1920-21 CADILLAC

TYPE 59

Type 59 was similar to the 1919 Type 57, with the following exceptions:

• Bodies
  • The general lines were slightly straighter and fuller.
  • The cowl was lengthened on the Phaeton and Roadster.
  • The windshield on the Limousine and Town Brougham were tilted slightly.
  • The lower section of windshield was fixed; ventilation to the lower part of the front compartment was provided by a vent in the top of the cowl.
  • The hood hinge was concealed.
  • Narrow beading was added on the cowl at the joint with the hood.
  • They also featured smaller sidelights which were placed closer to the windshield.
  • The shield shaped pattern on the headlight doors changed to a narrow bead with curved sides; the detachable emblem was at the top.
  • The headlights and sidelights were optionally available in full nickel.
  • The touring model was mounted on a 132 in. wheelbase.
  • The two passenger was Coupe new.
  • However, the Coupe and the Town Brougham were dropped in mid run but picked up again as Type 61 for 1922-23
• Chassis
  • The front wheels were changed from ten to twelve spoke.
  • The frame was stiffened by lengthening the deep section.
  • The radiator water condenser moved to the outside of the frame.
  • The extra length chassis was not available.
• Drive line: The speedometer drive moved from the front axle to the transmission.
• Engine
  • The intake manifold was heated by exhaust gasses.
  • The timing chains were adjustable from the outside crankcase.
  • The crankshaft diameter increased to 2 inches.
  • A new-style 4-pole motor-generator used.

I. D. DATA

Serial numbers were not used.
Engine numbers were stamped on the crankcase just back of the right hand bank of cylinders, and on a plate on the dash.
Engine No.: 59-A-1 through 59-Z-1000 and 59-AA-1 through 59-BB-12.

STYLE

STYLE

STYLE

Note 1: Some Fisher references designate 1st, 2nd, 3rd designs as 59-A, 59-B. 59-C. These designs differ only in detail and are not significant styling changes. The -A, -B, -C's refer only to bodies, not "Type" -- there was no Type 59-A, Type 59-B, or Type 59-C Cadillac.

Note 2: The two-passenger Coupe appeared only in early Type 59 catalogs. If produced at all as a Type 59 body style, this Coupe was dropped by April, 1920 but was picked up as a 1922 Type 61 style.

Note 3: The April 1, 1920 price list advanced all prices by $200 (two-passenger Coupe was not listed). The only price change on May 1, 1920 was an advance to $5690 for the Town Brougham. This body style was not shown in the later (1921) catalogs, but was picked up as a 1922 Type 61 style.

Note 4: Job (Body) number is stamped on right front door sill.

ENGINE

CHASSIS

TECHNICAL

OPTIONS

HISTORICAL NOTES

• Introduced January, 1920.
• Model year sales: 24878.
• Model year production: 24878.
• The president and general manager was Richard H. Collins (H. H. Rice as of May, 1921).
• The general state of the post war economy, shortages of materials, railway strikes, and the completion and occupation of a new factory resulted in a production slump at Cadillac during 1920-1921. With the outstanding war record of the Type 57; with long waiting lists of eager customers; and with reconstruction pressures in the nation and in the company -- Cadillac built the new Type 59 for two years without significant styling or mechanical changes.

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NEXT: History of the 1922-23 Cadillac

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