Cadillac Eldorado

The nameplate Eldorado is a contraction of two Spanish words that translate as "the gilded (i.e., golden) one" — and also refers to El Dorado, the mythical South American "Lost City of Gold" that fascinated Spanish explorers.[5]

Chosen in an internal competition for a 1952 concept vehicle celebrating the company's golden anniversary, the name Eldorado was[6] subsequently adopted for a limited-edition convertible for model year 1953.

Cadillac began using the nameplates "Eldorado Seville" and "Eldorado Biarritz" to distinguish between the hardtop and convertible models (respectively) while both were offered, from 1956 through 1960 inclusively. The "Seville" name was dropped when the hardtop was initially discontinued (1961), but the Biarritz name continued through 1964. Beginning 1965, the Eldorado became the 'Fleetwood Eldorado'. 'Biarritz' returned as an up level trim package for the Eldorado for 1976.

First generation
1953 Cadillac Eldorado
Overview
Model years	1953
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Designer	Harley Earl
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Platform	C-body
Related	Cadillac Series 62 Buick Roadmaster Buick Super Oldsmobile 98
Powertrain
Engine	331 cu in (5.4 L) OHV V8
Transmission	4-speed Hydra-Matic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	126.0 in (3,200 mm)
Length	220.8 in (5,608 mm)
Width	80.1 in (2,035 mm)
Height	58.5 in (1,486 mm)
Curb weight	5,000 lb (2,300 kg)

The Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado joined the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta, Chevrolet Corvette and Buick Roadmaster Skylark as top-of-the-line, limited-production specialty convertibles introduced in 1953 by General Motors to promote its design leadership. A special-bodied, low-production convertible (532 units in total), it was the production version of the 1952 El Dorado "Golden Anniversary" concept car. Along with borrowingbumper bullets) from the 1951 GM Le Sabre show car,[7] it featured a full assortment of deluxe accessories and introduced the wraparound windshield[8] and a cut-down beltline to Cadillac standard production.

The expansive frontal glass and distinctive dip in the sheet metal at the bottom of the side windows (featured on one or both of GM's other 1953 specialty convertibles) were especially beloved by General Motors' styling chief Harley Earl and subsequently widely copied by other marques. Available in four unique colors (Aztec red, Alpine white, azure blue and artisan ochre — the last is a yellow hue, although it was shown erroneously as black in the color folder issued on this rare model). Convertible tops were available in either black or white Orlon. AC was an option,[9] as were wire wheels. The car carried no special badging other than a gold-colored "Eldorado" nameplate in the center of the dash. A hard tonneau cover, flush with the rear deck, hid the convertible top in the open car version.

Although technically a subseries of the Cadillac Series 62 based on the regular Series 62 convertible, sharing its engine, it was nearly twice as expensive at US$7,750. The 220.8 inches (5,610 mm) long, 80.1 inches (2,030 mm) wide vehicle came with such standard features as windshield washers, a signal seeking radio, power windows, and a heater.[10] The Eldorado comprised only .5% of Cadillac's sales in 1953.

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  1953 Cadillac Eldorado interior
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  1953 Cadillac Eldorado
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  1953 Cadillac Eldorado at the Tallahassee Automobile Museum

Second generation
1955 Cadillac Eldorado
Overview
Model years	1954–1956
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Designer	Harley Earl
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door hardtop 2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Platform	C-body
Related	Cadillac Series 62 Buick Roadmaster Buick Super Oldsmobile 98
Powertrain
Engine	331 cu in (5.4 L) OHV V8 365 cu in (6.0 L) OHV V8
Transmission	4-speed Hydra-Matic[11]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	129.0 in (3,277 mm)
Length	1954: 223.4 in (5,674 mm) 1955: 223.2 in (5,669 mm) 1956: 222.2 in (5,644 mm)
Width	1954: 79.6 in (2,022 mm)[3] 1955: 79.8 in (2,027 mm)[3] 1956: 80.1 in (2,035 mm)[3]
Curb weight	4,900–5,100 lb (2,200–2,300 kg)

In 1954, Eldorado lost its unique sheet metal and shared its basic body shell with standard Cadillacs. Distinguished now mainly by trim pieces, this allowed GM to lower the price and see a substantial increase in sales. The Eldorados had golden identifying crests centered directly behind the air-slot fenderbreaks and wide fluted beauty panels to decorate the lower rear bodysides. These panels were made of extruded aluminum and also appeared on a unique one of a kind Eldorado coupé built for the Reynolds Aluminum Corporation. Also included in the production Eldorado convertible were monogram plates on the doors, wire wheels, and custom interior trimmings with the Cadillac crest embossed on the seat bolsters. Two thousand one hundred and fifty Eldorados were sold, nearly four times as many as in 1953.

