1935 Cadillac Model 355-D Eight

Cadillac was the flagship of the General Motors empire and a leader in the luxury car segment, but during the early 1920s, its reputation had begun to erode. The designs were deemed too conservative and uninteresting. In just four years, beginning in 1927, Cadillac would undergo a transformation thanks to the creation of Harley Earl's 'Art and Color' department and the introduction of the chic European-influenced LaSalle. LaSalle would champion a design that would inspire the entire General Motors lineup, and its influences on the Cadillac line would catapult it to the top of the fine car market.

Beyond just style, Cadillac embraced an unprecedented level of mechanical sophistication, beginning with the introduction of the new V16 in 1930 and continuing on well into the 1960s, including the overhead valve V8s and the innovative tailfin design of the late 1950s. A wide network of dealers and the plethora of talent within the General Motors division added to Cadillac's arsenal, allowing it to weather the difficult years of the Great Depression.

As Cadillac entered the 1930s, its designs employed an aeronautically-inspired theme and were some of the finest streamlined luxury cars ever built. The shapes improved performance, reduce road noise and wind, and gave the cars a timeless look by concealing many of the car's external features within the bodywork itself. The radiator, vee-shaped grille, and windshield were given a sporty and stylish rake, and the bumpers had an attractive (albeit ineffective) biplane design, mounted against telescoping springs. The delicate use of chrome trim accented the lines and features, and teardrop Guide Multibeam headlights perched on streamlined supports atop the fenders. The curvaceous and rounded fenders had an airfoil shape there were stretched low over the chassis. The entire presentation took into account both form and function, being pleasing to the eye while remaining effective at speed.

Cadillac's sixteen-cylinder engine joined the eight-cylinder model in 1930, and soon Cadillac raised the bar further with the introduction of a twelve-cylinder model. Improvements were made year-over-year, both to mechanical sophistication and design. 1932 introduced longer and lower bodies with a newly restyled assemble. The rooflines were reduced by three inches, the hoods became longer, and running boards mirrored the sweep of the front fenders. 1933 improved upon the design while the 1934 Cadillac models introduced a new styling direction, retaining its streamlined heritage, and built atop new chassis. The eight-cylinder line was offered on a 128-, 136-, and 146-inch wheelbase, and the bodies were shared with the 12- and 16-cylinder models.

The 1935 Cadillac Model 355-D

The extensive body style catalog for the 1935 Cadillac Model 355-D included over 60 different designs and configurations on three different-sized platforms. Thirteen designs were by Fisher with the remainder being those by Fleetwood. The styles remained unchanged from the previous year with only minor trim and bumper upgrades. The eight-cylinder Cadillac continued to rest on a 128-inch (Series 10), 136-inch (Series 20), and 146-inch (Series 30) wheelbase. The Fisher designs were built on the Series 10 and Series 20 platform, and the Fleetwood on the larger Series 30. Additionally, Cadillac offered a commercial platform with a wheelbase size of 160 inches primarily for funeral hearses and ambulance equipment.

The 1935 Cadillacs, introduced in January of that year, featured all-steel turret-tops on the Fisher designs while the Fleetwood bodies would wait a year before incorporating the design. The previous biplane bumpers were replaced by conventional bumpers.

The ninety-degree L-head 353 cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine had a cast-iron block, aluminum crankcase, three main bearings, and mechanical valve lifters. A 6.25:1 compression ratio was standard and the 5.75:1 setting was optional. The 130 horsepower produced by the engine was handled by a selective, synchromesh three-speed transmission with a twin-disc clutch. A standard final drive ratio of 4.60:1 was standard on the Series 10 and Series 20, and optional on the Series 30. The Series 30 had a 4.8:1 final drive ratio, optional on the Series 10 and 20. Additional optional equipment included side-mounted spares with covers, a radio, heater, seat covers, flexible steering wheel, and seat covers.

Prices for the Series 10 ranged from $2,345 for the two-door sport coupe and rose to $2,49 for the two-door town coupe and four-door town sedan. The convertible coupe and sedan listed at $2,445, and the two-door convertible sedan at $2,755.

The Series 20 prices ranged from $2,545 for the sport coupe to $2,945 for the seven-passenger Imperial Sedan. The convertible coupe and sedan were $2,645, the town sedan at $2,695, the seven-passenger sedan at $2,795, and $2,695 for the town sedan.

The Fleetwood bodied Series 30, both with flat and vee'd windshield, had a drastic price range from the low-$3,000 to the upper-$5,000s.

