History of Cadillac

Like many great brands, the Cadillac brand started with humble beginnings. What began as a sketch grew to a brand that revitalized how vehicles were produced in the 20th century. Learn about Cadillac’s past with Stephen Wade Cadillac, then explore the present with our model showroom of new and used Cadillac selections near Washington.

When Was Cadillac Founded?

Cadillac was founded on August 22, 1902 by Henry Lelandt. The company’s namesake was inspired by the founder of Detroit and French adventurer, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. Working from a similar spirit of adventure, Cadillac would revolutionize the industry by introducing interchangeable parts within the decade. Due to this innovation, Cadillac was the first American car to compete and win the Dewar Trophy from the Royal Automobile Club in England.

What Was the First Cadillac Ever Made?

What was the first Cadillac made? The answer would be the Cadillac Runabout, introduced in August 1903 at the New York Auto Show. A “horseless carriage,” the Runabout seated two and was powered by a 10 hp, one-cylinder engine. The price? $850!

The Cadillac Logo History

How did the Cadillac logo evolve throughout history? The signature Cadillac wreath and crest was inspired by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac’s coat of arms. That original logo has gone through more than 30 permutations. The Cadillac logo your car currently shows on the roads of %%target_city_%% is certainly not the same as it was a hundred years ago. Here is how the Cadillac logo history has evolved over the years:

• 1906: Cadillac’s crest was divided into two parts – a coat and shield, the latter signifying the Cadillac’s family line from royals in Toulouse.
• 1920: The Cadillac badge incorporated a tulip-bulb wreath from the original trademark, with nine points. A redesign in 1925 went back to seven points.
• 1963: Lasting for over three decades, the coat of arms and wreath were combined in a way that is the recognizable look of Cadillac to most drivers.
• 2000: To mark a new century, the coat of arms and wreath were modernized and designed to be metallic.

Continue the History of Cadillac Today With Stephen Wade Cadillac

Learn more about what Cadillac can do for you with new models and service specials when you visit our dealership in St. George. Beyond learning when Cadillac was founded and its subsequent history, we provide model research for the latest Cadillac models. Contact us today!