Founded by Henry Leland and Robert Faulconer, the Cadillac Automobile Company, of Detroit completed its first car in October 1902 and the firm’s superior manufacturing technology - precision gear cutting was Leland and Faulconer’s first speciality - soon established it as the foremost builder of quality cars in the USA.

In 1901, Olds Motor Works had contracted for the supply of Leland-built engines and, when unforeseen circumstances frustrated the plan, Leland and Faulconer formed their own company using funds supplied by two of Henry Ford’s ex-backers, taking its name from the great French explorer who had founded Detriot in 1701.

Cadillac’s first automobile was simple runabout powered by single-cylinder engine - known as ‘Little Hercules’ - that was an exemplary performer by the standards of its day.

From these humble beginnings Cadillac rapidly expanded its range, adding a large four-cylinder luxury car at the opposite end of the scale, yet within a few years was heading for bank...