Cadillac Models & History 1904
In 1904, Cadillac offered two models. The Model A was a continuation of the 1903. It had a delivery body with detachable top. Horsepower increased to 8.25. Clincher tires became standard equipment. An optional 60 inch tread was available. A pressure fed multiple oiler was introduced.
The Model B was the same as the Model A except the chassis had a pressed steel frame and axles. It featured front axle girder style (which was not available in the wide tread option) and single transverse half-elliptic front spring. Cranking (counterclockwise) was only on the left side; but a decompression device was provided to facilitate cranking. A safety device was introduced to prevent the crank from being inserted when the spark control lever was in the advanced position. Horsepower rating increased to 8.25; but this was more an issue of confidence in the engine rather than any engine design changes.
The body of the Model B was an inverted box rather than the sloping, curved dash. The radiator was vertical and below frame instead of the front mounted sloping unit on the Model A. A joint in body at dash allowed the body to be slid off without lifting. A surrey body style was added with a side entrance detachable tonneau. The delivery top was no longer detachable. The weight of all body styles was reduced by as much as 70 pounds. Prices increased $50. When the street was muddy, cars with rear entrance tonneau were backed in perpendicular to the sidewalk so passengers did not have to walk in the mud. The side entrance surrey ended this inconvenience.
Once again serial numbers were not used for Model A or B. The engine numbers were stamped two places on crankcase: top, right edge of cylinder flange, near the water outlet; and right, front face, just below top cover. The blank spaces on patent plate was for additional patent dates, not engine number. Model A engine numbers ranged from 3500 to 4018. Model B numbers were 2500 to 3500.
STYLE: MODEL A
| Model No. | Body type | Seating | Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Runabout | 2 | $750 | 1370 lb |
| N/A | Runabout with Tonneau | 4 | $850 | 1450 lb |
| N/A | Delivery | 2 | $850 | 1525 lb |
STYLE: MODEL B
| Model No. | Body type | Seating | Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Runabout | 2 | $800 | 1300 lb |
| N/A | Touring | 4 | $900 | 1420 lb |
| N/A | Surrey | 4 | $900 | 1400 lb |
| N/A | Delivery | 2 | $900 | 1525 lb |
ENGINE
| Engine type | Horizontal single-cylinder with cylinder facing to the rear. |
|---|---|
| Engine composition | Cast iron cylinder, with copper water jacket |
| Bore and stroke | 5.00 x 5.00 in. (127mm x 127mm) |
| Capacity | 98.2 cu. in. (1.6 liters) |
| Brake H.P. | 8.25 |
| Main bearings | Two |
| Valve lifters | Mechanical |
| Carburetor | Updraft mixer, manufactured by Cadillac |
MODEL A CHASSIS
| Wheelbase | 72 in. (1.8 meters) |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 111 in. (2.82 meters) |
| Height | 5 ft. (1.5 meters) |
| Front/Rear Tread | 54.5 in. (1.28 meters) (60″ (1.5 meters) optional) |
| Tires | 28 x 3″ (711 mm x 76 mm) Clincher |
MODEL B DELIVERY CHASSIS
| Wheelbase | 72 in. (1.8 meters) |
|---|---|
| Overall length | 111 in. (2.82 meters) |
| Height | 7 ft., 1 in. (2.2 meters) |
| Front/Rear Tread | 54.5 in. (1.28 meters) |
| Tires | 28 x 3 (711 mm x 76 mm)Clincher |
MODEL B CHASSIS
| Wheelbase | 76 in. (1.9 meters) |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 112 in. (2.85 meters) |
| Height | 5 ft. (1.5 meters) |
| Front/Rear Tread | 54.5 in. (1.28 meters) |
| Tires | 30 x 3 (762 mm x 76 mm) Clincher. |
MODEL B DELIVERY
| Wheelbase | 76 in. (1.9 meters) |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 112 in. (2.85 meters) |
| Height: Approx. | 7 ft. (2.1 meters) |
| Front/Rear Tread | 54.5 in. (1.28 meters) |
| Tires | 30 x 3.5″ (762 mm x 89 mm) Clincher. |
TECHNICAL
| Transmission | Planetary Transmission |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 2 Forward and 1 Reverse (3:1 low, 1:1 high) |
| Drive | Chain |
| Differential | Spur gear |
| Overall ratio | 3.1:1 to 5:1 |
| Brakes | Mechanical on two rear wheels — contracting on inboard drums |
| Wood wheels | 12 spoke |
| Model A Wheel size | 22 in. (559 mm) |
| Model B Wheel size | 24 in. (610 mm) |
| Delivery Wheel size | 23 in. (584 mm) |
| Drivetrain Options | Different combinations of 9 or 10 tooth driving sprocket with 31, 34, 38, 41, or 45 tooth driven sprocket gave ten possible ratios from 3:1 to 5:1. |
The transmission had two forward speeds (3:1 and 1:1) and one reverse with a disc clutch and chain drive. The overall ratio was 3.1:1 to 5:1 depending on the combination of the size of the sprockets. The drive sprocket had 9 or 10 teeth and the driven sprocket had 31, 34, 38, 41, or 45 teeth. The lower ratios were used on the runabouts used on smooth, level roads; but the higher ratios were used on hilly roads and for delivery vehicles. Owners were instructed how to change the sprockets, but it involved the disassembly of the transmission and rear axle — hardly a job for the average motorist.
MODEL A OPTIONS
| Tonneau | $100.00 |
| Leather top with side curtains and storm apron | $50.00 |
| Rubber top ;with side curtains and storm apron | $30.00 |
| Lights | — |
|---|
MODEL B OPTIONS
| Bulb horn, lights, leather top with side and storm apron | $50.00 |
|---|---|
| Rubber top with sides and storm apron | $30.00 |
| Deck to replace tonneau on Touring or Surrey | $10.00 |
HISTORICAL NOTES
- The Model B was introduced in January, 1904.
- Calendar year sales and production for both Model A and B totalled 2,319.
- The president of Cadillac continued to be C. A. Black.
- The factory burned in the Spring of 1904, reducing capacity to almost nothing for 45 days.
- Deposits on 1500 orders were returned to prospective customers.
- However, the volume of sales still exceeded those of any other make in the country.
