Cadillac: 120 Years of Design and Engineering Innovation

Storied past informs American icon’s charge into the future

2022-08-25

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This month, Cadillac celebrates its 120^th anniversary—twelve decades of industry leadership in engineering, design and innovation that have set the standard for luxury motoring since 1902 and turned the brand name into a shorthand for excellence.

A History Filled With Milestones
Cadillac’s history of innovations and achievements since its founding by Henry M. Leland in 1902 is well-documented by now, and a number of highlights have been collected in the accompanying timeline document. Many of the technologies and features that drivers now take for granted had their inception at Cadillac. This dates to the brand’s earliest days, when its pioneering use of standardized, interchangeable component parts earned it its first Dewar Trophy and gave rise to the timeless “Standard of the World” moniker.

Ever since, Cadillac’s steady stream of innovations has continued unabated. From the first mass-produced V8 engine, to the first V16-powered production passenger car; from to the first electric self-starter to the HydraMatic fully automatic transmission; from Night Vision to Super Cruise—Cadillac has always been at the forefront of introducing groundbreaking technologies and features to deliver the most comprehensively advanced driving experience in every era.

This continues today with the introduction of Cadillac’s first-ever electric vehicle, LYRIQ, which ushers in a new era of progressive advanced technology powered by the Ultium platform while remaining true to the brand standards established over a century ago.

“It’s an absolute privilege to guide this iconic brand through this period of exciting transition after 120 years,” said Rory Harvey, Global Vice President of Cadillac. “Cadillac’s journey into the new, electrified era of driving allows us to push the boundaries of technology, engineering, and design in an unprecedented manner.”

Style Icons, For Icons
Design is as definitive to Cadillac’s history as the technological innovations that live beneath its cars’ lovingly sculpted sheetmetal. On the occasion of Cadillac’s 120^th anniversary, Michael Simcoe, Vice President of GM Global Design, and Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director of Global Cadillac Design, helped select 12 Cadillacs whose styling represents the depth and breadth of design talent at the brand throughout its history.

“Picking a dozen important Cadillacs—a baker’s dozen, really—is a nearly impossible task when you look at the body of work across 120 years of Cadillac designs,” said Bryan Nesbitt. “From the breathtaking V-16 Aerodynamic Coupe of the 1930s to the CELESTIQ show car that it helped inspire, every era of Cadillac has an unmistakable visual language that is fearlessly forward-looking.”

The case can be made that modern car design began at Cadillac when it introduced the 1927 LaSalle, the first car designed by a stylist—the legendary Harley Earl. From there, it has been a hit parade of beloved and memorable designs that, from the era-defining 1959 Eldorado to contemporary classics like the CTS-V Coupe and Wagon, have captured drivers’ imaginations for decades. That tradition continues with the CELESTIQ show car, which represents the future of Cadillac design and innovation and celebrates the brand’s storied past.

The exacting standard of excellence brought to life in every facet of its automobiles has made Cadillac an indelible part of American culture for its 120-year history. And its most exciting chapters lie ahead, waiting to be written.