Tonneau (detachable): on early Cadillac models, additional
seating for two passengers, mounted (detachable) at rear of body behind the front seats;
it comprised a single door at the rear and was available on "Runabout" models
from 1903 to the end of 1905; in later cars, the "tonneau" was the passenger
area behind the front seat; the term also may describe the piece of cowling sometimes
installed behind the front seat to protect the occupants of the rear compartment, as in
Fisher-Fleetwood so-called "sport phaeton" models; the second cowl could be
raised to facilitate entry to and exit from the rear seat. Sometimes it was fitted with a
folding, secondary windshield.
The detachable "tonneau" (left side of
image)
is affixed to the sloping back of the 2-seater runabout
1928 Fisher-bodied sport phaeton (left)
Secondary cowl in raised position for easy access to rear seat (right)
Tonneau cover: a soft, fabric envelope (later
made of rigid fiberglass) to hide the unsightly soft top frame and material when in the
folded position; some post-war Cadillac models had sliding or folding metal panels under
which the folded soft top disappeared completely out of sight [e.g. 1953 Eldorado].
Tonneau windshield: an auxiliary windshield mounted to the
"Tonneau" and which, in general, could be folded forward, flat against the
tonneau to let the "air in your hair". In two special Fleetwood V-16 styles the
tonneau windshield could be lowered into the partition between front and rear seats
(styles 4260 and 4260-A); in these cars there was no additional cowl for rear-seat
passengers
Top bows: in open, convertible cars, cross
"beams" of folding framework supporting cloth top and keeping top tight in
closed position; formerly wood, then metal they attached to lateral top irons.
Tops [convertible]: Early Cadillac cars had either rubber
or mohair tops. The former were made of high quality, rubber-covered 3-ply cloth with
heavy jeans backing; it was web-reinforced and padded with cotton wool; the top held its
shape well and gave the car a smooth top line. The mohair top was of black mohair
Mackintosh cloth. Priced from $55 to $95 they included side curtains and a stowage cover.
Early Cadillacs also offered slip covers for the seats in light-gray, twill-backed jeans
with rubber interlining.
Torpédo: French equivalent of Phaeton (see 1924 catalog )
Torque: in simple terms, the force that turns the rear
wheels [excerpt from 1959 press release]. Used as name of publication of Michigan Region
CCCA.
Tourer: UK equivalent of Touring car or Phaeton (see 1927
styles in SAB book, p.46).
Touring or "Touring car": an early Cadillac body
style designating an open car accommodating at least 4 persons; fitted with a folding top
(and occasionally waterproof side curtains) for use in inclement weather; more generally,
a large family-sized convertible automobile with 4 doors and a seating capacity for 5 to 7
passengers.
Town car: generally a chauffeur-driven automobile with an
open front compartment and, sometimes, a metal or makeshift leather covering to protect
the chauffeur in inclement weather; the passenger compartment, separated from the driver
by a fixed or mobile glass division, usually had exceptionally luxurious appointments;
many town cars had a "speaking-tube" mounted on the "B" pillar, the
outlet of which stood close to the left ear of the driver; the driver's seat and front
door panels of all Fleetwood town cars were finished in fine grain leather; a waterproof
foul-weather cover was stored in a special compartment in the division, behind the front
seat; it could be pulled out and buttoned on the windshield to protect the driver
Town [whatever]; an advertising copy-writer's gimmick to
sell large, difficult-to-park automobiles to the metropolitan dweller; the Cadillac-La
Salle owner would use the "Town Sedan" for shopping and the "Sport
Cabriolet" for "cruisin' down the highway"
Townsman: Golden anniversary model, 1952, CLCA
1978, inside front cover.
Toys, scale-models, miniature replicas: Many were made of
Cad-La Salle automobiles. I probably had up to 1989 the world's largest collection
numbering some 700 of them; I sold it in 1989 and the buyer has continued to expand the
collection; book on Cad toys entitled "Greenberg's Guide to Cadillac Models and
Toys" by Jeff Gurski published 1992 [ISBN 0-89778-288-7] is well illustrated but
unfortunately very incomplete.
Track Master: This technical
innovation was made in 1971; it is described briefly in company merchandising
literature as a computerized, rear wheel, skid-control braking system (the fore-runner of
ABS?); the system was optionally available on the Eldorado in 1971 ($211) and
on all models starting in 1972 ($205).
Traction Control: Another Cadillac suspension system
innovation; it was made available on the 1992 Fleetwood and was optional on the
DeVille model that year; it was integral with the Teves Mk IV ABS system.
Trademarks and Licensing: use of the Cadillac and LaSalle
crests, wreath, "V" design, script requires a license agreement that may be
obtained from the firm's licensing agent, the DMB&B licensing Group (D'Arcy, McManus,
Benson & Bowles); article in CLC, 2/92, p.5.
Traditional Coachworks Ltd, of 9344 N. Oso St.,
Chatsworth, California was a popular custom coach builder in the seventies. They did a
number of wagon conversions and other Cadillac-based custom jobs on Cadillac chassis.
Transformable: (as opposed to "stationary")
indicates that a portion of the car roof could be removed [see also "stationary"]. The front seat of
transformable cars were open to the elements but could be enclosed during inclement
weather. The 1930 Fleetwood color portfolio attests that this
"transformation" could be effected in just a few moments.
