Cadillac history 1932

1932 CADILLAC 8-CYLINDER 355-B

Three primary models were available for 1932:

355-B

BODIES

The bodies were longer and lower with an entirely restyled front assembly.
The roof line was lowered one to three inches.
The longer hood had six ports.
The new front styling included a flat grill built into the radiator shell, headlight, streamlined bullet shaped side lights, and elimination of the fender tie-bar and monogram bar.
The trumpets of the dual horns projected through the headlight stanchions.
The headlight lenses were 9.5 inches each in diameter.
The dual taillights matched the headlights.
The Super-safe lighting featured three-filament bulbs and four control positions for degree and angle of illumination.
The front license plate was mounted on the bumper.
The running boards curved to match the sweep of the front fenders and blended into the rear fenders.
The tail of the rear fenders was blended into the fuel tank valance.
The trunk on the Town Coupe, Town Sedan, and five passenger Convertible Coupe was integral with the body.
The driver's vision was increased by 30%, as a result of elimination of the outside visor and construction of the 12 degree sloping windshield and corner posts.
A large ventilator was in the top of the cowl, but none in the sides of the cowl.
All separate body moldings were eliminated.
The three spoke steering wheel afforded easy view of instrument cluster in front of the driver.
The right side of the panel was occupied by a "locker."

Chassis

Frame redesigned using more box construction and no front or rear tubular cross member.
Brake drums cast Molybdenum.
"Cardan" shaft replaced by cable control for front brakes.
"Full Range Ride control" by driver adjustment of shock absorber valves.
V-threaded spring shackle pins to conrol side play.
Wire wheels standard, with optional full chrome covers to simulate disc wheels.
Optional demountable wood wheels fit same hubs as wire wheels.

Drive Line

"Triple-Silent Synchro-Mesh" transmission by use of a constant-mesh helical gears with ground and lapped tooth profile for all forward gears.
Rear axle redesigned to be lighter and stronger, through the use of improved heat treatment.
Final drive ratios changed, but smaller tires give same net effect.
"Controlled Free Wheeling" used -- vacuum assist on clutch, controlled by foot button. Depressing button releases clutch, releasing button or depressing accelerator re-engages clutch.

Engine

Twenty-one percent increase in power achieved mostly from new manifold design plus carburetor revisions.
Intake manifold redesigned to give equal length path to each cylinder.
Location of inlet and exhaust valves interchanged on middle cylinders of each block, placing inlet valves side by side at the center so that one leg of the inlet manifold can service both middle cylinders.
Exhaust manifold placed on top of the intake manifold, with single exhaust pipe to the rear.
Air filter added to intake muffler.
External tuning chamber on tail pipe.
Mechanical fuel pump replaces vacuum tank fuel feed.
Separate vacuum pump for wipers.
Oil filter mounted along left side of crankcase.
Increased capacity from battery and air cooled generator.
Manual advance on distributor eliminated.
Six point engine suspension (four corners of engine plus dual mount at rear of transmission).
Fan mounted closer to radiator.
Close fitting fan shroud adjustable and must be moved up or down on radiator as fan assembly is moved for adjustment of belt tension.
Radiator of full-bodied-fin construction.
Thermostat controlled shutters retained.

I. D. DATA

There were no serial numbers used for the Series 355-B Cadillac.
Engine numbers were stamped on the crankcase near the water inlet on the right hand side.
Starting 1200001.
Ending 1202700

ENGINE

CHASSIS

TECHNICAL

OPTIONS

Tire cover(s)	$5-$20 each
Trunks	$100-180
Heron or Goddess	$20
Radio	Price on application
Heater	$37.50-47.50
Auxiliary lights	$37.50-57.50
Wind wings	$25-47.50
Tonneau Shield	$185
Seat covers	$26.50-73.50
Mirrors	$8-16 each
Full covers for wire wheels	$10 each
6 wire wheels with fender wells and trunk rack	$130
5 demountable wood wheels	$30
6 demountable wood wheels with wells and rack	$166
Colored fender set	$50

HISTORICAL

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May 11, 2000; March 8/03