Cadillac Models & History 1912

Sameas 1911 except

Click to supersize
1912 Cadillac Touring
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

 

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

 

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

 

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