Transportation Unlimited: Title of first GM auto
exhibition at New York's Waldorf Astoria hotel in Jan. 1949 (also called the
"Autorama"). Similar show was staged in 1950. There were none in 1951/1952
[during the Korean war]. The GM exhibitions returned in 1953 under the title
"Motorama"; it opened Jan. 16. in New York, then traveled on to Chicago, Miami,
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas and Kansas City. 1.5 million spectators viewed the 1953
extravaganza. On show were the Chevy "Corvette", Olds "Starfire",
Cadillac "Orleans", Cadillac "Le Mans", Buick "Wildcat" and
Pontiac "La Parisienne";
Transmissions: article by MH,
CC&CC 1/1986, pp.46-47.
Trimatic: Three-way casket table in hearse models; name
coined by Miller-Meteor; enabled casket to be inserted or withdrawn from funeral vehicle
from rear door or from either of side doors; loading from side door allowed more intimacy
for bereaved family.
Trombley Avenue # 480-500:
location of the former Leland and Faulconer factory, then the Cadillac pattern shop in
Detroit in 1903; I visited the spot in 1994. The foundry and machine and sheet metal
department were on the other side of the railroad tracks.
Trophée d'élégance féminine
automobile: prize awarded at Paris Concours d'élégance in late Twenties and
early Thirties for combined chic of automobile and lady owner [see also Coupe de l'originalité and Coupe de la Carrosserie].
Trump Golden Edition (stretched Limousine): built by
Dillinger-Gaines Coach Works, a New York firm, specializing in "stretched"
Limousines. The "Golden Edition" was built 1988 in collaboration with New York
developer, Donald Trump; picture in Cadillac news sheet, Vol. 2, issue 1 (in 1988
literature drawer); also catalogue/folder "The Trump Series " (includes
"The Executive" Limousine)
Trunk and trunk rack: until the mid-30s most cars were
fitted with a folding luggage rack at the rear on which was strapped a removable trunk; in
the 30's there was a move toward a fixed trunk rack and trunk in which fitted luggage
could be carried. The integral trunk made its appearance on the 1938 Cadillac Series 60
Special sedan.
Trumpet-tooter: [see "Hood mascots"].
Tulip panel: panel between bottom of rear window and rear
of trunk lid [???]
Turret-Top: This solid steel top was introduced on the
closed body Cadillac and LaSalle models of 1934 (1935??) , as were Knee-Action wheels and
the concealed spare tire.
TV in cars: According to a cutting from a Chicago
newspaper dated March 29, 1951 [seen at the home of literature buff, Z. Taylor Vinson]
Cadillac built a custom limousine that had a TV receiver installed in the rear compartment
at a cost of $1,000. A TV monitor was installed in the dash of a 1956 Buick Centurion
Motorama show car; it was in fact a CCTV monitor, fed by a camera mounted in the rear; it
replaced the traditional rear-view mirror (this gadget never made it into mass production
on a car). Car TV did not catch on. The next time Cadillac used the idea was in the Westchester,
a custom Series 60 Special sedan mood car on display during the 1955 Motorama [MT
4/55, p.25]. The set was installed in the back
of the front seat back. In 2005, a shrewd used car vendor from Florida attempted on
three occasions to sell on eBay [for a MILLION dollars, no less] a re-bodied '59 Cadillac
convertible that was fitted with a '60 convertible body and that had a B&W TV mounted
in the dash; he asserted (first) that it was "the" 1959 GM Motorama show car,
and had a couple of witnesses testify to having seen it there, in October 1959, when in
fact the show was held one year earlier! He later changed his tune, alleging it was an
authentic "GM design experiment" from Harley Earl's skunk works (the first '59
Cadillac built with a '60 body, with in-dash TV!) Nobody believed him. In January 2006, he
tried to sell the car during the annual Barrett-Jackson venue in Scottsdale, AZ, but ended
up having to buy the car back himself ...at considerable expense.
Interior of Cadillac Westchester, the 1955 GM
Motorama show car
Dash panel of the 1956 Buick Centurion,
another GM Motorama show car
The alleged "1959 GM Motorama" car and
subsequent
"GM Design Experiment" [ beware of this Florida used car vendor ! ]
TV Shows: The Cadillac organization was featured on NBC's
"Today" show on 12 December 1975.
Two-plane crankshaft: Cadillac mech. innovation for 1923
was the balanced, two-plane crankshaft (???) (photo of 1923 V8 engine SIA5, p.24).
Two-tone paint: were readily available through 1933 but
the 1934-1938 models listed only single colors. In 1939, two tones of paint were offered
only on the 60S; from 1940 on, two-tone paint was again offered (CLC 4/92, p.8).
U U U U U U
U U U U U U U U U
Upholstery repairs [vinyl]: article , CC&CC
8/1986, pp.52-55.
Uppercu, Inglis M.: New York Cadillac distributor with
headquarters at 59th and Broadway; in association with the Healey & Co he had built
some custom bodies in the Twenties; SIA 4/1980, p.51, CLC, 5/90, pp.8-9
(photos). According to historian Keith Marvin, Uppercu specialized in sedans, limousines,
town cars and roadsters; he built also at least one phaeton.
