Introduced in August 1917, the Type 57 Cadillacs were similar in general appearance to the Type 55 models that had preceded them. The doors on some models were more square-cornered instead of rounded. Radiators were taller, as were the motor hoods which were also longer and sloped up into a modified cowl. The former raised beading on the hood gave way to a new, smooth finish. Late in the year 1919, Cadillac adopted a new hood design with 25 more closely spaced louvers compared to only 9 on the earlier cars.
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The Cadillacs of the late teens and early twenties are among the most difficult to date accurately at a simple glance. As regards the Type 57 cars, look for the black-enameled headlights with the distinctive nickel trim, as well as the absence of the earlier hood beading.
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Look at this list of standard features and equipment for the Type 57 Cadillac (1918-19): "Gypsy"-type, one man top on open cars with bevel glass window in rear; fully lined top; side curtains 75% transparent, mounted on brackets to swing with doors; dust envelope for top; windshield with lower ventilation, outward swinging top portion on some models; full lamp equipment with tilt-beam headlights controlled by a lever on the steering column; headlights and side lights black enameled with nickel trim; tonneau lamp on open cars; dome and quarter lamps on enclosed cars; lighted eight-day clock; speedometer with large enough figures to be read by back-seat-drivers; trip reset odometer; gas gauge; electric horn; Kellogg electric tire pump (compressor); foot rest; robe hanger; license plate holders; tool kit, including pocket kit carried in driver's door of open cars; spare tire bracket in rear for two tires; universal key. English long-grain, hand-buffed black leather was used to upholster the open cars; it was laid in plaits. Enclosed cars used a variety of high quality, selected cloths.
Glasgow-born [like me] Cadillac engineer D. McCall-White, the who had been instrumental in designing the first ever mass-produced V8 motor, left Cadillac to form the Lafayette Automobile Co. Regrettably that new venture was to last only seven years.
Cars are listed below in two series and in ascending order of their 1918 list price. First are those built on the 125" wheel base chassis, then come the top-of-the-line cars, built on the 132" wheel-base chassis. The prices shown below are indicative only; there were a number of price increases during the period 1918-19; these were due in part to Government imposed war taxes.
Additional information on the 1918-19 Cadillac Type 57, and the related sales literature, may be found in The (New) Cadillac Database© sections entitled "Descriptions and Specifications of Cadillac Cars 1913-21", "Cadillac and La Salle Sales Literature 1915 - 1919" and "Dream Cars from 1903 to 1919". Further recommended reading includes:
The "Standard Catalog of Cadillac, 1903-2000" edited by James T. Lenzke, © 2000, published by Krause Publications, Inc., 700 E. State Street, Iola, WI 54990 [ISBN #0-87341-925-1, Library of Congress #91-61301].
The Cadillac advertsing copy-writers had this to say about the new models for 1919: New light is being thrown on the economy of the Cadillac. War tests have emphasized owners' experiences. Its ability to negotiate great distances, or heavy milaege, day after day, without overhauling or adjustment, stands out in bold reflief. Given ordinary care, its beautiful driving and riding service is delivered at an absolute minimum of maintenance cost. A new spirit of discrimination animates America in motor car buying. It is focusing on the Cadillac as the foremost exponent of known and permanent value in the world today.
Body styles on 125" wheel base chassis