For 1955, the Eldorado's body gained its own rear end styling with high, slender, pointed tailfins. These contrasted with the rather thick, bulbous fins which were common at the time and were an example of the Eldorado once again pointing the way forward. The Eldorado sport convertible featured extras such as wide chrome body belt moldings and twin round taillights halfway up the fenders. Sales nearly doubled to 3,950.

For 1956, a two-door hardtop coupé version appeared, called the "Eldorado Seville", at which point the convertible was named the "Eldorado Biarritz". An Eldorado script finally appeared with fender crest on the car which was further distinguished by twin hood ornaments. An extra feature on the Eldorado convertible was a ribbed chrome saddle molding extending from the windshield to the rear window pillar along the beltline. With the addition of the Seville, sales rose yet again to 6,050 of which 2,150 were Sevilles. Eldorados accounted for nearly 4% of all Cadillacs sold.

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  1954 Cadillac Eldorado
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  1955 Cadillac Eldorado with view of "sharkfin" tailfins
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  1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

Third generation 1957–1958
1958 Cadillac Eldorado Seville
Overview
Model years	1957–1958
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, United States
Designer	Harley Earl
Body and chassis
Body style	Series 62: 2-door hardtop 2-door convertible 4-door hardtop (4 specimen) Series 70: 4-door hardtop
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Series 62: C-body
Related	Series 62: Cadillac Series 62 Buick Limited Buick Roadmaster Buick Super Oldsmobile 98
Powertrain
Engine	365 cu in (6.0 L) OHV
Transmission	4-speed Hydra-Matic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Series 62: 129.5 in (3,289 mm) Series 70: 126.0 in (3,200 mm)
Length	1957 Series 62: 222.1 in (5,641 mm) 1958 Series 62: 223.4 in (5,674 mm) Series 70: 216.3 in (5,494 mm)
Width	Series 62: 80.0 in (2,032 mm) Series 70: 78.5 in (1,994 mm)
Height	Series 62: 59.1 in (1,501 mm) Series 70: 55.5 in (1,410 mm)
Curb weight	5,000–5,500 lb (2,300–2,500 kg)

Cadillac was restyled and re-engineered for 1957, with stylistic updates in 1958.

1957-58 Eldorado Brougham - hand-built

Announced in December 1956 and released around March 1957, the Series 70 Eldorado Brougham was a distinct, hand-built four-door ultra-luxury vehicle, derived from the Park Avenue and Orleans show cars of 1953–54. Designed by Ed Glowacke, it featured the first appearance of quad headlights and totally unique trim. Like the later 1961 fourth-generation Lincoln Continental, it had rear doors that were rear-hinged (suicide doors); unlike the Continental the Brougham was a true pillarless hardtop as the doors latched onto a stub pillar that did not extend beyond the beltline

It cost an astonishing $13,074—twice the price of any other 1957 Eldorado and more than competitors Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and Continental Mark II. Sales were 400 in 1957 and 304 in 1958. 1958 was the last year for the domestic production of the handbuilt Brougham at Cadillac's Detroit factory, as future manufacturing of the special bodies was transferred to Pininfarina of Turin, Italy.

The car featured a roof trimmed in brushed stainless and self leveling air suspension. The exterior ornamentation included wide, polished lower rear quarter beauty panels extending along the rocker sills and rectangularly sculptured side body "cove" highlighted with five horizontal windsplits on the rear doors. Tail styling treatments followed the Eldorado pattern. It also had the first automatic two-position "memory" power seats, a dual four-barrel V-8, low-profile tires with thin white-walls, automatic trunk opener, cruise control, high-pressure cooling system, polarized sun visors, electric antenna, automatic-release parking brake, electric door locks and a dual heating system. Other unique features included an automatic starter with restart function, Autronic Eye, drum-type electric clock, power windows, forged aluminum wheels and air conditioning, six silver magnetic glovebox drink tumblers and finally, an Evans leather trimmed cigarette case and vanity kit containing a lipstick holder, ladies' powder puff with powder, comb, beveled mirror, coin holder, matching leather notebook, gold mechanical pencil, atomizer filled with Arpege Extrait De Lanvin perfume.[10] Buyers of Broughams had a choice of 44 full-leather interior and trim combinations and could select such items as Mouton, Karakul or lambskin carpeting.[13]