V V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V
V-Type engines: Cadillac introduced the V8 into mass
production in 1915. Fifteen years later it produced also the V16 and V12 multi-cylinder
power plants (details below). For those interested in V-Type engine principles, check the
article in "The Motor" (UK) for January 13, 1931 (pp. 1128-1130).
V-Windshield: A design masterstroke by Fleetwood used on
Pennsylvania-built cars from 1928 to 1930
V8 engine: It was first developed in France by De Dion
Bouton (I have an advertisement showing that first V8 motor in 1914 Ill). The
new motor is described in detail by L.V. Spencer in an article published September 17,
1914 in The Automobile, a trade publication of the time. The 75th
anniversary of V8 is mentioned in CCI, 30.7. Cadillac perfected the idea and
launched its own V8 motor in September of 1914. In the Cadillac unit, which replaced the
4-cyl. model, the banks of 4-cylinders. were set off at a "V" angle of 90°,
hence the label "V8". Bore was 3 1/8 inch and stroke 5 1/8 inch,
giving 314 cubic inches of displacement. History and evolution: CLC 8/93, pp.12-13
and 10/93 pp.12-13. Major changes in V8 configuration were wrought in the following years:
1926-27 >>>>>, 1936 >>>>>, 1949 [new bore & stroke,
lightweight "slipper" pistons, with a skirt shaped ... so the piston could fit
between the counterweights of the crankshaft at the bottom of its stroke, 5 main bearings,
7.5:1 compression. ratio, to take advantage of higher octane gasoline, overhead valve
train with hydraulic lifters, 160 hp at 3800 rpm, 331 cu", 200 lbs lighter, improved
durability and performance, greater fuel efficiency], big changes in 1964
>>>>>, 1968, >>>>> ... "Northstar", etc. >>>>>
V8 Magazine: Fr. language magazine with many articles on
surviving Cadillacs .
V8-6-4: 1981 engineering innovation, "modulated
displacement" fuel-injected engine based on Cadillac's 6 liter V8, designed to run on
4, 6 or 8 cylinders for fuel economy, standard in DeVille, Fleetwood Brougham, Eldorado
and Limousine; optional in Seville, McC p.438.
V12 Engine: Introduced already in September 1930 the V12
models made their official appearance at the annual New York show in January 1931. In
their first issue for January, Automobile Topics had this to say about the new car: "The
Cadillac V12, reflecting Cadillac engineering and manufacturing leadership in a new
example of multi-cylinder motoring, is appearing for the first time at the Show (...) the
V12 price range extends from $3795 to $4895. (...) Mechanically, the V12 is virtually a
duplicate of the V16 except that it is a shorter car and powered with a 12-cylinder
engine. As such it inherits many of the remarkable features pioneered by the V16 and
described previously in AUTOMOBILE TOPICS. Among those are automatic valve silencers,
thermostatically controlled crankcase ventilation, two individual carburetors controlled
in unison by a single accelerator, harmonized steering, and safety mechanical
brakes."
V16 Engine: Article on V-16 In CC, 3/1980; there is
some info on applying canework. Cadillacs with 16-cylinder motor were built for two
distinct periods: 1930-1937, OHV motor and 1939-1940 L-head motor; distinguishing features
1933-1940 were three horizontal hood vents and matching front and rear fender spears
[similar hood vents were used on Chevrolet Master in '34 and possibly other makes]. A V16
engine was exhibited on the Cadillac stand at the Motor Show at Olympia, London, in
October 1930. That was possibly the engine for which no build sheet is on record in the
Cadillac archives. The show report published in "The Motor" (UK) on October 21,
1930 says "To technical enthusiasts an outstanding exhibit at Olympia is
undoubtedly the 16-cylinder Cadillac engine, which is displayed on a separate dais. This
power unit, which has achieved great success in America, is beautifully finished and is
provided with two blocks of eight cylinders each mounted at an angle on an aluminum
crankcase. Overhead valves operated by push-rods are employed, a unique feature being an
automatic adjustment of rocker clearance which requires no attention and ensures silent
running. The sparking plugs are supplied from a large duplicated distributor and
contact-breaker unit mounted vertically at the forward end of the engine. The exhaust and
inlet manifolds for each block of cylinders are arranged along the sides of the engine and
at the front there is a large belt-driven six-bladed fan. The remainder of the chassis
specification follows orthodox lines, and includes the well-known Syncro-Mesh
gearbox." On the same stand was shown a beautiful, blue 16-cylinder Cadillac
limousine costing 2450 sterling pounds [possibly style 4375, engine #2762, that was
shipped to New York in October 1930 and diverted for export to London]. Of the V16 it was
said, "There is no power plant in any motor car so smooth, so quiet, so
flexible." Anton Bruehl, photographer to the stars, was commissioned to
photograph the first and mighty V16 engine for an advertising brochure in 1930. It is
truly a beautiful and rare piece of artwork. Comparison with Marmon Sixteen: TQ
7-8/79, pp.6-13. V16 article in OCW, 22.8.1991, p.30.
Here is the V16 engine with the heads off
V63: [see Type V63].
