1927 Cadillac Series 314A 7-Passenger Sedan

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 its V8 engines, more-so than any other marque of that era.

In July 1925 Cadillac introduced the 314 Series followed by the 314-A Series in July 1926. The 314A Series remained in production until August 1927. With fifty body styles offered, it was nearly guaranteed that each vehicle was unique in its 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 its 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 mated 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.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2006