Cadillac Eldoradio Brougham all-transistor car radio-1957 dash

There were serious difficulties with the air suspension, which proved troublesome in practice. Some owners found it cheaper to have it replaced with conventional coil springs.[14]

The 1957 Eldorado Brougham joined the Sixty Special and the Series 75 as the only Cadillac models with Fleetwood bodies although Fleetwood script or crests did not appear anywhere on the exterior of the car,[15][16] and so this would also mark the first time in 20 years that a Fleetwood-bodied car was paired with the Brougham name.[2][3][17]

The 1957-58 Eldorado Brougham also marked the return of the Cadillac Series 70, if only briefly. An all-transistor signal-seeking car radio was produced by GM's Delco radio and was first available for the 1957 Eldorado Brougham models, which was standard equipment and used 13 transistors in its circuitry.[18][19][20][21]

The Eldorado Brougham received minor changes for 1958. The interior upper door panels were finished in leather instead of the metal finish used in 1957. New wheel covers also appeared. Forty-four trim combinations were available, along with 15 special monotone paint colors.

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  1957 Cadillac Eldorado Seville
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  1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
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  1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
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  1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham

Seventh generation
Overview
Model years	1965–1966
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Designer	Bill Mitchell
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible
Layout	FR layout
Platform	C-body
Related	Cadillac De Ville Cadillac Calais Buick Electra Oldsmobile 98
Powertrain
Engine	429 cu in (7.0 L) OHV V8
Transmission	3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic THM400 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	129.5 in (3,289 mm)
Length	224.0 in (5,690 mm)
Width	79.9 in (2,029 mm)
Curb weight	4,700–4,900 lb (2,132–2,223 kg)

For 1965, the Eldorado gained Cadillac's Fleetwood designation,[2][3][28] marketed as the Fleetwood Eldorado, in a similar fashion to the Fleetwood Series 75 and the Fleetwood Sixty Special.[2][3][29] The Biarritz nomenclature was finally dropped from sales literature, probably because there was no need to distinguish the convertible from the long defunct Eldorado Seville and Brougham (The Biarritz nameplate would be revived in 1976 as a trim option for the Eldorado coupe). This was the last generation Eldorado to be equipped with rear wheel drive.

The redesigned Eldorado still rode on the same 129.5 in (3,289 mm) wheelbase. The elevated tailfins were removed, with fins planed flat, and sharp, distinct body lines replaced the rounded look. Also new were a straight rear bumper and vertical lamp clusters. The headlight pairs switched from horizontal to vertical, thus permitting a wider grille. Curved frameless side windows appeared with a tempered glass backlight. New standard features included lamps for luggage and glove compartments and front and rear safety belts. Power was still supplied by the 340 horsepower 429 cu in (7,030 cc) V8. Perimeter frame construction allowed repositioning the engine six inches forward in the frame, thus lowering the transmission hump and increasing interior room.

In 1966, changes included a somewhat coarser mesh for the radiator grille insert, which was now divided by a thick, bright metal horizontal center bar housing rectangular parking lamps at the outer ends. Separate rectangular side marker lamps replaced the integral grille extension designs. There was generally less chrome on all Cadillac models this year. Cadillac "firsts" this season included variable ratio power steering and optional front seats with carbon cloth heating pads built into the cushions and seatbacks. Comfort and convenience innovations were headrests, reclining seats and an AM/FM stereo system. Automatic level control was available. Engineering improvements made to the perimeter frame increased ride and handling ease. Newly designed piston and oil rings and a new engine mounting system and patented quiet exhaust were used.

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  1965 Cadillac Eldorado
• 
  1966 Cadillac Eldorado

Eighth generation
1967 Cadillac Eldorado
Overview
Production	1967–1970
Assembly	Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Designer	Bill Mitchell
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door hardtop
Layout	Longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	E-body
Related	Buick Riviera Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine	429 cu in (7.03 L) OHV V8 (1967 only)[30] 472 cu in (7.7 L) V8 (introduced 1968)[31][32] 500 cu in (8.2 L) V8 (introduced 1970)[31]
Transmission	3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	120.0 in (3,048 mm)
Length	221.0 in (5,613 mm)
Width	79.9 in (2,029 mm)
Curb weight	4,696 lb (2,130 kg)

The Eldorado was radically redesigned for 1967 as a front-wheel drive hardtop coupe, becoming the brand's first entry to capitalize on the era's burgeoning personal luxury car market.[4] Promoted as a "personal" Cadillac, it shared the E-body with the second-generation Buick Riviera and the first-generation Oldsmobile Toronado, which had been introduced the previous year.[4] To enhance its distinctiveness, Cadillac adopted the Toronado's front-wheel drive unified powerplant package, adapted to a standard Cadillac 429 V8 coupled to a Turbo-Hydramatic 425 automatic transmission. Based on the Turbo-Hydramatic 400, the THM425 placed the torque converter next to the planetary gearbox, which it drove through a metal, motorcycle-style roller chain.[4] Disc brakes were optional, and new standard safety equipment included an energy absorbing steering column and generously padded instrument panel.[33] The unified powerplant package was later shared with the GMC Motorhome starting in 1972.

