History of Cadillac

2023 Cadillac Lyriq parked near modern home at night

 

When was Cadillac founded? What was the first Cadillac ever made? A lot of people who drive a Cadillac take an interest in Cadillac history. At Hendrick Cadillac Cary, we consider ourselves automotive history enthusiasts and we’re quite knowledgeable when it comes to Cadillac. We’ll tell you the Cadillac logo history and so much more. Read on and let Hendrick Cadillac Cary tell you the history of Cadillac from the place that specializes in new and used Cadillac models.

 

When Was Cadillac Founded?

Cadillac was founded in 1902 by Henry Leland. He named the company for the founder of Detroit, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. After only six years, Cadillac revolutionized the automotive industry by introducing interchangeable parts. This truly changed the game considering virtually every vehicle Morrisville drivers drive has interchangeable parts. 

Cadillac was the first auto manufacturer to win the Dewar Trophy from the Royal Automobile Club of England, a sterling achievement and a testament to how far Cadillac has come in the last 120 or so years. This is why Cadillac adopted the slogan “Standard of the World.”

What Was the First Cadillac Ever Made?

The first Cadillac to hit the market was the Cadillac Runabout built in 1903. This was a 2-seater model referred to as a “horseless carriage” and was powered by a 10 hp single cylinder engine. It was introduced in 1903 at the New York Auto Show with a price of $850. It was soon renamed the Model A and after it came the Model B with further improvements in 1904.

The Cadillac Logo History

The Cadillac wreath and crest took inspiration from the coat of arms of Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, who founded Detroit. It’s gotten more than 30 facelifts over the last 100 years, and here are some of the highlights:

  • 1906: The crest was divided into the coat and shield.
  • 1920: The badge took from the tulip-bulb wreath from the original trademark with nine points on the crown. The crown was reduced to seven points until 1925.
  • 1933: The crest was given wings and was made detachable.
  • 1957: The crest became longer and wider and the crown was slowly phased out.
  • 1963 to today: No major changes have taken place for the Cadillac crest for quite some time. This logo is an enduring classic that drivers in Apex instantly recognize as a marker of luxury.

Your Cadillac Awaits at Hendrick Cadillac Cary

Want to learn more about what the modern Cadillac has to offer? Hendrick Cadillac Cary would love to regale you, Durham! We’ve got a vast selection of new and used Cadillac models that we’d love for you to explore with us. What awaits you? Contact us today and we’ll tell you a whole lot more.

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$799.00 Dealer Administrative Fee not included in advertised price.

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Additional Disclaimers:
Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between March 3 2025 and April 30, 2025, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 72 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by April 30, 2025. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details.

*Length of contract limited. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 4/30/25. **Based on MSRP of $29,495. MUST BE A CURRENT OWNER OF A 2011 MODEL YEAR OR NEWER NON-GM VEHICLE OR A CURRENT LESSEE OF A 2020 MODEL YEAR OR NEWER NON-GM VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST 30 DAYS PRIOR TO NEW VEHICLE SALE. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 4/30/25. ***Deferred monthly payments for 90 days. Excludes residents of PA. Must finance with GM Financial. Some customers may not qualify. Down payment required at signing, if applicable. Finance charges accrue from date of financing.  Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 4/30/25.

*Limited availability at GMC EV dealers. Monthly payment is $16.67 for every $1,000 you finance. Average example down payment is 12.1%. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 4/30/25. **Well-qualified customers who purchase a new, used, or certified pre-owned vehicle, 4 model years or newer with less than 60K miles between March 3 2025 and April 30, 2025, and finance through a participating dealer and lender have the option to defer monthly payments for 90 days from contract date. Finance charges begin to accrue on the date you sign the Retail Installment Sale Contract at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) disclosed in the contract. May not be combined with other preferred lender financing offers. 72 months maximum term limit. Equal monthly payments only. Not available to Pennsylvania residents; see your dealer for details. Must take retail delivery by April 30, 2025. See dealer for complete down payment and interest rate options and details.

*Length of contract limited. Some customers may not qualify. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 4/30/25. **AVAILABLE ON THE TURBOMAXTM ENGINE. MUST BE A CURRENT OWNER OF A 2011 MODEL YEAR OR NEWER BUICK OR GMC VEHICLE OR A CURRENT LESSEE OF A 2020 MODEL YEAR OR NEWER BUICK OR GMC VEHICLE THROUGH GM FINANCIAL FOR AT LEAST 30 DAYS PRIOR TO NEW VEHICLE SALE. Not available with lease and some other offers. Take new retail delivery by 4/30/25.

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