1931 Cadillac Series 355-A Eight

Henry M. Leland's automotive career included working with Henry Ford and building engines for Oldsmobile. In 1903 he created the Cadillac Company with their first offering being the Model A, a vehicle similar in design to the Ford. Production of the Model A continued until 1908.

In 1915 Cadillac introduced an 8-cylinder engine in 'Vee' configuration. In 1916 over 13000 examples were created. In 1930 Cadillac shocked the automotive world by introducing a V16 model. This undoubtedly made the Cadillac brand of automobiles one of the most respected luxury automobiles produced by an American company. A new division had been created, called the Art and Color Department, under the direction of the famous Harley Earl. The success of the Cadillac brand persisted during the hardships of the 1930s due to its established dealer network, the diversity of the General Motors brand, and impressive styling and engineering. Other great marques of the era, such as Marmon (who also had a V16 model), Pierce-Arrow, Peerless, Duesenberg, and Stutz lacked the financial resources, diversity, and deep pockets of General Motors. Additionally, Cadillac offered no less than four different passenger car lines for 1931 on a variety of wheelbase sizes that were powered by eight, twelve-, and sixteen-cylinder engines.

The engineering arsenal of Cadillac included 8, 12, and 16 cylinders. This meant they had the right car no matter the customer or demand. Although the 1931 Cadillac resembled the 1930 models, they incorporated several changes including a longer hood with ventilation louvers on each side, and a subtly lower design. Other visual changes were standard dual horns and single-bar bumpers.

The wheelbase measured 134 inches and a length of approximately 203 inches which was shared with its companion LaSalle. It was six inches shorter than the 1930 models. The commercial 355-A chassis were larger with a 152-inch wheelbase. The 90-degree L-head engine was cast-iron with an aluminum crankcase. There was a 3.375 x 4.9 bore and stroke with a displacement of 353 cubic inches. The three-main bearing engine with mechanical valve lifters and a single Updraft carburetor delivered 95 horsepower at 3,000 RPM and was backed by a three-speed manual transmission with a twin-disc clutch. The standard ratio was 4.75:1 with several other ratios available depending on needs and use. Semi-elliptical leaf springs were in the front and back and braking was handled by four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wood artillery wheels were standard with wire, disc, and demountable wood available as optional equipment. The standard size was 19 inches; 18-inch versions were available.

Cadillac offered six Fisher and seven Fleetwood bodies with prices ranging from $2,800 to $3,800. Next in the Cadillac hierarchy was 370-A V12 which had prices beginning at $3,800, allowing buyers the option of buying a well-equipped V8 All-Weather Phaeton or an 'entry-level' V12 Coupe. The factory Fisher and Fleetwood V8 bodies were comprised of 2- and 4-door options with seating that ranged from four to seven passengers, and open and closed configurations.

The 1931 Cadillac models continued the company's reputation as being a hallmark of American luxury and despite the Great Depression, continued to offer higher-priced (yet reasonable) automobiles that were mechanically and stylistically advanced and modern.

For 1931, Cadillac produced 10,717 examples of the V8 models, 5,733 V12s, and 363 of the V16s.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008