1994 Cadillac Fleetwood Owner's Manual - Page 6

Standardization o-pened theeyes of the industrial world and was the corner-stone of modern assembly lir production. From this achievemc--evolved the reference to Cadillac as "Standard of the World: In 1909 Cadillac was purchased 1 : by the then new General Motors Corporation. Convenience, cleanliness and all-weather comfort were greatly enhanced in 1910 when Cadillac became the first manufacturer to offer closed bodies as standard equipment. "The Penalty of Leadership" first appeared in the January 2, 1915 issue of The Saturday Evening Post as an expression of the Cadillac commitment to leadership, quality, and innovation. It is widely regarded as one of the finest documents ever written and was published following the introduction of the first production V8 engine. The V8 was standard in all 1915 model Cadillacs. Many Cadillac "firsts" have followed over the years, including the synchro-mech clashless transmission, a nation-wide comprehensive quiet V12 and 45 O V-16 Engine service policy, security plate glass, chrome plating and the first car to be designed by a stylist (1927 LaSalle/Harley Earl). The '30s wit- \ The crisp, contemporary lmes ot the 1938 60 Special series ushered in a new era in styling. During World War 11, shortly after Pearl Harbor, Cadillac discontinued car production for the first time since 1902 in order to construct light tanks, combat vehicles and internal parts for Allison V1710 engines. Two Cadillac V8 engines and Hydra-Matic transmissions were used in each tank.