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In 1904, Cadillac offered two models. The Model A was a continuation of the 1903. It had a delivery body with detachable top. Horsepower increased to 8.25. Clincher tires became standard equipment. An optional 60 inch tread was available. A pressure fed multiple oiler was introduced.

1904 Cadillac

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1904 Cadillac runabout with tonneau

The Model B was the same as the Model A except the chassis had a pressed steel frame and axles. It featured front axle girder style (which was not available in the wide tread option) and single transverse half-elliptic front spring. Cranking (counterclockwise) was only on the left side; but a decompression device was provided to facilitate cranking. A safety device was introduced to prevent the crank from being inserted when the spark control lever was in the advanced position. Horsepower rating increased to 8.25; but this was more an issue of confidence in the engine rather than any engine design changes.

1904 Cadillac

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1904 Cadillac Model B

The body of the Model B was an inverted box rather than the sloping, curved dash. The radiator was vertical and below frame instead of the front mounted sloping unit on the Model A. A joint in body at dash allowed the body to be slid off without lifting. A surrey body style was added with a side entrance detachable tonneau. The delivery top was no longer detachable. The weight of all body styles was reduced by as much as 70 pounds. Prices increased $50. When the street was muddy, cars with rear entrance tonneau were backed in perpendicular to the sidewalk so passengers did not have to walk in the mud. The side entrance surrey ended this inconvenience.

1904 Cadillac

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1904 Cadillac Model B

Once again serial numbers were not used for Model A or B. The engine numbers were stamped two places on crankcase: top, right edge of cylinder flange, near the water outlet; and right, front face, just below top cover. The blank spaces on patent plate was for additional patent dates, not engine number. Model A engine numbers ranged from 3500 to 4018. Model B numbers were 2500 to 3500.

MODEL A IDENTIFICATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Model No. Body type Seating Price Weight
N/ARunabout2$750623 kg (1370 lb)
N/ARunabout with Tonneau4$850659 kg (1450 lb)
N/ADelivery2$850693 kg (1525 lb)
Note:
  • The transmission had two forward speeds (3:1 and 1:1) and one reverse with a disc clutch and chain drive.
  • The overall ratio was between 3.1:1 and 5:1 depending on the combination of the size of the sprockets.
  • The drive sprocket had 9 or 10 teeth and the driven sprocket had 31, 34, 38, 41, or 45 teeth.
     9-T Drive sprocket10-T Drive sprocket
    31-T Driven sprocket3.44:13.10:1
    34-T Driven sprocket3.78:13.40:1
    38-T Driven sprocket4.22:13.80:1
    41-T Driven sprocket4.56:14.10:1
    45-T Driven sprocket5.00:14.50:1
  • The lower ratios were used on the runabouts used on smooth, level roads; but the higher ratios were used on hilly roads and for delivery vehicles.
  • Owners were instructed how to change the sprockets, but it involved the disassembly of the transmission and rear axle -- hardly a job for the average motorist.

MODEL B IDENTIFICATION & SPECIFICATIONS

1904 Cadillac

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1904 Cadillac Model B runabout

Model No. Body type Seating Price Weight
N/ARunabout2$800591 kg (1300 lb)
N/ATouring4$900645 kg (1420 lb)
N/ASurrey4$900636 kg (1400 lb)
N/ADelivery2$900693 kg (1525 lb)
Note:
  • The transmission had two forward speeds (3:1 and 1:1) and one reverse with a disc clutch and chain drive.
  • The overall ratio was between 3.1:1 and 5:1 depending on the combination of the size of the sprockets.
  • The drive sprocket had 9 or 10 teeth and the driven sprocket had 31, 34, 38, 41, or 45 teeth.
     9-T Drive sprocket10-T Drive sprocket
    31-T Driven sprocket3.44:13.10:1
    34-T Driven sprocket3.78:13.40:1
    38-T Driven sprocket4.22:13.80:1
    41-T Driven sprocket4.56:14.10:1
    45-T Driven sprocket5.00:14.50:1
  • The lower ratios were used on the runabouts used on smooth, level roads; but the higher ratios were used on hilly roads and for delivery vehicles.
  • Owners were instructed how to change the sprockets, but it involved the disassembly of the transmission and rear axle -- hardly a job for the average motorist.

HISTORICAL NOTES

Cadillac Notes

  • The Model B was introduced in January, 1904.
  • Production of both Model A and B by model was 2418, by calendar year was 2457
  • Lemuel W. Bowen was the president of Cadillac
  • William E. Metzger was the sales manager
  • Frank Johnson was chief engineer until 1914
  • The factory burned in the Spring of 1904, reducing capacity to almost nothing for 45 days.
  • Deposits on 1500 orders were returned to prospective customers.
  • However, the volume of sales still exceeded those of any other make in the country.