1927 Cadillac 314 Imperial 7-Passenger Sedan (more pics below 👇)
Cadillac addressed a fundamental flaw in its V-8 design for 1927, introducing a balanced two-plane (cross-plane) crankshaft that transformed the driving experience. Earlier Cadillac V-8s effectively paired two four-cylinder engines on a common flat-plane crankshaft, producing vibration inconsistent with a luxury automobile.
The new crankshaft featured counterweights and rod journals set at 90 degrees to one another, delivering exceptional smoothness while increasing output to approximately 80 horsepower from 314 cubic inches.
The Series 314 brought substantial refinements beyond its improved engine. One-piece windshields replaced earlier multi-pane designs, with closed bodies featuring distinctive vertical “V-V” styled glass.
Narrower, taller nickel-plated radiators incorporated thermostatically controlled shutters, while sweeping front fenders housed the battery and tool compartments. Both front doors were now front-hinged at the windshield post rather than using rear-hinged construction.
Engineers reduced overall weight by more than 250 pounds while simultaneously cutting prices by as much as $500 compared to the outgoing V-63 models. The three-speed sliding-gear transmission and mechanical brakes on all four wheels completed the mechanical specification.
Fisher offered numerous body styles on 132-inch and 138-inch wheelbases, with the Imperial Seven-Passenger Sedan representing one of the most formal and prestigious configurations available.
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