The 1967 Eldorado was a great departure from previous generations, which shared styling with Cadillac's De Ville and Series 62, the exceptions being the rare 1953 model, and the even more rare 1957-60 Eldorado Brougham.[1] The front drive Eldorado's crisp styling, initiated by GM styling chief Bill Mitchell, was distinctive and unique, more angular than the streamlined Riviera and Toronado. The rear end was inspired by the GM-X Stiletto concept car.[34] This was the only production Cadillac to be equipped with concealed headlights behind vacuum operated doors.[1]

Performance was 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in less than nine seconds and a top speed of 120 mph (192 km/h). Roadability and handling were highly praised by contemporary reviews, and sales were excellent despite high list prices. Its sales of 17,930 units,[35] nearly three times the previous Eldorado high, helped give Cadillac its best year ever.[36]

In 1968, the Eldorado received Cadillac's new 375 hp (280 kW) (SAE gross) 472 cu in (7.7 L) V8, and disc brakes became standard. Only slight exterior changes were made to comply with new federal safety legislation. Sales set another record at 24,528, with Eldorados accounting for nearly 11% of all Cadillacs sold.

In 1969, hidden headlamps were eliminated, a halo vinyl roof was available as an option, as was a rim-blow steering wheel - the only year Cadillac offered it.

In 1970, the Eldorado featured the new 500 cu in (8.2 L) V8 engine,[1] Cadillac's largest-ever regular production V8, rated SAE gross 400 hp (298 kW) and 550 lb⋅ft (746 N⋅m), and would remain exclusive to the Eldorado until it became the standard engine in all full size Cadillacs for the 1975-76 model years. A power sunroof was a newly available option for 1970. Styling changes for 1970 included a longer hood, a new grille with '8.2 Litre' notification and new taillamp bezels with thin lenses.

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  1970 Cadillac Eldorado (rear)
• 
  1970 Cadillac Eldorado (front)

Ninth generation
1972 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Coupe
Overview
Production	1971–1978
Assembly	Linden, New Jersey, U.S. Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door convertible
Layout	Longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	E-body
Related	Buick Riviera Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine	500 cu in (8.2 L) V8 (1971–76) 425 cu in (7.0 L) V8 (1977–78)
Transmission	3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	126.3 in (3,208 mm)
Length	224 in (5,690 mm) (1977–78) 224.1 in (5,692 mm) (1974–76) 223 in (5,664 mm) (1971–73)
Width	79.8 in (2,027 mm)
Height	54.2 in (1,377 mm)
Curb weight	4,828 lb (2,190 kg)

The 1971 Eldorado was substantially redesigned, growing two inches in length, six in wheelbase and featuring standard fender skirts, all of which gave the car a much heavier appearance than the previous generation. A companion convertible model was offered this year, the first Eldorado convertible available since 1966. Door glass remained frameless, and the hardtop rear quarter windows were deleted, replaced by a fixed "opera window" in the widened "C" pillar. A stand-up wreath and crest hood ornament was new this year. Inside, there was a new curved instrument panel and redesigned seat configurations. A fiber-optic "lamp monitor" system, which displayed the functionality of the headlamps, parking lamps, taillamps, brakelights and turn signals was mounted on each front fender and the shelf below the rear window. This 126.3 in (3,208 mm) wheelbase version Eldorado would run through 1978, receiving major facelifts in 1973, 1974 and 1975. Sales in 1971 set a new record at 27,368.

Changes were minimal for 1972; sales rose to 40,074.

In 1973, the Eldorado was removed from the Fleetwood series and reestablished as its own series.[2][3][28] The 1973 models received a major facelift, featuring a massive egg-crate grille, new front and rear bumpers, decklid, rear fenders and taillamps. Interiors featured new "soft pillow" door panels, with larger, sturdier pull-straps. The rear "lamp monitor" display which showed the driver the function of the turn signal, brake and taillamps, was relocated (except on the convertible) from the rear shelf, to the headliner just above the rear glass.

