1927 Cadillac 314 B Custom Line news, pictures, and information

View more photos
Chassis Num: 1-42071

Cadillac has a long history and for many years been the top-of-the-line vehicle for General Motors. Their vehicles have always been renowned for their quality, style, and innovation. They were the first vehicle to use an electric starter which revolutionized the automobile. Prior to this, women preferred steam and electric cars because they were easier to drive and less dirty. After the electric starter was introduced, gasoline powered vehicles flourished on a greater scale. By 1914 Cadillac was mass-producing their V8 engines, more-so than any other marque of that era.

In July of 1925 Cadillac introduced the 314 Series followed by the 314-A Series in July of 1926. The 314A Series remained in production until August of 1927. With fifty body-styles offered, it was nearly guaranteed that each vehicle was unique in their own respects. Fisher offered 18 of those body-styles. Eleven others were courtesy of Fleetwood, Willoughby, and Brunn. The 314 Series was also known as 'The New Ninety-degree Cadillac's' due to their 90-degree mounted engine. The styling was courtesy of Earnest Seaholm and Harley Earle. Prior to this, the engineering was that of Henry Leland. The bodies of the 314 Series were mostly by Fisher, though some custom Fleetwood bodies were created near the close of 1925.

The Model 314 B Custom Line sat atop a 140 inch wheelbase. Luxury vehicles of the time were typically built on 132 inch frames. The additional room gave the passengers more interior room. Parking next to other vehicles only elevated their social status even further. The large 90-degree V8 L-head motor is matted to a three-speed manual transmission.

The example shown, a black Model 314 B Custom Line was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island. It was expected to fetch between $100,000 - $120,000. Its odometer reads just 33,000 miles since new. It has only had two owners with the original owner ordering many additional options such as the Buffalo wire wheels and the trunk rack and trunk. At the conclusion of the bidding, chassis number 1-42071 was left unsold.

The Cadillac 314 was introduced in 1926 and served as a replacement for the V63 Cadillac of the prior year. The 314 name would be used again in 1927, with a slight modification being called the '314A', and replaced by the 341 in 1928. This was a significant vehicle for the Cadillac marque, as the company itself made a shift from the Henry Leland engineering era to the Earnest Seaholm and Harley Earle tenure. These new vehicles could be distinguished from past models by their nickel-plated radiator shell. which had been given a more-round appearance. All bodies were originally built by Fisher, but Fleetwood would be given the opportunity to work their craft later in 1926 and in 1927.

The 314 came in Standard and Custom bodies for 1926. The custom line bodies were mounted on a 138-inch wheelbase and most were given a swing-out, single-pane, windshield . Open cars had vent wings. Other distinguishing features were the 10-inch drum headlights, roof bead molding which aided in keeping rain from entering the vehicle, exterior rubber-finished door handles, extra lighting such as panel lights and automatic dome light, running board mats, and a Motometer on the top of the radiator grille. The custom line also had a rear bumper and a double front bumper to help to protect the vehicle. The standard line could purchase the bumper for an additional $24 each. The custom line vehicles were elegant and well appointed, evident by their interior hardwood decorative panels, detachable vanity and smoker cases, silk cord handles, special seat fabric with springs for comfort, and electric gasoline gauge.

The eight-cylinder engine displayed 314.4 cubic-inches, had three main bearings, Cadillac carburetor, and an available 87 horsepower. The engine was mated to a selective sliding gear three-speed transmission with multiple disc clutch and shaft
drive. Mechanical brakes on all four wheels provided the stopping power.

There were a total of 27,771 examples of the Cadillac produced during the 1926 calendar year. The 1926 Cadillac's had been introduced in August of 1925 with total sales from August of 1925 to September of 1927 amassing 50,619. The 314A Cadillac's of 1927 were introduced in July of 1926 and produced through August of 1927. There were a few changes, mostly aesthetic, such as a new fender design with a convenient compartment for the battery and tools. The radiator was modified and now looked different than the prior year.

Both the 314 and 314A were offered in a variety of bodystyles. The 314A had 8 Standard body styles, 13 custom bodystyles available from the factory, five Brumm and Willoughby custom styles, and 15 custom styles offered by Fleetwood. The base price for the 2 door Brougham standard body was just under $3,000 with the top of the line Limousine Brougham by Fleetwood costing nearly $5,550.

The Cadillac's with their L-head engines were very versatile, offered in a variety of bodystyles that catered to a wide audience of buyers, and continued the marque's slogan of the 'Standard of the World.'

Vehicle Spotlight

1927 Cadillac models
Cadillac 314A

Other models by Cadillac