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1908 Cadillac Model S

Sales dropped by 37 percent in 1907, an indication to Henry Leland that Cadillac should focus more heavily on developing multi-cylinder cars. The decline in sales was only temporary, as an ambitious Cadillac salesman in London, England named Frederick S. Bennett aided in reversing Cadillac's slump. He had been importing Cadillacs into Europe since 1903 and saw an opportunity to showcase the car's potential by entering three examples in Sir Thomas Dewar's annual trophy event. The three cars were disassembled, the parts shuffled, and then reassembled to new. This was overseen by the Royal Automobile Club. After the three cars were put back together, even using 89 parts from stock to prove interchangeability, they started and were drivable. This demonstration of interchangeability, plus being awarded the Dewar Trophy, gave the Cadillac marque instant worldwide recognition and spawned the slogan 'Standard of the World.'

The Cadillac Model S was introduced in 1907 and in 1908 the wheelbase was extended to 82 inches with the overall length of the car being 10 feet and one inch, and fitted with full running boards that replaced the step plates. Standard tires were 30-inch X 3-inch. The single-cylinder engine had a cast-iron cylinder, copper water jacket, a 98.2 cubic-inch displacement, and 10 SAE-rated horsepower. It used a Planetary transmission with two forward gears, one reverse, a disc clutch, a spur gear differential, and a chain drive. Mechanical brakes on two wheels provided the stopping power, contracting on inboard drums.

The Model S had a factory base price in the mid-to-high $800s, earning it the least expensive model within the Cadillac lineup. Other 1908 Cadillac single-cylinder models included the M and the T. The Model M was a two-passenger delivery vehicle and the Model T, with prices that ranged from $1,000 to $1,350, was offered as a coupe, victoria tourer, and St. Line Tourer. The coupe had seating for two, while the other two body styles had seating for four. All three of those body styles had two doors.

The 1908 Model G and Model H were four-cylinder models. Cadillac produced approximately 1,030 vehicles in 1907, 2,377 in 1908, and 5,903 vehicles in 1909. Cadillac consolidated its lineup in 1909 with the Model 30, a four-cylinder model that would power Cadillacs through the mid-1910s when the V-8 engine was introduced in 1915.

by Dan Vaughan

Runabout

Cadillac Automobile Company originally shipped this car to Mr. Claude Nolan who was a Jacksonville Cadillac distributor for most of Florida, parts of Georgia, and as far north as Charleston, SC. It was sold to O.P. Woodcock, a prominent builder, and was later reacquired by the Claude Nolan dealership.

The WideTrack designation is the result of the destination of the vehicle. If the car was to be sold in rural areas at the time, the Widetrack version was provided to enhance stability on non-paved roads.

Except for a repaint to red, the car remains in its original condition until restored in 2001/2002. As shown, the car is finished as originally delivered with the same colors, pin striping, leather, and equipment.

Claude Nolan Cadillac, Inc., remains in the family and is one of the oldest continuous Cadillac dealerships in the nation.

Runabout
Chassis number: 24978

This chain-driven car is powered by a one-cylinder, 7-horsepower engine and was the last year Cadillac used the one-cylinder engine. It is equipped with a planetary transmission with 2-forward and 1-reverse gears. Braking is accomplished by brakes on two wheels; contracting on inboard drums.

Some of the options for the 1908 Cadillac Model G were:

- Headlights, 30 x 3.5-inch tires $50

- Rubber top with side curtains & storm apron $60

- Leather top with side curtains & storm apron $80

- Victoria style top (Factory installed only) $175

This car was restored in 2003 back to the way it left the factory. The body is painted green with red striping and black molding. The chassis is painted Carmine red with gold striping. The upholstery is black hand-buffed leather.

This 1908 Cadillac Model S Tulip Roadster was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $125,000 - $150,000 and offered without reserve. It sold for within the estimated value of $132,000 including the buyer's premium.

There were a total of 2,377 Cadillac cars built in 1908.

Cadillac Model S History

Runabout
Chassis number: 3812

The early single-cylinder Cadillacs were the foundation of the marque, building the reputation for quality, reliability, and comfort that earned Cadillac the Royal Automobile Club's Dewar Trophy for performance and interchangeable parts. As Cadillac clients began to fit bigger and more elaborate coachwork the four-cylinder Cadillacs became more popular but it was the single-cylinder Cadillacs, including the 1908 Model S, that had proved their qualities and appealed to many Cadillac clients. This Cadillac 1908 Cadillac Model S has an 82' wheelbase and the optional 61' track, 5' wider than standard to fit the wagon ruts of the rural Southwest. Its single-cylinder of 5x5 inches displaces 98 cubic inches and carries a 10hp ALAM rating, probably pretty close to its actual horsepower output. The coachwork is a Tulip Runabout, standard for the Cadillac and priced at $850 FOB Detroit, finished in Blue with Black fenders and upholstered in Black leather. It has abundant brass trim including Saxon acetylene headlights, Gray & Davis kerosene sidelights, and taillight. It was restored to very high standards fifteen years ago, winning many shows and concours then was parked for several years until it was recently brought out, recommissioned and detailed. Its restoration is still crisp and sharp and will acquit itself well at any show or concours. It runs smoothly, like a Swiss watch. This is the basis for Cadillac's claim to The Standard of the World and it is a welcome participant in the many enjoyable brass and gas tours, shows, and events. It is real Cadillac quality, refinement, and luxury.

by Hyman Ltd