The Cadillac brand is historic, and it is one of the oldest automobile manufacturers in the United States. Named after Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, the founder of Detroit, Cadillac has always been known for its premier luxury vehicles. During the early 1900s Cadillac was at the forefront of technological innovation and its V8 engine set the standard for American automobiles, allowing vehicles to attain 65 MPH for the first time in 1915. Cadillac Motors was purchased by GM in 1909 and became their prestige division. Pre-World War 1 saw the launch of the LaSalle, designed by Harley Earl, followed post-war by a range of nameplates that established luxury automotive design of the 40s and 50s.
