The History of Cadillac

In 1905, a five-seat Cadillac with a wooden body and a four-cylinder engine appeared. The car quickly became popular with American buyers. 

In July 1909, General Motors bought the company for $5,969,200. The former owners stayed on as managers.

In 1912, Cadillac began fitting its cars with a useful new feature, the electric starter, which eliminated the need to hand-crank the engine. By 1922, about 20,000 Cadillacs were on the road worldwide. The Type 61 was especially successful, and it came with windshield wipers and a rearview mirror.

In 1927, the famous designer Harley Earl took a hand in shaping the look of Cadillac. Thanks to him, these cars gained their distinctive radiator grille, which remains a signature Cadillac element to this day.

From 1927 to 1992, Cadillac regularly paced the Indianapolis 500. The first model to lead the field was the legendary LaSalle.

In the 1930s, the Cadillac name became firmly associated with prestige and technical excellence. New V12 and V16 engines let the company take a leading position in the US auto industry. During this period Cadillac was equipped with all sorts of technical innovations, including an automatic transmission, independent front suspension and air conditioning.

World War II disrupted Cadillac's successful run, which had continued until 1940. By 1942, civilian car production had been wound down. The company began building light tanks, M-24 platforms for M-8 howitzers, and parts for the Allison V12 aircraft engine. 

After the war, car production returned to normal. The rear fenders of the 1948 Cadillac were decorated with aerodynamic tailfins, inspired by the Lockheed P-38 warplane, which drew a storm of enthusiasm.

In 1949, thanks to a light and powerful V8 engine, Cadillac won the title of the fastest car in the United States. In 1952, to mark its 50th anniversary, the company began producing models of its "Golden Series," the first of which was the Cadillac Debutante. The stylish 1957 Eldorado Brougham became a genuine hit and, refined many times over, was recognized as a calling card of the Cadillac style.

In 1964, the three-millionth Cadillac was built, and another very productive decade lay ahead. By 1966, the company's cars were offered with heated seats and other new features. For example, by 1970 the Eldorado was fitted with a new 500-cubic-inch (8.2 L) engine, and then came the transistorized Track Master anti-skid braking system.

Cadillacs of the 1970s had various innovations aimed at safety, such as air bags. The new 1975 Seville was economical, roomy and nimble, which thousands of drivers around the world appreciated. By 1980, the design of the model had changed beyond recognition, making it one of the most extravagant cars in the United States. For the US bicentennial, Cadillac introduced a commemorative Eldorado whose body and interior trim echoed the colors of the American flag.

From 1984 to 1997, John O. Grettenberger headed Cadillac. During his tenure the company produced many elegant, technically advanced models that quickly won over drivers. In 1990, Cadillac received a prestigious quality award, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Until 1997, no other automaker could boast such a top honor.

In 1996, the Northstar engine reached 300 horsepower. A year later, several models (the Eldorado Touring Coupe, DeVille Concours and Seville STS) received the unique StabiliTrak stability system. The Cadillac d'Elegance, a restyled version of the popular DeVille, combined comfort and luxury with new technical equipment.

A major event for Cadillac in 2001 was the launch of the powerful Escalade SUV, followed by the compact CTS sedan. 

Cadillac has kept producing new, memorable models to this day. These cars stand out for their high quality, elegant, distinctive design and the latest technology. The 2004 newcomers, such as the two-seat XLR sports roadster, the all-wheel-drive SRX sport wagon and the Escalade ESV, built on the Chevrolet Suburban platform, meet the company's highest quality standards and quickly became popular with longtime Cadillac fans and new buyers alike.