V-windshield: so-called because they were shaped like a
"V" when viewed from above; they were generally vertical and had separate,
swing-out ventilation panes.
Vacuum Antenna: service notes, CLCA 1975, pp.20-22.
Vacuum Parking Brake Release: This feature was introduced
with the 1960 Cadillac models (see Data Book for details)
Vacuum Systems: Many manufacturers used such systems
powered operating off the vacuum created by pistons sucking air and gasoline into the
engine. There is a good technical article about repairing and maintaining such systems in CLC
5/94, pp.7-8
Valance: a sheet of sometimes pre-formed metal to enhance
the lines of a car or obscure unsightly body parts (e.g. valance masking chassis frame
rails and curved valance hiding the rear-mounted fuel tank of cars of the 20s and 30s).
Valances could be of the hinged or sliding variety; in their open position they made for
easier access, for example, to passenger areas; a typical such valance covered part of the
rear passenger compartment in sport phaeton bodies and carried a secondary, generally
folding windshield for the added comfort of rear seat passengers; it was known as the
secondary or dual cowl. In the late Twenties, some coach builders made an effort to hide
the chassis valances by covering the frame rails with the body and doors.
Valleau, Eric: T A Canadian-born artist who drew the
superb jeweled magazine ads of the late forties through the mid-sixties. He also
painted scenes for some Cadillac sales catalogs of the fifties. Eric did most of the
Cadillac account work for the La Drière agency.
Valkyrie (Die): a romantic name from Wagner's opera
"Siegfried", designating a Cadillac-powered prototype convertible-coupe, with
removable HT, designed by Brooks Stevens in 1952 and built by Spohn, in Ravensburg,
Germany; the 2-tone [black & white] car was shown first at the 1954 Paris salon; MC
Autumn 1974, p.23; six were reportedly built by Spohn to special order but only two have
appeared in photos: the Paris Salon car, built in 1954 and a second unit built in 1955 for
the wife of the designer (that one is known to have survived and was in the Joe Bortz
collection in 1997). More info: SIA20, p.42; also CA 10/1989.
Van den Plas, Antoine & Sons: 61 Avenue de l'Armée,
Brussels, a renowned Belgian coach-builder; they built a number of bodies on Cadillac
chassis including:
- the 1928 Cadillac featured in McC p.125
- a fully collapsible, 3-position. 1929 Sedan [McC, p. 133]
- two 7-pass. de luxe limousines, one for Ivan C.C. Tchaperoff in red with
black roof and fenders, the other for Mrs. F. Jenkins (color not recorded); the notable
styling features of these two car were their raked, flat windshield and slender windshield
posts; they had four, rear-opening "suicide" doors; Mr. Tchaperoff's car is
featured in a rare literature item issued in 1931 for the British Cadillac-LaSalle dealer,
Lendrum and Hartman, in London
- two Town Landaulets (one on the 1930 V8 chassis [McC, p.134] and a
very similar body on the 1930 V16 chassis); the latter car is featured also in the 1931
Lendrum and Hartman portfolio; the car was pale blue with black roof and fenders; styling
features included slender windshield posts for the vertical, flat windshield, opening rear
roof section, doors reaching down to partly cover the frame rails, "suicide"
rear doors. The report published in "The Motor" (UK) on October 21, 1930
described that V16 landaulet as having extra-wide doors with private locks and center
armrests to the front and back seats. It said "The two comfortable occasional
seats face forward and are concealed in the partition when not in use. The partition has a
one-piece winding window. The landaulet has a fitted cabinet between the occasional seats,
the companions are incorporated in the inlaid garnish rails and the silk blinds are
concealed. The Colour scheme is light blue picked out black." The latter car was
later shipped back to America and owned for some time by the late "Cadillac Jim"
(James Pearson) of Kansas City. I believe the car may have been sold at a Movieland
auction of "Cars of the Stars" in the Seventies, suggesting that it might have
been owned at one time by a screen star. It was later acquired and restored by J.C. Leake,
the well-known automobile collector and dealer in Oklahoma City. He kindly let me take
many pictures of it during its restoration in the early Eighties. Van den Plas built also
a Sports Saloon on the V16 chassis with RHD [possibly engine #2873, chassis #2987 exported
to London in December 1930 following the Olympia show in October]. A photo of another
Cadillac phaeton with Van den Plas body appeared in LaC, 6/31, p.9.
Van den Plas (Carrosserie), S.A.: The second name of the
Belgian coach building firm headed by Antoine Van den Plas from Brussels.
Van Gelderen, Ron: Twice President of the Cadillac-LaSalle
Club, Inc. Ron became a long-time friend in 1974, when he visited Gita and me, in
Switzerland, for the first time. We enjoyed two subsequent visits with him in
Switzerland, before we emigrated to the USA in 1997, where we get to enjoy his company
more frequently Ron was instrumental in getting me started as a Cadillac-LaSalle
historian; he is a mine of information, having been a Cadillac and LaSalle enthusiast for
close to a half century.