Combined 1934 and 1935 production for the eight-cylinder Cadillac was 8,318 units.

The 1935 Cadillac Model 370-D Series 40

The Fleetwood-bodied Cadillac Twelve rested on the 146-inch wheelbase platform with prices that ranged from $4,045 to $6,300. The 368 cubic-inch twelve-cylinder, 45-degree, overhead valve engine had four main bearings, a dual Detroit lubricator carburetor, and produced 150 horsepower at 3,600 RPM. Mechanical brakes with vacuum assist on all wheels provided the stopping power and the transmission was a selective, synchromesh three-speed unit. The same was used on the sixteen-cylinder model.

1,098 examples of the 1934 and 1935 Cadillac Twelve were built.

The 1935 Cadillac Model 452-D Series 60

The Fleetwood-bodied sixteen-cylinder Cadillac had a 154-inch wheelbase platform and was priced from $6,900 to $9,000. The 45-degree, overhead-valve, cast-iron engine had an aluminum crankcase, five main bearings, a Dual Detroit Lubricator carburetor, 6.0:1 compression, and delivered 185 horsepower at 3,800 RPM.

150 examples of the sixteen-cylinder Cadillac were produced in 1934 and 1935.

by Dan Vaughan

Town Sedan by Fleetwood
Chassis number: 3105172

This 1935 Cadillac Series 30 Five-Passenger Town Sedan by Fleetwood was ordered on November 12th of 1934 and invoiced to Cadillac Automobile Company, of Boston, the dealership of Alvan T. Fuller. The build sheet is annotated 'ship after 1/2/35,' and further noted 'SHOW CAR,' indicating that this car was displayed at the 1935 Boston Auto Show. After the show, the car is believed to have been returned to Cadillac. It was then sold to its first owner in California, where it remained until the 1970s. It was sold to San Francisco collector Owen Franklin Hoyt, who also kept it for many years, and after a couple of subsequent owners, it found its way to New Jersey, where it was purchased by the current owner.

The car originally had Cathedral Grey with Vincennes Red wheels. By the time it was acquired by the current owner, it had been painted black. They grey whipcord upholstery is believed to be original, as is detailed on the build sheet.

Power comes from a 335 cubic-inch L-head V8 offering 130 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel, power-assisted mechanical brakes. The wheelbase measures a large 146 inches.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan by Fisher

This Cadillac Series 20 Convertible Sedan was originally ordered in April of 1935 through Capital Cadillac Company of Washington D.C. It was built for the 1935 Shrine Convention where it was used for transportation for the organization's leaders, and also as a parade car. It certainly looked splendid in its Madrid Maroon finish with contrasting brilliant green wheels.

The current owner acquired this car in 2014, looking for a new project. After working on a variety of cars over the years, raising four children, and working in the masonry business for over fifty years, he desired a challenging project to work on during his retirement. After he picked up the car which was mostly in boxes, he knew he made the right decision.

Upon inspection, he found that although numerous parts were missing and it was clearly going to be quite an undertaking, the end result would be worth the effort. Three years were spent researching, chasing parts and painstakingly restoring every one of them. Finally, in 2017, the car was shown for the first time after the extensive restoration at the Auburn, Indiana Spring National meet, where it received its first award.

Convertible Coupe by Fisher
Engine number: 3106675

This 1935 Cadillac V-8 Convertible Coupe by Fisher was ordered by the John D. Wendell Cadillac dealership in Albany, New York, for display at the General Motors Spring Show staged in April 1935 at the Hotel Astor in New York City. The order was placed a mere three days before the start of the show, and when it appeared at the Hotel Astor it wore black paint with a tan top and optioned with side-mounted spare wheels, a wire-spoked 'flexible' steering wheel, a Goddess radiator mascot, wire wheels with black metal disc covers, and twin license plate frames.

The care was in the care of Glenn Streeter of Rancho Palos Verdes, California in the early 2010s. While in his care, it is believed that it was given a full mechanical restoration by the late Ernie Foster of Torrance, California, who reportedly rebuilt the engine and shock absorbers, and installed a new wiring harness and gas tank.

In 2012, the car won the Best Preservation Award at the 2012 Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance.

The 355-E has spent much of its recent years in controlled storage.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Sedan by Fisher
Chassis number: 31-7750
Engine number: 31-7032

Cadillac introduced a fully redesigned lineup for the 1934 model year, with numerous stylistic and technological updates, including the sloping rear deck and windshield, airfoil-shaped front and rear fenders, and teardrop Guide Multibeam headlamps. Compared to the 1933 models, the bodies of the 1934 vehicles were two inches lower, resulting in a sleeker appearance. The buying public agreed with the new designs so much that very little changed in 1935.

