Cadillac Runabout and Tonneau

These were 2-seater "horseless carriages" powered by a reliable and sturdy 10 hp (7 kW) single-cylinder engine developed by Alanson Partridge Brush and built by Leland and Faulconer Manufacturing Company of Detroit, of which Henry Leland was founder, vice-president and general manager.

The one cylinder Cadillac continued to be offered through 1908 in the runabout, tonneau or delivery bodies under a variety of Model designations which are delineated below.

The engine employed a patented variable-lift intake valve licensed from Alanson Partridge Brush.

[1] The restrictions of this design using Brush's patents led the company to develop their own four-cylinder engine for the later Models D, L, G, and H. When the street was muddy or dirty the car would be backed up to the sidewalk so tonneau passengers did not need to walk in the mud.

All three cars were sold at the show and by mid-week orders had been taken for 2,286 further units, each one requiring a deposit of US$10 ($339 in 2023 dollars [2]).

The cars had some similarities to the Ford Model A; however, the Cadillac was designed by Alanson Partridge Brush.

The entire body was bolted to the chassis and could be lifted without removing or disconnecting any plumbing or wiring.

[5] The Cadillac earned a reputation for reliability, ease and economy of maintenance and for being a car with a remarkable ability for climbing and pulling.

In 1903, F. S. Bennett, Cadillac's importer into the UK, entered the car in the Sunrising Hill Climb, where it was the only single-cylinder car to finish, and in the 1,000 Miles Reliability Trial, where it came fourth in its price class in overall points but first in its class in points scored for reliability.

[6] The Model B was available as a runabout or a touring car with a detachable rear-entrance tonneau and optional surrey top, or with a delivery body.

The Model B continued in production through 1905 when an alternative tubular front axle was available and the power was advertised as 9 hp (6.7 kW).

One of the first closed-body coupes was first built using a Model E, called the Cadillac Osceola, at the C. R. Wilson Company.

Production and sale of the Models K and M continued in 1907 in both the Tulip and straight lined body styles.

Three 1907 Model Ks were used in the famous Dewar Trophy test of the Royal Automobile Club in England.

This test cemented the Cadillac's reputation for precision and quality and brought fame to the marque.