- Innovations: Duco finish.
- Model year sales: 35,500 with 1924 model V-63.
- Model year production: 35,500 with 1924 model V-63.
- Herbert H. Rice was president and general manager until May
- Lawrence P. Fisher becomes president in May, 1925
- Ernest W. Seaholm was chief engineer
- Lynn McNaughton was general sales manager
1925 Automotive Notes
- Industry production increased to 3,735,171 cars and 530,659 trucks
- Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. was president of GM
- Pierre S. du Pont was chairman of the board at GM
- Distinctive features: rumble seats, one-piece windshield, mohair upholstery, crank-type window lifts, quick-drying synthetic pyroxylin paints
- GM’s Fisher bodies have ventilating windshields which retracts vertically making a watertight seal when closed and no-draft ventilation when opened
- National rental cars are established
- Accessory makers feature stop signals, mirrors, ashtrays, cigar lighters, heat indicators, locking radiator caps, trunk racks, all-weather tops, and balloon tire jacks
- Model T prices drop to $260
- Fisher Body acquires the Pennsylvania-based Fleetwood custom-body firm
- GM aquires the Yellow Truck and Coach Manufacturing Company
- Maxwell-Chalmers Corp. is reorganized as Chrysler Corp.
- Elwood Haynes dies (b.1857)– had designed early auto and invented stainless steel and the thermostat
- U.S. highway numbers standardized, even numbers for east-west, odd for north-south
- The first transcontinental highway (Lincoln Highway) is completed
- Top model year production for 1925
Ford1,669,847 Chevrolet519,229 Hudson/Essex269,474 Willys-Overland215,000 Dodge201,000 Buick192,100 Studebaker133,104 Chrysler/Maxwell132,343 Oakland27,423 Cadillac22,542
Keyword: Cadillac History 1925