This 1935 Cadillac V-8 Convertible Sedan by Fisher was custom ordered new through Capitol Cadillac of Washington, D.C., for use in the 1935 Shriners International Convention. The Head Shriner, Imperial Potentate Dana S. Williams, rode in this car during the convention which took place in the capital on June 7, 1935.

This Cadillac wears a red paint scheme with a tan fabric convertible top and tan leather upholstery. The 17-inch beige-painted wheels with red disc covers are wrapped with wide whitewall tires. Additionally, there are dual side-mounted spare tires with covers.

This Convertible Sedan is powered by a 353 cubic-inch L-head V-8 engine rated at 130 horsepower. The current caretaker has treated the car to a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment, including a full engine rebuild replete with a new clutch and radiator core.

by Dan Vaughan

The Cadillac 355A appeared in September of 1930 and shared some similarities to its predecessor of 1930, the Series 353. In the front the radiator had a screen. The raditor had been mounted lower. There was a single bumper bar and dual horns. The hood was longer with five hood ports on the side. Under the hood was a V8 engine that displaced 353 cubic-inches and produced just under 100 horsepower. The floor boards were now metal, a big improvement over the prior years. The tool and battery compartments were relocated to under the front seat.

The Cadillac 355A was available in twelve different body styles with coachwork by either Fisher or Fleetwood. The elegant bodies rested on a 134 inch wheelbase and was 203 inches in length. A larger 152 inch wheelbase was available and used mostly for commercial vehicles. The lowest priced 355A cost just under $2,850 while the top-of-the-line 355A was nearly $3,800 which was the same price as an entry-level 370A with a twelve-cylinder engine.

In January of 1932 Cadillac introduced the 355B. This was the same time the LaSalle model line was introduced. There were various styling changes that occurred for the 1932 model 355B such as a restyled front and lowering of the roof-line by three-inches. The long hood now had six side vents. The vehicles now sat atop a 134-inch wheelbase or a 140-inch wheelbase. The base price was $2,795 which was the two-door coupe with seating for two/four. The top-of-the-line vehicle was the four-door limousine Brougham which had seating for seven and carried a $4245 price tag. The four-door Town Cabriolet with seating for seven also was offered for $4245.

Coachwork was by Fisher and Fleetwood. There were thirteen body-styles for Fisher in both open and closed configuration. The Fleetwood body-styles for 1932 were all closed-style configuration.

The V8 L-head engine was capable of producing 115 horsepower which was an increase in power over the prior years. This increase was due to the updated manifold design and carburetor revisions.

In 1933 Cadillac introduced the 355C. There were over twenty bodystyles to select from sitting on a 134-inch or a 140-inch wheelbase. The vertical hood doors were replaced with horizontal doors. The grille was V-shaped and the radiator shell was painted. The chrome-plated radiator-shell was offered as optional equipment.

For 1933 Fisher introduced the No-draft ventilation system which featured pivoting vent windows in the front and rear door windows. This allowed the passengers to operate the vents interpedently of the window glass. The engine was a 353 cubic-inch L-head V8 which produced 115 horsepower. An optional unit could be purchased which would raised the compression ratio to 5.70 and increased the horsepower rating to over 115.

by Dan Vaughan

The eight-cylinder Cadillac Series 355 was in production from 1931 through 1935. Just like the other Cadillac models at the time, they came in a variety of body styles including 2- and 4-door versions. The 1931 Series 355A was similar to the Series 353 except that it was lower and longer. It also had a longer hood with five hood ports. Power came from the 353 cubic-inch powerplant found in the 353. The floor boards were now made of metal. Inside, the battery and tool compartment were now located under the front seat. The instrument gauge grouping was the same as in the Series 353.

In the front of the Series 355 was a radiator screen with a single bar bumper and dual horns. The headlights were slightly smaller, decreasing in diameter by one inch. The radiator sat lower in the frame and there was now a condenser tank for cooling operation. The fan was also mounted lower to match the lower radiator.

The Series 355 had a new frame with divergent side rails. The suspension springs now had metal covers.

The Series 353 was named after its engine, a 353 cubic-inch V8. The Series 355, however - which also had the 353 engine - no longer matched the displacement. The L-Head V8 offering 95 horsepower and was mated to a three-speed synchromesh gearbox. The engine featured a five point suspension system, similar to the one being used by the V-16 models. An intake muffler was added and the distributor now sat 1.5 inches higher.

