1903 Cadillac Model A Tonneau

From its beginnings in 1903, the Cadillac Motor Car Company has maintained throughout the world its reputation as a builder of cars of the highest quality. Cadillac ads later proclaimed the marque, 'Standard of the World,' and the company would rightfully establish itself as one of the industry's leading luxury car manufacturers. In 1908, Cadillac was recognized for being the first car to use interchangeable parts, a giant leap forward for an industry used to the practice of hand-fitting them.

A total of 2,497 Model A Cadillacs were built-in 1903 and had a retail price of $750, but the optional bolt-on rear-entrance tonneau increased passenger capacity from 2 to 4 while adding an additional $100 to the bottom line. Power was supplied by a 98 cubic-inch, 6.5-horsepower one-cylinder engine mated to a two-speed planetary transmission with chain drive. The top speed was stated to be 31 mph. Its wooden body was supplied to Cadillac by the Wilson Body Co. This car was originally shipped to the Mar-Del Mobile Co. in Baltimore, Maryland, in August 1903.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019