| Cadillac V-63 | |
|---|---|
 1927 Cadillac Series 314 Sedan | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Cadillac (General Motors) |
| Model years | 1924–1930 |
| Assembly | Detroit Assembly, Detroit, Michigan, United States[1][2] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | luxury car |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive[1][2] |
| Platform | GM C platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 314 cu in (5.1 L) L-head V8 341 cu in (5.6 L) L-head V8 353 cu in (5.8 L) L-head V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed synchromesh manual[1] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 132 in (3,353 mm) 138 in (3,505 mm) 140 in (3,556 mm) 145 in (3,683 mm) 150 in (3,810 mm) 152 in (3,861 mm) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Cadillac Type 51 |
| Successor | Cadillac Series 355 |
The Cadillac V-63 is a large luxury automobile that was introduced in September 1923 by Cadillac as a 1924 model, replacing the previous Type 61. It used the GM C platform and was replaced by the Cadillac Series 355 in 1931. It retained the name Cadillac V8 introduced with the previous generation Cadillac Type 51.[1][2]
The V-63 used an improved version of the L-head V8 engine that made Cadillac famous. The main innovation was a cross-plane crankshaft which improved balance and smoothness. This design required complex mathematical analysis, and was simultaneously patented by Peerless. Both companies agreed to share the innovation, which became a market distinction being able to exclusively offer a V8. For model year 1924, the Packard Eight straight-eight was now a competitor due to its reduced vibration.[3] The body style choices were expanded to 14 while commercial applications weren't offered. New innovations included the availability of Balloon tires mounted on either wire wheels or steel pressed discs, while wooden wheels made of hickory were standard equipment along with the availability of front-wheel brakes.[1]
The most noticeable update for 1925 was the introduction of two classifications of body style choices. The "Standard" bodies was added for 1925 that offered a five-passenger Brougham, two passenger Coupe, four passenger Victoria, a five- and seven passenger Sedan and a seven-passenger Imperial limousine. A higher content "Custom" body styles offered a Roadster, Touring Car, Phaeton, five passenger Coupe and Sedan, seven passenger Suburban with the top level seven passenger Imperial limousine, while the mechanicals and chassis were otherwise largely unchanged. Coachwork continued to be offered by Fisher Body who was the primary supplier of all GM products at this time, and Duco automotive lacquer paint, introduced by DuPont was the first quick drying multi-color line of nitrocellulose lacquers made especially for the automotive industry. The introduction of lacquer paint afforded the clients with a choice of 24 matched color choices along with 10 different upholstery patterns.[1] The retail prices listed started as low as US$2,995 ($52,035 in 2023 dollars [4]) for the Brougham, while the top level Imperial limousine was listed at US$4,485 ($77,922 in 2023 dollars [4]).[1]
- ^ a b c d e f g Kimes, Beverly (1996). Standard catalog of American Cars 1805–1942 (third ed.). Krause publications. pp. 200–245. ISBN 0-87341-478-0.
- ^ a b c Gunnell, John (2005). Standard Catalog of Cadillac 1903-2005. Krause publications. ISBN 978-0-87349-289-8.
- ^ Kimes, Beverly (1996). Standard catalog of American Cars 1805–1942 (third ed.). Krause publications. pp. 1105–1141. ISBN 0-87341-478-0.
- ^ a b 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.