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1921 Cadillac Type 59

After World War I, sales at Cadillac continued to grow and by the early 1920s, Cadillac production was scattered among 70 different buildings around Detroit. That year, the General Motors division moved to its new Clark Avenue facility on the city's west side. Due to the tremendous logistics involved, the move turned out to be very complex and time-consuming. As a result of these challenges, Cadillac carried over most of its 1921 models from 1920 virtually unchanged. The Model 59 Cadillacs of 1920-21 were similar, in many respects, to the car it replaced - the Type 57. Differences included a change from ten-spoke wheels to twelve, the speedometer drive was moved to the transmission from the front axle, and the intake manifold was now heated by exhaust gasses. There was a new-style 4-pole motor-generator added, the crankshaft diameter was increased by 2 inches, and the frame was stiffened by lengthening the deep section. Changes occurred throughout the various body styles as well. The Touring body style now rested on a 132-inch platform, the cowl was lengthened on the Phaeton and Roadsters, and a two-passenger coupe was added to the lineup. It, along with the Town Brougham, was later dropped but was brought back with the Type 61. Other changes to body styles included hiding the hood hinges, smaller sidelights installed and moved closer to the windshield, and the headlights and sidelights were optionally available in full nickel.

The Roadster, Phaeton, Victoria, Coupe, and sedan had a wheelbase size of 125 inches and rode on 34 x 4.5-inch wheels; all other body styles had a 132-inch platform and 35 x 5-inch wheels. Power was from a 314.5 cubic-inch V8 that provided about 31 horsepower and was attached to a three-speed selective sliding gear transmission with a multiple disc, dry plate clutch.

The seven-passenger touring car with auxiliary jump seats was one of eight models offered. Production was held to just 11,130 cars for the model year. A noteworthy addition was an access panel in the chassis apron that concealed the battery. This new feature was a convenience in an era when most batteries were inconveniently located either below the floor of the driver's compartment or under the front seat.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourer
Chassis number: C5962

This Seven-Passenger Touring Car wears an older restoration with recent mechanical service performed by Stone Barn Restorations. It is finished in maroon with black fenders and wooden artillery wheels with a natural finish. The car spent most of its life in India in the State of Bahar until it was repatriated in the 1960s. It has been in the current ownership since 1985. The car is equipped with a whimsical snake bulb horn, driver's side spotlight, rear-mounted spare, and a Motometer radiator cap.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the St. Johns sale presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $40,000 to $50,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $22,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Victoria
Chassis number: Q-59-993
Engine number: 59-Q-993

A Scottish-born engineer named D. McCall White designed an L-head engine with two cast-iron blocks with integral heads, mounted on an aluminum-copper-alloy crankcase. The banks of cylinders were directly opposite one another and used Henry Leland's fork-and-blade connecting rods. This new Cadillac engine was introduced in 1915 and would be the first American mass-produced V-8 engine. It was introduced in the 1915 Type 51 and continued to power future Models including the Type 57 and the Type 59. With the introduction of the Type 59 in 1921, the engine received several improvements including an exhaust-heated intake header.

Along with mechanical changes, the bodies had also received updates to keep the line looking modern and fresh. Closed bodies had become more popular than the open styles, which now numbers just three - a roadster, phaeton, and seven-passenger touring.

This particular Cadillac Type 59 has a Four-Passenger Victoria body. To gain access to the two-person rear seat, the front passenger seat folds forward. This example was shipped to Neel Cadillac, the Philadelphia dealer, on October 3rd of 1920. Its first owner was D.M. Groome, of Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, who purchased it on April 2nd of 1921. The Merrick Auto Museum acquired it in 1997 from Irving Kramer of West Bloomfield, Michigan.

This Cadillac Type 59 has been given a 770-hour restoration. It is finished in burgundy with black fenders and upper body. Inside, the upholstery is finished in tan pleated cloth. There are roller shades on the rear and side windows, and there is a pull-out electric cigarette lighter. On top of the radiator cap is the Cadillac crest MotoMeter. The car rides on twelve-spoke varnished-wood artillery wheels carry 34 × 4½ blackwall tires on 23-inch demountable rims.

by Dan Vaughan