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.


STYLE: MODEL A

Model No. Body type Seating Price Weight
N/ARunabout2$750623 kg
N/ARunabout with Tonneau4$850659 kg
N/ADelivery2$850693 kg

STYLE: MODEL B

1904 Cadillac

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1904 Cadillac Model B runabout

Model No. Body type Seating Price Weight
N/ARunabout2$800591 kg
N/ATouring4$900645 kg
N/ASurrey4$900636 kg
N/ADelivery2$900693 kg

ENGINE

Engine type
Horizontal single-cylinder with cylinder facing to the rear
Engine composition
Cast iron cylinder, with copper water jacket
Bore and stroke
127mm x 127mm
Capacity
1.609 Liters
Brake H.P.
8.25
Main bearings
Two
Valve lifters
Mechanical
Carburetor
Updraft mixer, manufactured by Cadillac

MODEL A CHASSIS

Wheelbase
1829mm
Overall length
2819mm
Height
1524mm
Front/Rear Tread
1384mm (1524mm optional)
Tires
28 x 3" (711 mm x 76 mm) Clincher

MODEL B DELIVERY CHASSIS

Wheelbase
1829mm
Overall length
2819mm
Height
2159mm
Front/Rear Tread
1384mm
Tires
28 x 3 (711 mm x 76 mm)Clincher

MODEL B CHASSIS

Wheelbase
1930mm
Overall Length
2845mm
Height
1524mm
Front/Rear Tread
1384mm
Tires
30 x 3 (762 mm x 76 mm) Clincher.

MODEL B DELIVERY

Wheelbase
1930mm
Overall Length
2845mm
Height: Approx.
2134mm
Front/Rear Tread
1384mm
Tires
30 x 3.5" (762 mm x 89 mm) Clincher.

DRIVETRAIN

Transmission
Planetary Transmission
Speeds
2 Forward and 1 Reverse (3:1 low, 1:1 high)
Drive
Chain
Differential
Spur gear
Overall ratio
3.1:1 to 5:1
Brakes
Mechanical on two rear wheels -- contracting on inboard drums
Wood wheels
12 spoke
Model A Wheel size
22 in. (559 mm)
Model B Wheel size
24 in. (610 mm)
Delivery Wheel size
23 in. (584 mm)
Drivetrain Options
Different combinations of 9 or 10 tooth driving sprocket with 31, 34, 38, 41, or 45 tooth driven sprocket gave ten possible ratios from 3:1 to 5:1.
Note:

MODEL A OPTIONS

Tonneau
$100.00
Leather top with side curtains and storm apron
$  50.00
Rubber top with side curtains and storm apron
$  30.00
Lights
--

MODEL B OPTIONS

Bulb horn, lights, leather top with side and storm apron
$  50.00
Rubber top with sides and storm apron
$  30.00
Deck to replace tonneau on Touring or Surrey
$  10.00

HISTORICAL NOTES

Cadillac Notes

1904 Automotive Notes

LITERATURE & LINKS