Vanden Plas, Ltd [England]: of The Hyde in Hendon, NW
London; they were the English agents of the Belgian firm. Thanks to reader John Fobian for the following comments: Van
den Plas [British]: The correct spelling of the name, according to the Beaulieu
Encyclopedia of the Motorcar, Coach building, is Vanden Plas. While originally affiliated
with the Belgian coachbuilder Van den Plas, the British company has been a separate
company since 1913, with a different format to its name.
Vanity Fair: Quality pre-war US magazine that occasionally
featured nice Cadillac-LaSalle ads.
Vanvooren: another prestigious Parisian auto designer and
coach-builder; he is reported to have completed a number of convertible styles on Cadillac
chassis, probably in the mid to late Thirties (have a photo of a Vanvooren creation on the
1935 Cadillac chassis from LaC, 7/35, p.9) [information: Laurent Friry, Paris,
1996].
Vapor Lock (and hard hot starting): a frustrating
mechanical problem not exclusive to Cadillac/LaSalle cars. Check CLC 2/92, pp.8-9
for solution to problem.
Victoria: body style introduced for the first time with
the 1916 Cadillac models [check catalog >>>>>]; familiarly known as
the Cadillac "Vicky"; originally enclosed 2-dr., 3-passenger type, later 2-door
convertible style for 3-4 passengers. Have an ad dated 1917 featuring the Victoria.
Videos: Cadillac began making [and issuing for
merchandising purposes] video recordings of its models in the eighties; they are popular
collector items today, e.g.
- 1992
- 1993
- Fleetwood Brougham
- Northstar series
- 1994
- Competitive focus
- deVille/Concours/Fleetwood models
- De Ville Concours new car announcement
- De Ville new car announcement
Viewmaster: [see "Custom Viewmaster]"
Vignale, Alfredo: Italian coach-builder, born 1913; killed
in automobile accident, aged 56, in 1969 when firm was absorbed by Ghia, itself absorbed
by Ford in 1973; at 17 was assistant panel-beater and, later, a foreman with Farina; first
body was on Fiat Topolino (spare-time project); first contract with Cisitalia;
international exposure thanks to "Grand Prix d'Europe" for cabriolet version of
Fiat 1500; contracts with Lancia, Fiat, Ferrari followed; single-unit production; designer
was Giovanni Michelotti; built small series Cunningham race cars through Luigi Chinetti,
NY Ferrari importer; also "Fina Sport" [Ford-bodied sports car, some with
Cadillac engine] for Perry Fina, NY importer of European cars; Vignale started business in
'46 in Turin, making cycle fenders and modifying motorcycles; the first "Bill Frick
Special" was built on a modified Studebaker chassis with a 1955 Cadillac motor; it
was red with a black top [RT, 7/55, SCI 5/56]; an order was placed
with Frick for a second car (a convertible model) by one George Clark of Palm Beach, FL; a
third car (with roll-back roof) was ordered by one John Wood Blodgett, Jr., the son of a
lumber baron in Portland, Oregon; it was powered by the 1955 Eldorado motor and featured a
steel body (others were made of aluminum). Frick broke off his association with
Vignale after this car; the whereabouts of the 1955 prototype and the Clark car are
unknown (1994); the Blogett car is owned since November 1989 by Michael Pomerance (1994);
previous owners were Blodgett's secretary (mid-sixties), Emmet Boitz (an Oregon truck
driver), Earl Benz (also from Oregon), then various West Coast dealers; SIA143
pp.24-31.
[Photo: © 1994, Special Interest Autos]
Vision Magazine: Published quarterly since the
mid-nineties by GM's Cadillac Motor Car Division and intended for buyers of new Cadillac
models. The magazine often includes articles and photos relating to older Cadillac models
as well as interesting historical facts about the company.
"Voitures de Rêve": Beautifully
illustrated book by Jean-Rodolphe Piccard on the American and European "Dream"
and "Show" cars, published by Edita S.A., 1980, ISBN 2-88001-087-X; many
Cadillac models are prominently featured.
Vogel, R.A.: Men of Cadillac, was Manager of Purchases in
the Fifties [back of 1955 factory photo]
Vogue: Quality pre- and post-war US magazine that
occasionally featured nice Cadillac-LaSalle ads.
Voll & Ruhrbeck: German coach-builder who built at
least one body on the 1930-31 V16 chassis (a 2p. Convertible Coupe [photos in book of
German coachwork - sold to José Mayor, 9/1995].
Voyage: Sometimes seen spelled "Voyáge" or
"Voyagé" [but pronounced with stress on letter "a" as in "park",
and not on the final "e" as in "day"], concept car designed by
Jerry Brockstein, inspired by the Seville sedan, first shown GMT&T exhibition, New
York, 1/1988; 4-dr., 4p. sedan, V8 motor, 4467cm³, 279 HP, 304cm wheel base, 540cm
overall length, 1725kg weight; pictures in CLCA 30th anniversary issue, pp.65-67;
also in Cadillac news sheet, Vol. 2, issue 1, top, side and interior views (in 1988
literature drawer); missing original brochure seen in ZTV collection (have photocopy).
W W W W W W
W W W W W W
Wagon de Ville: on 1965 chassis, by Cadillac Wagons
Limited, Linden, NJ.
