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1927 Cadillac Series 314A

The Cadillac Company was founded in 1903 by engineer Henry M. Leland of Leland & Faulconer Manufacturing Company from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company. A series of one- and four-cylinder models were offered through 1909 when the company simplified its lineup to a single four-cylinder model called the 'Model 30.' The Model 30 continued through 1914 when it was replaced by the Type 51 in 1915 powered by a 314 cubic-inch L-head V-8 engine.

The eight-cylinder engine had cast-iron cylinders in two blocks of four located directly opposite each other on an aluminum-copper alloy crankcase. The combustion chambers and water jackets were integral, the bore measured 3.125 inches, the stroke of 5.125 inches, and each block of cylinders had a thermostat that controlled the water circulation and temperature operated by an impeller-type pump. There were ford and blade connecting rods, a single camshaft with eight cams, an Updraft carburetor, a water-heated intake manifold, a dual exhaust system with no balance pipe, and log-type exhaust manifolds located within a vee. The exhaust valves were flat and the intake valves were tulip-shaped. The valves were actuated by adjustable tappets operated by rocker arms with a roller riding on cams. It had three main be3arings, a 4.25:1 compression ratio, and delivered 70 horsepower, an increase of approximately twenty horsepower over the prior year's four-cylinder engine output.

The Model 30 of 1909 used a 106-inch wheelbase, growing to 110 inches the following year. By 1914 it measured 120 inches. The Type 51 of 1915 used a 122-inch platform and a 145-inch chassis for special and commercial purposes. It grew to 125 inches in 1917 and was joined by a 132-inch alternative in 1918. All bodies rode on a 132-inch platform in 1922 with the Type 61. A 145-inch platform joined the lineup in 1925.

Cadillac's 314.5 cubic-inch engine would be the sole engine offering for many years, joined in the early 1930s by an Owen Nacker-designed V16 and V12 engine, igniting the cylinder wars throughout the industry.

In 1926, Cadillac introduced the Series 314, also known as 'The New Ninety Degree Cadillac.' All of the standard cars plus the Custom Roadster rested on 1 32-inch wheelbase platform. All of the Custom cars, minus the roadster, used a 138-inch wheelbase. Prices range from $3,00 to $3,440 for the standard factory bodies and $3,250 to the mid-$4000s (or higher depending on coachwork) for the custom coachwork. A semi-commercial, 150-inch wheelbase was also available for such purposes as ambulance and funeral coaches.

All cars used a one-piece windshield, with open cars having a pivot at the top that allowed the windshield to swing open. Closed-bodied cars had a vertical 'V-V' windshield, and 'Custom' closed-bodied cars had sloping 'V-V' windshields that were more steeply raked than the previous V-63 models. The radiators were narrower and higher with thermostatically controlled shutters. The long and sweeping front fenders housed the batter and toolboxes, there were no sidelights, and all front doors now hinged at the windshield post. The new drum-shaped headlights contained parking bulbs and a double filament bulb for the tilting beam. The Custom line had larger 10-inch drums while the standard factory bodies had 9-inch drums. A Moto-Meter was standard on Custom cars.

The chassis now used semi-elliptic rear springs with ball and socket shackles. The torque arm was moved from the right to the left side and connected to the frame through a fabric hanger. The brake drums were now bell-shaped to provide adequate clearance for the new balloon tires on split rims devoid of side rings.

The overall weight of the chassis was reduced considerably, by over 260 pounds, including 130 lbs from the engine. The ninety-degree V8 had cast-iron blocks of four on an aluminum crankcase, three main bearings, mechanical valve lifters with rollers acting directly on cams, a float feed carburetor with auxiliary air control, and delivered approximately 80 horsepower. It now used an oil filter and the oil level indicator was located on the right side of the crankcase instead of its prior position inside the vee. The oil filler cap was now of screw-type instead of hinged. The intake manifold was now a separate piece, the front engine cover was formed from steel instead of aluminum, and the generator and fan were driven by a belt, eliminating one chain.

1927 Cadillac Series 314
The 1927 model year was a continuation of 1926 models, with several new body styles and changes occurring in August of 1926. Cadillac proudly proclaimed, 'Five hundred color and upholstery combinations,' as a wide variety of body styles were offered catering to every customer's need and desire, and allowing the Cadillac to be fully individualized.

All 1927 standard bodies, san seven-passenger sedan, and Imperial plus the custom roadster and convertible coupe, rested on a 132-inch wheelbase. All custom cars except the roadster and convertible used a 138-inch wheelbase, while the semi-commercial models had a 150-inch platform. A new Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan were added to the standard line. The custom coachwork was provided by Fleetwood, Willoughby, Brunn, among others.

All cars now had 10-inch headlights with the Standard cars being black and the customs being nickel. The horn was of vibrator type with bent trumpet, and fender wells were standard on the sedan, sport phaeton, and sport coupe. Moto-Meter and bumpers were standard on 'Custom' line and Standard sport models. The light controls were relocated from the instrument panel to the steering wheel. Inside, the new instrument panel was constructed from walnut with a silver inlay effect.

Mechanical changes included a standard 4.9:1 final drive ratio, and a change back to a work and sector-type steering gear. The three-speed sliding gear transmission, built in unit with the engine, had a multiple dry disc clutch. Mechanical brakes on all four wheels provided the stopping power. Prices ranged from $3,000 to $3,650 for the standard factory bodies, $3,450 to $4,450 for the 'custom' bodies, and high-$4,000s to mid-$5,000s for the Fleetwood bodies.

In 1928, General Motors would own one hundred percent of Fisher and had acquired Fleetwood, making it a division of Fisher. Nearly all of Fleetwood's production would be for Cadillac and LaSalle bodies. The Fisher and Fisher 'Custom' lines were merged, and all passenger car bodies rested on a 140-inch platform. The commercial chassis measured 152 inches.

The Series 314 became the 341 in 1928 and continued through 1930 when it was replaced by the Series 353. Although the eight-cylinder models were joined by twelve- and sixteen-cylinder options during the 1930s, Cadillac would revert back to solely using eight-cylinder power in the early 1940s, being the only option for many years.


by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020

Related Reading : Cadillac 314 History

The Cadillac 314 was introduced in 1926 and served as a replacement for the V63 Cadillac of the prior year. The 314 name would be used again in 1927, with a slight modification being called the 314A, and replaced by the 341 in 1928. This was a significant vehicle for the Cadillac marque, as the company itself made a shift from the Henry Leland engineering era to the Earnest Seaholm and Harley Earle....
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1927 Cadillac Series 314A Vehicle Profiles

1927 Cadillac Series 314A vehicle information
Roadster

Coachwork: Fisher
1927 Cadillac Series 314A vehicle information
Sedan

Coachwork: Fisher
1927 Cadillac Series 314A vehicle information
Seven-Passenger Touring

Coachwork: Fisher
1927 Cadillac Series 314A vehicle information
7-Passenger Sedan

Coachwork: Fleetwood
Chassis #: 1-42071

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1927 Series 314A
$5,750-$66,000
1927 Cadillac Series 314A Price Range: $2,995 - $5,750

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

314

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
27,771
132.00 in., 138.00 in., 150.00 in.
8 cyl., 314.40 CID., 87.00hp
$2,995 - $6,500
8,599
132.00 in., 138.00 in.
8 cyl., 314.50 CID., 87.00hp
$2,995 - $5,750

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