1906 Cadillac Model K

The Cadillac Automobile Company was organized by Henry M. Leland in 1902. By 1905 the company was producing one car every 10 minutes. Work days were 10 hours long. A year later Cadillac set a new record, selling more cars than they had ever produced. Their one-cylinder cars were known for their reliability, durability, and quality. A successful advertising campaign also helped fuel sales.

The 1905 Cadillac models had a dummy hood over the front axle, with a vertical radiator at the front. This styling feature was in response to under-seat engines becoming passé. The Model K and Model M for 1906 were single-cylinder models, which had different wheelbases. The Model M was two inches longer. For 1907 a factory-installed Victoria top was offered and the front fender contour was flattened. Because of the shape of the seat, the Cadillac Victoria Runabout is often called 'Tulip.'

The 1906 Model K had a 98.2 cubic-inch horizontal, one-cylinder engine that produced ten horsepower. Dunlop tires came standard, as did the twelve-spoke artillery-style wooden wheels.

In 1908, three Cadillac Model K models triumphed in the Dewar competition in England, being disassembled, their parts scrambled, reassembled, and easily started. This tremendous accomplishment earned Henry Leland and Cadillac the Dewar Trophy and led to the slogan 'The Standard of the World.'

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020