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 Dan Vaughan

7-Passenger Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 1-42071

Cadillac has a long history and for many years been the top-of-the-line vehicle for General Motors. Their vehicles have always been renowned for their quality, style, and innovation. They were the first vehicle to use an electric starter which revolutionized the automobile. Prior to this, women preferred steam and electric cars because they were easier to drive and less dirty. After the electric starter was introduced, gasoline-powered vehicles flourished on a greater scale. By 1914 Cadillac was mass-producing its V8 engines, more-so than any other marque of that era.

In July 1925 Cadillac introduced the 314 Series followed by the 314-A Series in July 1926. The 314A Series remained in production until August 1927. With fifty body styles offered, it was nearly guaranteed that each vehicle was unique in its own respects. Fisher offered 18 of those body styles. Eleven others were courtesy of Fleetwood, Willoughby, and Brunn. The 314 Series was also known as 'The New Ninety-degree Cadillac's' due to its 90-degree mounted engine. The styling was courtesy of Earnest Seaholm and Harley Earle. Prior to this, the engineering was that of Henry Leland. The bodies of the 314 Series were mostly by Fisher, though some custom Fleetwood bodies were created near the close of 1925.

The Model 314 B Custom Line sat atop a 140-inch wheelbase. Luxury vehicles of the time were typically built on 132-inch frames. The additional room gave the passengers more interior room. Parking next to other vehicles only elevated their social status even further. The large 90-degree V8 L-head motor is mated to a three-speed manual transmission.

The example shown, a black Model 314 B Custom Line was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction held on Hilton Head Island. It was expected to fetch between $100,000 - $120,000. Its odometer reads just 33,000 miles since new. It has only had two owners with the original owner ordering many additional options such as the Buffalo wire wheels and the trunk rack and trunk. At the conclusion of the bidding, chassis number 1-42071 was left unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Seven-Passenger Touring by Fisher

'The New Ninety Degree Cadillac' debuted in 1926 and the 1927 was a continuation of the series. Cadillac's sales literature used the catchphrase, 'Fifty body styles and types - Five hundred colors and upholstery combinations.' This fine example features the now standard nickel-plated radiator shell and 12-spoke wooden artillery wheels. It is particularly special to its present owner because his grandfather was its first owner, and it has remained in his family ever since.

This Series 314 Cadillac is one of 50,619 vehicles produced in 1926 and 1927. This 4,615-pound vehicle rides on a 138-inch wheelbase and is powered by a side-valve, 314.5-cubic-inch (5.15 liter) V8 engine developing 80 horsepower, coupled to a 3-speed manual transmission.

Sedan by Fisher

During 1926-1927, Cadillac models outsold 8-cylinder rivals from Lincoln, Packard, Peerless, and Stutz combined. The powerful, reliable, and quiet Cadillac engine was a major contributor to this accomplishment. First offered in 1915, the pioneering 314.5 CID (5.15L) V8 carried an 80 horsepower rating for 1927.

Buyers were also choosing Cadillac to partake of the unprecedented color and trim selections offered by the marque. When General Motors introduced fast-drying Dupont 'Duco' lacquer finishes in 1924, it opened the door to the automotive 'color revolution.' By 1927, Cadillac and its new LaSalle companion car were advertising the availability of 500 interior/exterior combinations.

This 1927 Cadillac is a 138-inch wheelbase model and carries a 7-passenger sedan body built by Fisher. It weighs about 6,000 lbs. The car appeared in the 1956 movie, 'The Eddy Duchin Story,' starring Tyrone Power and Kim Novak.

Over the past eight decades, the Cadillac has had but three owners. It was delivered new to a New York customer, who would carefully maintain it for three decades. The second owner obtained it in the late 1950s, bringing it to Michigan. A painstaking restoration was begun in the late 1980s. In 2007, third owner Mr. Rand acquired the Cadillac and has since refreshed the restoration, while carefully preserving the stately sedan's many authentic details.

Roadster by Fisher

The roaring twenties were well underway when Harley Earl created the art and color selection at General Motors. For 1927, Cadillac offered an incredible 50 body types and styles featuring 500 color and upholstery combinations. Taking advantage of this wide range of choices, Mr. F.J. Baumann of Binghampton, NY took delivery of his new Bambalina blue roadster on August 14, 1926. Special ordered were body-color fenders, chassis, radiator shell, and lamps with white enamel hickory spoke wheels. This vehicle was dormant for 35 years and after nearly five years of restoration, it has been brought back to its original glory.

