1934 Cadillac Model 355-D Eight

The 1934 model year was a design pinnacle for Cadillac and all of General Motor's divisions, and a high-water mark for automotive styling at the height of the Great Depression. Despite the economic hardships of the era, the Cadillacs were affordable to few and consequently, relatively few of them were produced. Cadillac built 8,318 examples of the Cadillac Model 355-D for 1934 and 1935, including 2,729 Series 20 Cadillacs for 1934.

Many design cues of the 1934 Cadillac models were one-year-only designs. Along with aesthetics, there were many engineering changes for 1934 that resulted in better handling, faster, and more functional Cadillac vehicles. The entire chassis, for the first time, was concealed by the body, and the improved body construction offered a quieter ride and improved road-holding. The new X-frame chassis and an independent 'Knee-Action' front suspension provided a lower ride height by two inches, additional chassis strength, and improved driving dynamics.

The eight-cylinder engine received only minor modifications in 1934, but those that were made helped improve performance and reliability. It had a cast-iron block on an aluminum crankcase, Lynite aluminum pistons, dual valve springs, a 353 cubic-inch displacement, three main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, a Detroit Lubricator carburetor, and delivered 120 horsepower at 3000 RPM. The oil filter was discontinued and a solenoid starter control with a starter button was located on the instrument panel. The additional cold air was supplied to the engine by extending the intake ducting from the carburetor air cleaner to the radiator casing. The engine was backed by a three-speed selective synchromesh transmission with a twin-disc clutch, and stopping power was provided by mechanical brakes with vacuum assist on four wheels. The wire wheels measured 17 inches and had a drop center. The hand brake was relocated to the left side of the driver resulting in greater interior space.

The Cadillac Model 355-D included the Series 10 and 20 cars with bodies built by Fisher. The Series 30 cars had bodies by Fleetwood which were shared by the Twelve and Sixteen cylinder models. The Series 10 had a 128-inch wheelbase with a length of just over 205 inches, and the Series 20 had a 136-inch wheelbase and a length of 213.75 inches. The Series 30 was the largest and most prestigious, with a wheelbase of 146 inches and a length of over 227 inches. Prices on the Fisher-bodied Series 10 ranged from $2,400 to $2,550. Prices on the Series 20 began at $2,600 and rose to $3,000. The Series 30 had a much wider price range, beginning in the upper-$3000s and rising to $6,000 or higher depending on the coachwork.

The windshield was slanted at 18 degrees for the Fisher bodies and flat, 25-, or 29.5-degree angle for the Fleetwood bodies. The biplane design bumper was stylish but ineffective and mounted ahead of telescoping springs. The sloping grille was vee-shaped and a chrome-plated radiator shell was optional. The front fenders were airfoil shaped and the parking lamps were mounted in the headlight supports. The long and graceful hoods extended nearly to the windshield and wore shutter-type louvers in the side panel. Flat windshield bodies had a single cowl vent while others had two vents that opened toward the windshield. In the back was a beaver tail rear deck on all bodies. The gas tank filler was on the left side at the rear of the body on Fisher's bodies, but for Fleetwood bodies, it was located in the left rear fender. The spare tire, on Fleetwood bodies, was positioned inside the rear deck, unless the optional fender mount location was specified.

While Cadillac had stunned the fine car market in the early 1930s with the introduction of the new twelve- and sixteen-cylinder models, it was the V8 cars that carried the flag for Cadillac across America. The Cadillac Series 355 was introduced in 1931 as a replacement to the Series 353, available in a wide variety of different body styles and significantly updated year-over-year. The completely restyled Cadillacs of 1934, with drastic changes both inside and out, was a huge step forward for V-8-powered Cadillacs. Since it was the fourth generation of the Model 355, the 1934 models were known as the 355D. They were visually much different than their predecessors, and the design was much more streamlined than the 355C proceeding it, with a more commanding presence on the road.

Despite the declining luxury market, Cadillac managed to survive, thanks in large part to the financial support of General Motors. Nevertheless, the cars were brilliantly designed, and although market conditions resulted in limited numbers of Cadillac vehicles, the few that were constructed were some of the finest ever built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021