1927 Cadillac: Style Icon of the Flappers Era.
Cadillac, an icon of luxury and style, has had an impressive journey since its founding in 1903 by engineer Henry M. Leland of Leland & Faulconer Manufacturing Company. By taking over what was left of the Henry Ford Company, Cadillac quickly rose to become one of the world’s leading automakers.

From 1903 to 1909, Cadillac introduced many one- and four-cylinder models, but the company later simplified its product line with a single four-cylinder model, called the ‘Model 30. .’ The Model 30 continued in production until 1914, before being replaced by the Type 51 in 1915 with a 314 cubic-inch L-head V-8 engine.

This V-8 engine had cast iron cylinders divided into two opposing four-cylinder blocks over an aluminum-copper alloy engine cover. The combustion chambers and water jacket are integrated, with a cylinder bore of 3.125 inches and a stroke of 5.125 inches. Each cylinder block has a thermostat that controls water circulation and temperature, operated by a vane-type pump.
Cadillac engines underwent many improvements, with the 314.5 cubic-inch engine being the sole engine offered for many years, until Cadillac introduced the Owen Nacker-designed V12 and V16 engines in the beginning. 1930s. This started a race for cylinder numbers in the auto industry.

In 1926, Cadillac introduced the Series 314, also known as ‘The New Ninety Degree Cadillac.’ All standard cars and Custom Roadster models ride on 132-inch wheel platforms, while Custom cars except the Roadster use 138-inch platforms. Commercially available models have 150-inch platforms, serving purposes such as ambulances and hearses.

All cars use a one-piece windshield, with convertibles having an articulated roof that allows the windshield to swing open. Closed cars had a vertical ‘V-V’ windscreen, and closed Custom cars had a steeper windscreen than the previous V-63 models. Taller and narrower radiator system with temperature control shutters. The new drum-shaped headlights contain dual bulbs for a slanted beam. The Custom series had larger brake drums, and all cars used balloon tires on split rims without side rings.
The 1927 Cadillac’s chassis was significantly improved, reducing weight by more than 260 pounds, including 130 pounds from the engine. 90-degree V8 engine with quad-cast iron cylinder blocks on an aluminum engine cover, with three main bearings, mechanical valves with rollers operating directly on the cam, float-type carburetor with regulator auxiliary air control, providing approximately 80 horsepower. The oil system has been improved with the oil filter and oil level indicator located on the right side of the engine housing instead of inside.

In 1927, Cadillac continued the product line with many new and altered body styles, starting in August 1926. Cadillac proudly claimed to have ‘Five Hundred Color and Upholstery Combinations,’ with many body styles variety to meet every customer’s needs and desires, allowing Cadillac to become completely personalized.

All standard 1927 cars, except the seven-seat sedan and Imperial along with the Custom Roadster and Convertible Coupe, rode on the 132-inch wheel platform. All Customs except the Roadster and Convertible use a 138-inch platform, while production models have a 150-inch platform. A new Sport Coupe and Sport Sedan model has been added to the standard line. Custom models are produced by manufacturers such as Fleetwood, Willoughby, Brunn, and many others.

All cars feature 10-inch headlights, with standard cars painted black and Custom cars nickel-plated. The horn is a vibrating type with a curved tube, and fender flares are standard on sedans, sport phaeton, and sport coupe models. Moto-Meter and bumpers are standard on the ‘Custom’ range and standard sports models. Lighting controls are moved from the dashboard to the steering wheel. Inside, the new dashboard is made from walnut with a silver inlay effect.

Mechanical changes include a standard 4.9:1 final gear ratio, and a change back to work and sector steering. The three-speed sliding gearbox, built as one unit with the engine, has a multi-layer dry disc clutch. Mechanical brakes on all four wheels provide powerful stopping power. Prices range from $3,000 to $3,650 for standard bodies, from $3,450 to $4,450 for ‘Custom’ bodies, and from the high $4,000s to mid-$5,000s for trunks Fleetwood.