Seven Passenger Sedan
Engine number: 143461

It is believed that this 1927 Cadillac Series 314 Standard Five-Passenger Sedan was acquired new by James Halikias of Dekalb, Illinois, and later owned by his son, Peter Halikias, also of Dekalb, Illinois. During his career, Peter served (for a short time) as Dwight D. Eisenhower's personal driver during World War II while serving in the U.S. Army. The Cadillac was later inherited by his son, Jimmy Halikias, and while in his care it is believed that the car received a restoration. The work was completed in June 2010.

After many years of single-family ownership, the car was purchased from the Jimmy Halikias Estate in June 2017 by its current caretaker.

This Cadillac is finished in blue with navy blue fenders and beltline mouldings. There are dual cowl lights, a driver's side wiper, a rear-mounted spare, a sun visor, and Trippe Safety Speedlights. The painted wood-spoke wheels have factory hub caps and are wrapped with Lester whitewall tires. Under the bonnet is a 314 cubic inch V8 engine backed by a three-speed manual transmission. The interior is finished in light blue cloth accented by wood-framed windows and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. Instrumentation included a speedometer, air, gas, oil, and amperes gauges, a Jaeger clock, and a retractable lighter.

by Dan Vaughan

Seven Passenger Sedan
Chassis number: 139180

Cadillac introduced its first V-8-powered model in 1915 and its engine was essentially two four-cylinder engines fused together with a common flat crank. Although effective, this design was inherently imbalanced. Cadillac eventually resolved this issue with a balanced, two-plane crankshaft counterweighted with rod journals positioned at a 90-degree angle to one another. This new 314 cubic-inch displacement engine was installed in a new model that Cadillac called the Series 314 (for obvious reasons). It had a one-piece windshield, a narrower and taller nickel-plated radiator, and thermostatically controlled shutters. The closed-bodied cars had vertical 'V-V' styled glass and beneath the sweeping front fenders were the battery and toolboxes.

This particular Cadillac wears a polychrome blue paint scheme over gray leather and fabric upholstery. The white and blue, wooden 'artillery' style wheels wear wide whitewall tires. At the front is a nickel-plated radiator with color-matched blue shutters and a Herald hood ornament. The interior has a glass divider window, reading lamps, limousine-like rear seating, folding jump seats, and a folding footrest.

This Fisher-bodied Imperial Seven-Passenger Sedan was given a frame-off restoration that began around 2016 and finished in 2019.

by Dan Vaughan

Seven Passenger Sedan
Engine number: 143461

The 1927 car has anti-lock brakes, one of the features that made Cadillac the 'Standard of the World.' During this model year, Cadillac made three major motor changes, which were identified by the range of the engine number.

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 tenure. These new vehicles could be distinguished from past models by their nickel-plated radiator shell. which had been given a more-round appearance. All bodies were originally built by Fisher, but Fleetwood would be given the opportunity to work their craft later in 1926 and in 1927.

The 314 came in Standard and Custom bodies for 1926. The custom line bodies were mounted on a 138-inch wheelbase and most were given a swing-out, single-pane, windshield. Open cars had vent wings. Other distinguishing features were the 10-inch drum headlights, roof bead molding which aided in keeping rain from entering the vehicle, exterior rubber-finished door handles, extra lighting such as panel lights and automatic dome light, running board mats, and a Motometer on the top of the radiator grille. The custom line also had a rear bumper and a double front bumper to help to protect the vehicle. The standard line could purchase the bumper for an additional $24 each. The custom line vehicles were elegant and well-appointed, evident by their interior hardwood decorative panels, detachable vanity and smoker cases, silk cord handles, special seat fabric with springs for comfort, and electric gasoline gauge.

The eight-cylinder engine displayed 314.4 cubic-inches, had three main bearings, a Cadillac carburetor, and an available 87 horsepower. The engine was mated to a selective sliding gear three-speed transmission with multiple disc clutch and shaft drive. Mechanical brakes on all four wheels provided the stopping power.

There were a total of 27,771 examples of the Cadillac produced during the 1926 calendar year. The 1926 Cadillac's had been introduced in August of 1925 with total sales from August of 1925 to September of 1927 amassing 50,619. The 314A Cadillac's of 1927 was introduced in July of 1926 and produced through August of 1927. There were a few changes, mostly aesthetic, such as a new fender design with a convenient compartment for the battery and tools. The radiator was modified and now looked different than the prior year.

Both the 314 and 314A were offered in a variety of body styles. The 314A had 8 Standard body styles, 13 custom body styles available from the factory, five Brumm and Willoughby custom styles, and 15 custom styles offered by Fleetwood. The base price for the 2 door Brougham standard body was just under $3,000 with the top of the line Limousine Brougham by Fleetwood costing nearly $5,550.

The Cadillac's with their L-head engines were very versatile, offered in a variety of body styles that catered to a wide audience of buyers, and continued the marque's slogan of the 'Standard of the World.'

by Dan Vaughan