On August 22nd, 1902, the Cadillac Automobile Company was founded in Detroit, Michigan, launching one of the greatest luxury car brands the world has ever known. Now, the calendar reads 2019, which means we’re celebrating the 117th Cadillac anniversary.
Throughout the years, Cadillac has established itself as a premier automaker synonymous with high-end luxury automobiles delivering breathtaking levels of design, performance and comfort. Critically, Cadillac has been a leader when it comes to technology as well, a tradition that continues today through the 117th Cadillac anniversary.
1912 Cadillac Model 30 Touring
The list of innovations Cadillac has brought to the automotive sphere is long and impressive. Early standouts include the first electric starter, which was initially seen in 1911 on a Cadillac vehicle following its creation by the Detroit inventor Charles Kettering. The new contraption was a watershed moment with regard to ease-of-operation for the automobile, firing the engine with a single action. The electric starter was first put into production with the Cadillac Model 30 in 1912.
Cadillacs were also the first cars to offer fully synchronized gearboxes in 1928. Production V8 and V16 engines were also first developed by Cadillac engineers. The list of firsts goes on: Cadillac was the first to offer air conditioning in an automobile, a rearview camera mirror, and seats with a vibration warning system.
Cadillac Escala concept
That’s a lot to be proud of when looking back on the 117th Cadillac anniversary. But the brand is far from finished. Today, Cadillac is looking towards the future as a developer of modern technology and electric vehicles.
Unnamed concept of a Cadillac EV crossover
Cadillac is also continuing to push the boundaries of automotive design, led by the Escala concept and an unnamed Cadillac EV crossover concept shown at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
We can’t wait to see what happens next. If you agree, then subscribe to Cadillac Society for around-the-clock Cadillac news coverage.
George Shanks
2 great questions, the answer to which no one knows. 1. Why does gravity work? 2. Why should I care about Cadillac sales in South Korea?
Greg
Huh? Who mentioned gravity….or South Korea?
John Engelman
He’s trying to make a point about where Cadillac’s mindset is, and obviously you don’t get it. Cadillac, like the Titanic, is in serious trouble, and they are only worried about the deck chairs…..
Greg
You’re the one that doesn’t get it. Always whining about coupes, wagons, and convertibles when they sell in trifling numbers.
John Engelman
Exactly!
John Engelman
And what are they launching this year to celebrate this anniversary. This would be the ideal time to launch the Escala, and proclaim the pinnacle of Cadillac styling and technology. Look how far Cadillac has come!
Greg
What did Mercedes do for their 117th Anniversary? Seems a strange number to choose to make a splash about.
Alex Luft
There isn’t an anniversary. It’s just something we had noticed on here and wrote about.
Raymond Ramirez
Cadillac should show the 1919 model cars as a reminder of how we saw it a hundred years ago.
Al
That’s falls under the slogan of “ this isn’t your father’s Cadillacs “
They were right, his were much better than this crap they produce today. Tooo many payouts and refunds for Lemons. I should know. My last two were the worst Cadillacs built.
Alex Luft
You’re one in a million, Al.
Greg
At least….
speedy
(Cadillac) BEV 3 chassis, much more to come, way-more too come. These next.
joe gordon
great now just do it.