1907 Cadillac Model M

The Cadillac Automobile Company of Detroit, Michigan was founded by Henry Martyn Leland and Robert Faulconer, with its first car completed in October of 1902. It quickly earned a reputation for its superior manufacturing technology, precision gear cutting, durability, and reliability. A few months later it was shown at the New York Auto Show where William E. Metzer (the company's sales manager and formerly of Olds Motor Works, later the 'M' of E-M-F) received 2,286 orders for the new Cadillac prompting him to declare that the Cadillac was 'sold out.' Larger and more powerful versions quickly followed, and by 1907 the lineup included the Model G, Model H, Model K, and Model N. Wheelbase sizes ranged from 74-inches on the Model K to 102-inches on the Model H. Power was from single or four-cylinder engines, ranging from 20 to 30 horsepower and backed by a selective sliding three-speed transmission with a leather-faced cone clutch or a two-speed Planetary unit. Braking was on rear-wheel mechanical brakes contracting on inboard drums.

Both the Model M and the Model K shared the same wheelbase except the Model M was two inches longer. The Model K was offered as a Victoria Runabout, with or without a Victoria top, and the Model M was offered as a two-door 'Straight line' Tourer, Victoria Tourer, Folding Tonneau, two-passenger coupe, and a Deluxe two-passenger coupe.

The Cadillac Model M was introduced in 1906 and was built through 1908. The single-cylinder, L-head engine displaced 98.2 cubic inches, had a single updraft carburetor, copper water jacket, two main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, and developed 10 horsepower. It had a two-speed planetary transmission with chain drive. The suspension was by leaf springs.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020