Waldock, Bob: (and Ted Grill of Bayshore, NY) probably the
world's keenest collectors of '59 Cadillacs; in 9/94 Bob had 17 of the 99 Eldorado
Brougham cars built in '59; he had the Biarritz model in all colors except white (one
Seminole red one was originally Champagne Gold and will be repainted that color); aside
from '59 Cadillacs, Bob has a beautiful 1930 V16 town car styled after the rare 4264B
razor-edged model with painted canework on the lower rear body; six of these were built in
1930-31; only three had the canework motif; the car started its life as another town car
[which model ***]; it was built for a Mr. Watts and Bob still has the original seat back
material featuring the Watts' family emblem embroidered in needlepoint [photo]; the 4264B
body was built (from approximately the firewall back) on the original chassis and engine
(Bob has the original documents for the car); the conversion was done over a period of
some 20 years by a Mr. Holtzmann in Michigan; Bob bid for the car after it had registered
"no sale" at a couple of auctions. In view of the fine workmanship that has gone
into rebuilding this automobile it is unfortunate that the Classic Car Club of America
(CCCA) don't consider it a "Classic"
Walters, Phil: Le Mans >>>>>
Wallace, Greg: [men of Cadillac] Greg heads the
Cadillac Historical section; for a fee of $50 you may obtain from him the build sheet for
your old Cadillac (up to 1970 but excluding 1968 for which records
somehow disappeared (that year, there were some labor disputes that may have caused this
"incident")
Waltham: U.S. clock manufacturer. An 8-day model was used
by Cadillac first in its 1916 models.
War production: [see also WW1 and
WW2 production] a modified Cadillac 346 c.i. [3½" bore, 4½" stroke] L-head
V8 was used extensively during WW2 in the following vehicles: M5 and M5A1 and M24 light
tanks made from 1943-1945 (replacing M5) made by both Cadillac Motor Car Division and
Massey-Harris, M5A1 light tank by American Car & Foundry Co., M8 Howitzer motor
carriage, M19 gun motor carriage, M37 Howitzer motor carriage by American Car &
Foundry, T64E1 Howitzer motor carriage by Massey-Harris, Australian government cruiser
tank, B-FT2 Snow-A-1-Snowmobile, by Farand & Delorme, Ltd., L.V.T.III amphibian craft
by Graham Paige & Ingersoll Steel & Disc Div., CT-20 universal carrier by Morris
Motors Ltd.; the stock V8 was modified and toughened for war use as follows: molybdenum
added to cylinder iron, drain slot added to rear main bearing, babbitt replaced with Durex
bearings, pistons redesigned, chrome plate added to piston rings, oil sump depth
increased, front engine cover redesigned, triple belt drive to water pump and generator,
modified carburetor float mechanism, intake valves hardened, valve guides treated with
Ferrox, fuel pump removed from engine to gas tank, oil cooler built into transmission
housing, alloy steel screws added to flywheel cover, planet pins nitrited, ignition and
electrical units redesigned [Articles CLCA/92, p2-17]. With the outbreak of the
Korean war Cadillac started building other combat vehicles at their new Ordnance Plant in
Cleveland, Ohio, including the M41 "Walker Bulldog" tank and the M42
"Duster", a self-propelled twin 40mm Anti-Aircraft weapon (1951); in 1957 the
M56 "Scorpion" tank with 90mm anti-tank gun was also produced at Cleveland
Warhoops: Detroit-area wrecking yard, near the GM
Technical Center in Warren, MI, where some surviving GM dream cars were found in the
80s [e.g. 1956 Eldorado Brougham town car, below, and the two 1955 LaSalle II
models].
Joe Bortz, right, of Chicago's Blue Suede Shoes
museum
clinches the deal with the Warhoops representative;
the restored car [RH photo] later sold for ...$750,000 !
Warner, Harold G.: Men of Cadillac, general manager from
6.1.1960 to 3.31.1966; later a GM Executive Vice-President; photo with 2.5 millionth
Cadillac, CLCA 1994, p.5.
Washington coach door line: name coined by US designer
Brooks Stevens to designate a curving Coupe door allowing access to rear seats with out
disturbing front seat occupants; MC, Autumn 1974, p.24.
Waterhouse: of Webster, MA, (USA) Coach builder,
responsible for at least one (perhaps the only) custom body on a Cadillac V-16 chassis in
1930; it was a town car landaulet with fully collapsible rear quarters and was
commissioned by William Rhinelander Stewart.. Full company history and V16 photo in CCCA,
June 2000.
Wax: was first used to model Cadillac bodies in the early
years [circa teens]; a plaster-cast followed, then a die for stamping out the parts in
sheet steel
Weinsberg: A German coach-builder; he built a special body
for the La Salle.
Wassell, Scott: Men of Cadillac; auto designer under
Dennis Little
Welfare Cadillac (Bicentennial): book "Automobile and
Culture" p.153 (HW collection ) {***}.
Welt (or seaming): (upholstery term) a feature of
upholstery work consisting of a double-edge, strip, insert or seam; a fabric or leather
covered cord used to separate or outline a section of a cushion or back-rest.
