Cadillac History and Legacy

You might not know it, but Cadillac has been in the automotive business for well over a century! With a brand rich with history and innovation, this name is worthy of the praise it earns and will continue to amass in the future. To fill you in on this make's legacy, we at Heritage Cadillac have put together this brief timeline.

1900s to 1940s

Let's start at the beginning in 1902, when Henry M. Leland founded Cadillac. Only a year later, the first model debuts at the New York Auto Show that undoubtedly took the world by storm. Over the next two decades, Cadillac continued to outdo itself with milestones like being acquired by General Motors Inc., introducing the first mass-produced V8 engine, electric self-starting, and over 500 color and upholstery combinations. Form and function improved by the time the 1930s rolled around, as evidenced by the world's first V16 engine that generated 160 horsepower and V12 powertrain that belted out 135 horsepower. Along with it, the Cadillac "Goddess" hood ornament was introduced. As the turn of the decade drew near, this brand became the first model in America to offer a sunroof. By the 1940s, Cadillac couldn't be stopped, thanks to the arrival of the 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, tail fins, and a two-door hardtop model named the Coupe de Ville.

1950s to 1980s

As technology and mechanics evolved at a rapid pace, so did the features produced by Cadillac. In 1950, the 24 Hours of Le Mans race included two Cadillac Series 61 racers that proved this brand was far more than just a luxurious car maker. That didn't mean opulence was entirely overlooked, because the Eldorado Brougham showcased supple add-ons like a brushed stainless roof, power memory seat, automatic door locks, air suspension, and so much more. By the 1960s, those who purchased Cadillac cars could look forward to self-adjusting brakes, a tilt and telescopic steering column, electric seat heaters, and an industry-first thermostatically regulated HVAC system. To ensure safety, front seatbelts are standard across the board. As time passed, rolling into the 1970s, Cadillac took protective measures to levels of driver airbags and electronic fuel injection. And those who purchased the 1978 Seville model were able to operate a digital in-dash trip computer. If you were a Cadillac buyer in the 1980s, you would be able to enjoy America's first transverse-mounted V8 automobile, complete with FWD! 

1990s to Present

Precision and power went hand in hand, as evidenced by Allanté becoming the first FWD model with electronic traction control. To add onto that, the 1992 iteration included a 4.6L Northstar V8 engine to bring the heat with every tap of the accelerator. In just a few short years, the Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension system debuts, while OnStar® is available a year later in 1997. Even with all of these mechanical hurdles, Cadillac doesn't forget its comfort-focused roots by including a massaging lumbar seating on select Deville, Seville, and Eldorado models. It goes without saying that the early 2000s brought a new wave of fans as Cadillac cements itself as a cultural touchstone by being referenced in mainstream media of various kinds. The turn of the century included various impressive innovations, like the 2000 Deville being the first car to offer Night Vision. Between 2012 and 2015, Cadillac earned various awards with the Pirelli World Challenge Manufacturer Championship and Driver Championships. Another area of expertise is Super Cruise™, which was ushered into production in 2017. In 2022, all-electric luxury models like the LYRIQ and CELESTIQ were unveiled to the world. These milestones are clearly only the beginning, because we can trust that Cadillac is always motivated to take popular trends and make them their own, and bring innovation to new standards. If you'd like to learn more, contact our team.