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1922 Cadillac Type 61

Cadillac was formed in 1902 from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company. They built their first automobile in October of 1902 and quickly established a reputation for precision manufacture of high-quality motor cars. In 1912, they led the industry with its innovative electric starting and lighting systems, pushing the mechanical envelope further in 1915 with the first mass-produced V-8 engine. Designed by D. McCall White, a Scottish-born engineer, the new L-head engine used two cast-iron blocks with integral heads, mounted on a common crankcase of aluminum and copper alloy. The engine employed Cadillac founder Henry Leland's preferred fork-and-blade connecting rods and had cylinder banks placed directly opposite each other.

Cadillac introduced the Type 61 in September of 1921 and remained in production through the 1923 model year, with approximately 41,000 examples built. A total of 12 body styles were offered, resting on a single 132-inch wheelbase platform. The new Type 61 was only slightly different than the preceding Type 59 and 60 models of 1920 and 1921, featuring a higher radiator and raised hood shoulder, along with an aluminum hood. The Type 61 had the same ground clearance as before, but due to smaller diameter wheels, it had a lowered center of gravity. The previous fork used to carry the headlights was replaced by a single post. The optional nickel-plated lights and radiator had straight sides rather than curves. Inside was a new steering wheel devoid of the hinge.

The two-passenger coupe and town brougham body styles were carried over from the previous models, with the five-passenger coupe being new. The Landau sedan was new for 1923.

The ninety-degree. L-head, V-8 engine displaced 314.5 cubic inches and had a float feed carburetor manufactured by Cadillac under C.F. Johnson patents, and delivered 60 horsepower. It used a selective sliding gear transmission with multiple disc, dry plate clutch, and stopping power by mechanical brakes on two wheels, with one external and one internal. At all four corners were wood artillery wheels with demountable rims.

by Dan Vaughan

1922 Cadillac Type 61 Limousine by Holbrook

Limousine by Holbrook

In the early 1920s, Cadillac offered a very wide range of models from two-passenger roadsters to large, impressive limousines such as the one shown. This handsome motor car in Brewster Green was constructed by New York coachbuilder Holbrook and is powered by Cadillac's well-proved V8 engine with 314 cubic-inch displacement.

Suburban Seven Passenger Sedan
Chassis number: 61R776

The Type 61 Suburban Seven-Passenger Sedan is powered by a 314.5 cubic-inch L-head V-8 engine offering 31.24 SAE horsepower. There is a three-speed selective sliding gearbox and two-wheel internal and external mechanical brakes. It has spent 60 years of its life in storage and has had just three owners from new. Around the 2000s, it was given a cosmetic restoration, along with an all-original interior fitted with blue velvet upholstery. It has its original engine, driveline and pressurized fuel system, powered by a built-in air compressor. The car includes brass door handles, roll-up curtains, a roll-out windshield, fold-up rear seats and hickory-spoke wheels.

In 2009, this Touring car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was expected to sell for $25,000 - $30,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for the sum of $22,000, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Cadillac was an innovative company, having established a reputation for the precision manufacture of high-quality motor cars and the introduction of the innovative electric starting and lighting systems in 1912. They pushed the technology further with the first mass-produced V8 engine in 1915. The engine was designed by D. McCall White, a Scottish-born engineer, featuring a new L-head engine using two cast-iron blocks with integral heads, mounted on a common crankcase of aluminum and copper alloy. The cylinder banks were placed directly opposite to each other and it employed Cadillac founder Henry Leland's preferred fork-and-blade connecting rods.

The Type 51 of 1915 introduced Cadillac's first left-hand drive car. Its chassis design was similar to the prior four-cylinder models, with a platform-type, leaf-sprung rear suspension.

From 1915 to 1918, Cadillac improved upon its V8 engine with a new manifold design and lighter pistons. The chassis also received updates, as it was strengthened and lengthened making it more comfortable and accommodating for its occupants.

The 1922 Cadillac models were dubbed the Type 61 and were available in 12 body styles on a single 132-inch wheelbase. There were few changes from the Type 59 and 60 models of 1920 and 1921, such as a higher radiator and raised hood shoulders on the Type 61. It even had aluminum, lightweight hood and a lowered center of gravity while keeping the same ground clearance as before by using smaller diameter wheels.

Cadillac introduced the Type 61 in September of 1921 and it would remain in production through the 1923 model year, with production totals of about 41,000 units.

by Dan Vaughan