For 1932, the Series 355 became known as the 355B. It brought with it several changes, becoming longer and lower and given a restyled front assembly. The hood now had six hood ports. In the front was a flat grille that was built into the radiator shell. Cadillac did away with the fender tie bar and monogram bar. The license plate was mounted on the bumper. The head and side lights were now bullet shaped, and the dual taillights matched the headlights. The lights, a Super Safe three filament bulb, had four contour positions for degree and angle of illumination. The running boards had a curved design which matched the sweep of the front fenders and blended into the rear fenders. The tail of the back fenders blended into the fuel tank valence. There was a larger ventilator on top of the cowl and none on the sides. Separate body moldings were eliminated.

Inside, the driver's vision was improved by 30 percent due to the elimination of the outside visor, and the construction of a 12-degree sloping windshield and corner posts. The driver's view of the instrument cluster was improved thanks to a three spoke steering wheel. A 'locker' was added to the right side of the instrument panel.

The trunk on the town coupe, town sedan, and five-passenger convertible coupe was integral with the body.

Another exciting change for 1932 was the increase in horsepower, now rated at 115 BHP. Yet it was not enough to increase sales. In fact, sales plummeted to 2,700 by no fault of Cadillac. Instead, the world had plunged into the Great Depression and the pool of capable buyers able to purchase these elegant and modern vehicles dwindled.

For 1933, Cadillac again worked hard on enticing buyers into purchasing the 355C. But at the end of the year, just 2,100 examples had been purchased. The 1933 Series 355C was given bumpers that were sectioned, with plain ends and a three bar center. The grille became V-shaped and blended into the painted (or optional chrome) radiator shell. The tie bar returned and was sectioned and the center section was hidden behind the grille. The radiator cap was now under the hood. Skirts were added to the front and rear fenders.

Cadillac introduced their no-draft Individually Controlled Ventilation (ICV) or pivoting vent windows in the front doors and the rear quarter or rear door windows. Early models with the ICV had to lower the front door window to disengage the channel at its front edge from the vent window to allow the vent window to pivot. This was later modified with the sealing channel being attached directly to the door frame rather than to the window glass. The vent window could then be operated independently of the window glass.

The windshield and rear quarter windows were now stationary. The closed cars had their windshield operating mechanism removed, allowing room to conceal the wiper motors behind the headboard.

Vacuum assist was added to the braking system, the controlled freewheeling was discontinued, and changes in shock absorber valves extended the range of the ride control system. During the year the dual point four lobe distributor was replaced by a single point eight lobe unit.

For 1934, the Model 355D brought with it significant changes including an entirely new chassis and a completely restyled design. Power was the same as the 1933 model year.

Cadillac divided the 1934 Model 355D into three series, the Series 10, 20 and 30. Fisher was tasked with providing bodies for the Series 10 and 20. The Series 30 was reserved for Fleetwood, and these bodies were also found on the Cadillac V-12 and V-16. An independent front suspension was introduced, called 'knee-action.' Engine horsepower increased to 120.

The designs were modern and focused on aerodynamics with a streamlined design and the concealment of all chassis features except the wheels. Cadillac improved the body construction which better insulated the interior from engine heat and reduced engine, road and wind noise. The horns and radiator filler cap were hidden under the hood. Chrome was limited throughout the vehicle, though a chrome plated radiator shell was available as optional equipment. The parking lamps were mounted on the headlight supports. The entire fender shape was mounted into the radiator shell. The fixed windshields were steeply slowed with the Fisher bodied cars having an 18-degree rake. The Fleetwood bodies were raked up to 29.5 degree. Cowl vents opened toward the windshield; one vent on flat windshield bodies and two on V-shaped windshield bodies. Rear fenders were airfoil shaped and held the rear lights which matched the design of the headlights. The gas tank filler was on the left side at the rear of the body, on Fleetwood bodies in the left rear fender. All bodies had a beaver tail deck which completely covered the chassis.

Unless the optional fender mounts were specified, the Fleetwood bodied cars had their spare tires concealed under the rear deck.

Front passengers received additional space due to having the hand brake lever moved to the left of the driver, under the instrument panel.

The 1935 versions of the 355 were known as the 355E and were very similar to their 1934 counterparts. Changes were minimal, including the replacement of the biplane bumpers with more conventional units. Fisher bodies were given the all steel Turret Top while Fleetwood bodies would not receive this until 1936. Engine horsepower increased to 130 BHP.

by Dan Vaughan