Werner, Calvin J: Men of Cadillac, general manager from
9.1.1966 to 6.30.1966 and GM Vice-President; photo with 3'000'000th post-war Cadillac, CLCA
1994, p.10
Westchester: designation of special "60-S" built
for 1955 Motorama, CLCA 1979, inside front cover; sp. news release from Cadillac
13.5.1955, padded black, long-grain leather roof and Korina gold lower body, glass
partition, Korina gold wood paneling inside, upholstery of black cloth interwoven with
gold metallic thread, black "mouton" fur carpeting, telephone, tape recorder, TV
set combined in built-in unit in rear of front seat; front compartment in black leather.
Wheel covers: The first Cadillac wheel covers were
introduced in 1932; it is rumored that chauffeurs and owners alike were getting
tired of cleaning spoked wheels! Of note is the fact that four different wheel options
were offered that year, inter alia: (1) the standard, demountable wood artillery
wheels, (2) the standard wire wheels, (3) stainless-steel spoked wheels and (4) wire
wheels with the new, full wheel discs and center caps. Wheel covers are an important distinguishing feature of post-war Cadillac cars;
their design was generally changed every year [exceptions 1954-1955, 1963-1964...others
???] SIA 4/1981, pp.21-22; SIA 62, p.21.
White, A.E.F.: Men of Cadillac; he was the first
Vice-President of the initial Cadillac Automobile Company.
White, McCall, D.: Men of
Cadillac, chief engineer from 1914 to 19.5.1917; graduate of the Royal Technical College
in Glasgow, worked at Daimler and Napier before going to USA
White-Lens Tail Lights: these made their appearance on the
1962 Cadillac models. In normal daylight the lens looked white but at night it operated in
four ways: back-up light, tail light, stop light and turn signal.
Wicker basket: this was a popular option on first Cadillac
models; suspended on outside of detachable tonneau, LH side, it provided picnic and other
storage.
Wiese: U.S. manufacturer of upholstery materials such as
broadcloths and Bedford cords.
Wild Boys: Title of 1990 movie by Joe Roth featuring 1954
Eldorado
Wilen, Stanley: Men of Cadillac, chief designer from
1.4.1968 to 1.9.1974.
Willoughby Co.: reputed coach-building company Utica,
N.Y.; built at least one body on the 1928 La Salle for the Salon circuit [McC,
p.128] >>>>>
Wilson, Charles E.: former GM President [Fifties]. He once
operated a custom-built town car that was trimmed throughout in Sterling silver.
Wilson, Woodrow: U.S. President, in 1919 Cadillac, CLCA
1978, p.13.
Windlace: (upholstery term) the fabric or leather covered,
spongy piping or "wind hose" applied around doors to prevent drafts.
Window reveals: body styling terminology; the frame around
the body side windows, which could be chrome-plated or painted a lighter color to make
them stand out.
Windows, electric: used already
in 1940 on special 60S for GM President William S. Knudsen.
Windshields: Windshields of early cars were a flat,
one-piece of glass set vertically in the "A" pillars; as styling became the
order of the day in the twenties there was a move towards "V"-shaped, two-piece
windshields, for better air penetration, then back to a flat configuration raked back at a
sometimes steep angle, cutting down wind noise and improving even more the penetration
factor. Shaped glass was introduced gradually after WW2 and reached their epitome in the
late fifties when there was such a vast expanse of windshield, back light and side glass
to make some Cadillac detractors refer to them as "rolling greenhouses".
Windshields ("Vista Panorama"):
introduced by Cadillac in 1959; featured compound curve. Chrysler Bulletin No. 2 for
Chrysler salesmen, published on 26.9.1958, boasted that "[Chrysler] Imperial owners
have enjoyed the benefits of such a windshield for the past two years." However, a
Cadillac loop film for Cadillac salesmen compared their windshield with that of Imperial
and showed how the Imperial shield deformed the view of driver and passenger in the upper
windshield corners.
Windshield wipers (three-speed): introduced by Cadillac in
1959 [according to Chrysler bulletin No. 2 for Chrysler salesmen, [see above entry]
"Chrysler and Imperial owners have enjoyed the safety of this type of windshield
wiper for years".
Wire wheels: Wire wheels made
their appearance almost at the same time as the wooden so-called "artillery"
wheel but they were an expensive option; hub and rim were connected with cross-laced steel
spokes; after the war the wire wheel made a comeback on the 1953 Eldorado model [532
built]; these wheels were optionally available on other models. In 1954 [???]
Cadillac also introduced a wire wheel disc cover, simulating the Eldorado wheel. I have
photos of 1951 [a later addition], 1953 and 1954 models with these wheels or disc covers.
Wisco Corporation: coach builders of Ferndale Michigan;
did a number of conversions on Cadillac chassis, including one for King Khalid of Saudi
Arabia on a 1976 limousine base.
Wolfington: custom coach-builder; did at least one body on
the 1919 Cadillac chassis (see ad in CLC 3/92, p.15)
Woodgraining: the art of giving an imitation wood finish
to metal surfaces; articles in SIA11, pp.20-23, CLC 1/92, p.7. The Di-Noc
company of Cleveland are believed to have supplied Cadillac with the materials for the
original burl walnut finish on 1941 instrument panels. The pattern for restoring 1941
Cadillac wood grain is 299-C-7544.
