cadillac

A brief history about cadillac: Cadillac’s history stretches back to the early 18th century, long before the first automobile was built. In 1701, French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac led an expedition that founded Ville d’Étroit — the settlement that would later become Detroit, the heart of the American automotive industry. Though the explorer himself would have no connection to the car brand that later bore his name, his legacy would inspire one of the most prestigious marques in history.

The story of Cadillac as an automaker begins much later, with Henry Martyn Leland, born in Vermont in 1843. Leland’s early life on a farm instilled in him a meticulous work ethic and respect for craftsmanship. His mechanical curiosity led him to found his own company in the late 19th century, focused on precision engineering and gear-making. As the world shifted from steam to gasoline engines, Leland became a respected innovator known for precision-built components.

When the Detroit Automobile Company — previously managed by Henry Ford — faced liquidation, Leland convinced investors to stay in business. He supplied his own advanced engine design and helped reorganize the company under a new name: Cadillac, honoring the French founder of Detroit. The Cadillac crest was adopted as the company’s emblem, and its reputation for precision quickly spread.

Cadillac distinguished itself early with the concept of interchangeable parts, which earned it the prestigious Dewar Trophy in 1908 — the first time an American automaker received the award. Soon after, Leland sold the company to William C. Durant’s growing General Motors empire, ensuring Cadillac’s place as GM’s crown jewel.

Over the decades, Cadillac became synonymous with luxury, innovation, and status. It introduced several industry firsts, including the Delco electric ignition and lighting system, the world’s first mass-produced V8 engine, and independent front suspension. Models such as the Brougham, Fleetwood, DeVille, and Eldorado defined American automotive elegance and became cultural icons in their own right.

Cadillac’s influence also extended into popular culture, where it became a powerful symbol of ambition and success. From Elvis Presley’s famous pink Cadillac to Bruce Springsteen’s “Pink Cadillac” hit, the brand became embedded in the fabric of American music and identity. The sleek 1959 Eldorado with its massive tailfins remains one of the most recognizable cars ever built, appearing in countless films and music videos as an emblem of postwar optimism and style.

In cinema, Cadillac has been featured as both a status symbol and a storytelling device. The black 1963 Cadillac hearse modified into the Ecto-1 in Ghostbusters became one of the most iconic vehicles in movie history. Martin Scorsese’s Casino showcased the brand’s golden-age allure, while Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction used Cadillacs to underline cool defiance and power. These appearances reinforced the brand’s dual nature — luxury and rebellion wrapped in chrome.

Today, Cadillac continues to evolve with cutting-edge electric models like the Lyriq and Celestiq, preserving its heritage of innovation while redefining what American luxury means in the modern age.

Current Models

Browse through this cadillac’s current models below and explore their specifications