Swing Era Seville

There was a time when paying more for something got you some extra features, yes, but also better-quality materials and better workmanship. Purchase a Chevrolet in 1940 and you got something decent; buy a Pontiac and you got just a little bit more — a touch more power, a touch more style, improved durability, and a bit more care in assembly. So it went up the line at GM before World War II, with Cadillac as the undisputed pinnacle.

If Cadillacs had a downfall, it was their size. In America, bigger has traditionally been seen as better — more prestigious and a better value for the money. Still, when a car reaches certain proportions, it can be a touch unwieldy. In more recent times, we have seen pushback from the public on size, followed by a contrite effort at downsizing — usually followed by further growth.