1923 Cadillac Type 61 V8 Roadster
Cadillac’s Type 61 represented the culmination of the marque’s pioneering V8 development, produced during 1922 and 1923 as the final iteration before a comprehensive redesign.
The 314 CI L-head V8 featured cast iron blocks with an aluminum crankcase, generating 83 horsepower at 3,000 rpm. A three-speed manual transmission built in-unit with the engine transferred power through a multiple-disc dry plate clutch.
Riding on a 132-inch wheelbase (the only option for these years), the Type 61 used semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear with wood artillery wheels mounting 33 x 5 tires. Body styles ranged from sporting roadsters to formal limousines, with prices spanning $3,790 to $5,290. The Landau Sedan appeared as a new variant for 1923.
This series descended directly from the groundbreaking Model 51 introduced in September 1914, America’s first mass-produced V8. British engineer D. McCall White, formerly with Daimler and Napier, led development of the smooth-running powerplant that established Cadillac’s V8 tradition.
Combined production for 1922-1923 totaled approximately 41,000 units before the substantially updated V-63 arrived for 1924.
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