Dream Car Giveaway

 

Three models were offered for 1931: a series 355-A with eight cylinders, a series 370-A with twelve cylinders, and a continuation of the 1930-31 series 452 and 452-A V-16.

MODEL 355-A

1931 Cadillac

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1931 Cadillac Fleetwood

The 355-A, eight cylinder, was similar to the Series 353 of 1930 except the body was longer and lower. The hood was also longer with five hood ports or rectangular doors. The cowls had matching doors. the coach sill was modified and there were no compartments in the splash pan. The battery and tool compartments were located under the front seat. The floor boards were metal. The instrument panel was oval with the same grouping as the Series 353. It also featured a radiator screen, single bar bumper, and dual horns. The headlight diameter was reduced one inch.

1931 Cadillac

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1931 Cadillac

The frame was new with divergent side rails. The rear springs were mounted directly under the frame rails. There were metal covers on the springs. The radiator was mounted lower in the frame. The cooling system contained a condenser tank.

The engine displacement was the same as the Series 353, but the series designation on the V-8 models no longer matched the displacement. The V-8 now had a five point engine suspension similar to the V-16. An intake muffler was added. The distributor was 38mm higher than on the 345. The fan was mounted lower to match the lower mounted radiator.

I. D. DATA

1931 Cadillac

1931 Cadillac

  • Serial numbers were not used.
  • The engine numbers were stamped on the crankcase just below the water inlet on the right hand side.
  • It started with 800001 and ended with 810717.

STYLE

FISHER
StyleDoorsTypePassengersPriceWeight
312524Town sedan5$28452125 kg
312582Coupe2/4$26952036 kg
312594Sedan5$27952118 kg
312624Sedan7$29452164 kg
312634Imperial sedan7$30952198 kg
312722Coupe5$27952045 kg

1931 Cadillac

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1931 Cadillac Fleetwood

1931 Cadillac

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1931 Cadillac Fleetwood

STYLE

FLEETWOOD
StyleDoorsTypePassengersPriceWeight
45022Roadster2/4$28452023 kg
45034Sedan7  
45352Convertible Coupe2/4$29452023 kg
45504Transformable Town Cabriolet7  
45574Transformable7$3195 
45604Phaeton4/5$29451998 kg
45804All weather phaeton5$37952130 kg

1931 Cadillac

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1931 Cadillac

1931 Cadillac

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1931 Cadillac

ENGINE

Type90 degree L-head - eight cylinder
MaterialCast iron on aluminum crankcase
Bore and stroke85.7mm x 125.4mm
Displacement5.793 Liter
Compression ratio5.35:1 (opt 5.26:1)
Brake horsepower95 plus @ 3000 rpm
Taxable horsepower36.45
Main bearings3
Valve liftersmechanical
CarburetorCadillac and Johnson, with intake silencer

CHASSIS

FeatureSeries 355-ASeries 355-A Commercial Chassis
Wheelbase3404mm3861mm
Overall length5156mm 
Height1842MM 
Front tread1454mm 
Rear tread1511mm 
Tires (std)6.50 x 19 
Tires (opt)7.00 x 18 

DRIVETRAIN

TransmissionSelective, synchro
Speeds3 forward, 1 reverse
Controlsleft-hand drive with center controls (right-hand optional)
ClutchTwin disc
DriveShaft drive with torque tube
Rear axle3/4 floating rear axle
Rear drivespiral bevel drive
Overall ratiostd 4.75:1, opt 4.07:1, 4.54:1
BrakesMechanical on four wheels
Wheels (std)Wood artillery
Wheels (opt)Wire, disc, or demountable wood
Wheel size (std)19"
Wheel size (opt)18"

OPTIONS

Trunks$100 - 119
Tonneau Windshield$185
Wind wings$25 - 47.50
Tire covers$5.00 - 40.00
Mirrors$10 - 32 / pair
Radioprice on application
Heater$41 - 55
Auxiliary lights$37.50 - 75.00
Seat covers$26.75 - 73.50
Heron or Goddess$20.00
5 wire wheels$70
6 wire wheels with fender wells and trunk rack$240
5 demountable wood wheels$50
6 demountable wood wheels with wells and rack$230
4 natural wood wheels$10

HISTORICAL NOTES

1931 Cadillac Notes

  • The V-8 was introduced August 1930.
  • Model year sales of V-8: 10,717.
  • Model year production of V-8: 10,709.
  • The V-12 model was introduced in October 1930.
  • The V-12 roadster was used as a pace car in Indy.
  • Model year production of V-12s was 5725.
  • The president and general manager was Lawrence P. Fisher.
  • Ernest W. Seaholm was chief engineer
  • J. C. Chick was general sales manager