Woodill, Woody: Californian engine and sports car
manufacturer, built sporty "Wildfire" model of which some were equipped with
Cadillac engine; story & photos, SIA21, pp.49-54.
World's Fair (1904), New York: In
line with the fair was staged a motor car race from New York to St. Louis for automobiles
rated from 10 to 80 HP, ranging in price from $1000 to $6000. The event was won by a
single-cylinder Cadillac [Model A or Model B?]
World's Fair (Chicago, 1933): article on
World's Fair aerodynamic Coupe in AT, 15.7.1933, p.412 {***} and AT,
12.8.1933 {***}; also TQ, 5-6/79, p.11. Sensational new body design, first fastback
coupe, teardrop fenders, 35° slanting V-windshield, first all-steel roof on an American
car, spare wheel hidden in trunk, recessed license plate and gas cap; this car was a
Harley earl trend-setter.
WW1 Production: [see 1919 book
"Cadillac Participation in the World War"]
WW2 Production: During WW2, Cadillac built: the M5 (1943)
light tank with 37mm gun; the M8 75mm Howitzer Motor Carriage (1943); the M19-A1 twin 40mm
gun motor carriage (1945); the M24 with 75mm gun used in European and Pacific theatres of
operation (1944-45), one of the world's fastest and most maneuverable combat vehicles of
its kind; the last one rolled off the production line on 24 August 1945. Article on
possibilities of using Cadillac tank engines in passenger cars: CLC 10/92 pp.6-8
X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X X
X-Frame [tubular center]: introduced by Cadillac on the
1957 models >>>>>.
XP-300 [Buick]: Buick "|Le Sabre" concept car
[GM First 75 Years, p.119]
XP-838: Planned Cadillac experimental prototype 1965
4-door convertible. Mentioned in article by GM/Cadillac designer Pierre Ollier in SS
5/96.
XP-840 [Cadillac]: Cadillac proposal for post-war V12 or
V16, SIA 8/1981, p.29.
Y Y Y Y Y Y
Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Y-Job [Buick]: first GM "experimental" [in
aeronautical parlance, a "Y" job meant an experimental design], designed by
Harley Earl, started 1938, introduced 5.4.1940, Earl used as personal transportation
throughout 40s.; MT 100th anniversary , p.142; front and rear views in GM First 75
Years, p.88; SIA3-4/71, p.43; SIA91, p.30; photo/drawing , SIA4,
p.43; SIA157; TQ 5-6/79, p.12; Sch40, p.12
Young, Allen: [men of Cadillac] He was Program chief at GM
design staff.
Your Cadillac Choice: article by Maurice MH, CLCA
1981, p.20-21.
Z Z Z Z Z Z
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
Zagato: Italian coach-builder; did custom body on 1968
Eldorado chassis for son of Luigi Chinetti, director of NART [North American Racing Team];
CA 9/1982; dimensions given in French magazine as 3m12 wheel base, 5m32 overall,
1m88 wide, 1m29 tall; 2-door, rear-engined car said to have Chevrolet V8 engine [in fact
Cadillac] located between rear wheels, fuel tank and spare in front, small luggage space
at far rear, independent 4-wheel suspension, automatic transmission, two air scoops each
side of hood near windshield , convex rear windshield [like Ferrari Dino by PF],
protective rubber molding all round acting also as front and rear bumpers, special
inward-facing dual rear seat design, retractable headlights, alleged to have hit 365kph on
track tests, price given as 55,000,000 lire in 1967! Photos in post-war "Custom"
album. See also CA 8/92, project started 1968 with GM and Luigi Chinetti, NY
Ferrari importer; result was 1970 Cadillac NART Zagato; GM contributed Eldorado 472 V8,
Turbo Hydra-Matic, front drive transaxle, modified '68 Eldorado chassis, with engine
mounted in rear for rear-wheel drive; Zagato built 2+2 (almost) aluminum body; car has
modified Eldorado' 68 wheel covers, modified '68 Eldorado dash, steering column, 4-wheel
disc brakes, etc. gas '68 Pontiac GTO tail-lights. Delays and economic difficulties drove
out GM in 1969; two other designs never got off the drawing board; bought from Chinetti
family in '87 by Melvin A. Olshansky of Glencoe, IL, car was restored by Mill Creek Motors
and Upholstery Unlimited of Clinton, Iowa and Baileywicks of Fulton, IL.
Zukosky, Mary Ann: is a "woman
of Cadillac"; she worked in the merchandising department in the fifties. In a
competition run by Cadillac's advertising agency MacManus, John & Adams, Inc., she
came up with name El Dorado for the 1952 Golden Anniversary custom convertible
model exhibited on the show citcuit that year [there was no Mototrama in 1952,
owing to the on-going war in Korea]. At the end of the year, the name El Dorado
[two words] was adopted for Cadillac's new, bespoke luxury convertible of 1953. Mary Ann's
reward for winning the competition was a $25 Defense Bond [circa $190 in 2006 dollars].
Read the story in SS 1/95.
Many years after she came up with the name,
"Eldorado", for the bespoke 1953 convertible model,
Ms. Marini (nee Zukosky) posed for this souvenir photo with the 1976 version of that
well-known Cadillac
At the right: the letter she got from the advertising agency informing her of her
winning entry.