The Cadillac Eldorado was chosen as the official pace car for the Indianapolis 500 in 1973. Cadillac produced 566 of these special pace car convertibles. Thirty-three were used at the track during the race week, with the remainder distributed to U.S. Cadillac dealers one per dealership. Total Eldorado sales soared to 51,451, over a sixth of all Cadillac sales for 1973.

The lengthened wheelbase reduced performance relative to contemporary premium personal luxury cars, but offered comfortable seating for six adults rather than just four.

1974 Eldorados featured a redesigned rear bumper with vertical ends, housing sidemarker lamps. This new bumper was designed to meet the new 5 mile impact federal design regulation. Other styling changes included new horizontal taillamps placed beneath the trunk lid, a new fine mesh grille with Cadillac script on the header and new standard wheel covers. Inside, there was a redesigned two-tier instrument panel, marketed in sales literature as "space age" and shared with all 1974 Cadillacs. A new, quartz controlled digital clock, an "information band" of warning lights and the fuel gauge ran horizontally along the upper tier of this new instrument panel.

For 1975, the Eldorado was given rectangular headlamps, a new egg-crate grille, full rear wheel openings sans fender skirts and sharper, crisper lines resulting in a sleeker appearance reminiscent of the 1967–70 models.[49]

1976 was to be the final year for the Eldorado convertible and the car was heavily promoted by General Motors as "the last American convertible". Some 14,000 would be sold, many purchased as investments. The final 200 convertibles were designated as "Bicentennial Edition" commemorating America's 200th birthday. All 200 of these cars were identical, painted white with a dual red/blue pinstripe along the upper bodyside and inside, a commemorative plaque was mounted on the dashboard. When Cadillac reintroduced the Eldorado convertible for the 1984 model year, several customers who had purchased 1976 Eldorado convertibles as investments, felt they had been deceived and launched an unsuccessful class action lawsuit against General Motors.[50] Having received a major facelift the previous year, the Eldorado for 1976 received only minor styling changes, including a new grille, a small Cadillac script on the hood face, revised taillamp lenses and new black painted wheel covers.

For 1977, the Eldorado again received a new grille with a finer crosshatch pattern. New vertical taillamps were relocated to the chrome bumper-fender extensions. New 'Eldorado' block-lettering appeared on the hood face and new rectangular side marker lights with 'Eldorado' block-lettering replaced the 'Eldorado' script on the rear fenders. The convertible was dropped (although Custom Coach of Lima, Ohio converted a few 1977 and 1978 Eldorados into convertibles using salvaged parts from earlier models). The mammoth 500 cu in. (8.2L) V8 of 1970–76 was replaced by a new 425 cu in. (7L) V8 with 180 bhp (134 kW) available in all 1977 Cadillacs, except the Seville. For the first time in 1977, all GM E-body cars were front-wheel drive, as the Riviera switched to the GM B-body platform for the 1977-78 model years before rejoining them in 1979.

A new grille was the only major change for 1978; the Eldorado would be completely redesigned and downsized for 1979.

Tenth generation
Overview
Production	1979–1985
Assembly	Linden, New Jersey, U.S.
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door convertible (1984–1985 only)
Layout	Longitudinal front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	E-body
Related	Buick Riviera Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine	4.1 L LC4 V6 4.1 L HT-4100 V8 5.7 L Rocket 350 V8 5.7 L LF9 V8 diesel 6.0 L L62 V8
Transmission	3-speed automatic (1979-83) 4-speed w/electronic overdrive (1984–1985)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	114.0 in (2,896 mm)
Length	204.5 in (5,194 mm) (1982–85) 204.0 in (5,182 mm) (1979–1981)
Width	71.4 in (1,814 mm) (1979–1981) 71.5 in (1,816 mm) (1982–83) 70.6 in (1,793 mm) (1984–85)
Height	54.3 in (1,379 mm) (1982–1985) 54.2 in (1,377 mm) (1979–1981)

The tenth generation Eldorado debuted in 1979, continuing as a platform-mate of the Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado. This model was successful in terms of annual production totals compared with the ninth and eleventh generations.[53] The model set an all-time Eldorado sales record in 1984 of 77,806 (coupes and convertibles), accounting for about 26% of all Cadillacs sold.

Eleventh generation
Overview
Production	1986–1991
Assembly	Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Hamtramck, Michigan, U.S.
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	E-body
Related	Buick Riviera Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine	4.1 L HT-4100 V8 (1986–1987) 4.5 L 4.5 V8 (1988–1990) 4.9 L L26 V8 (1991)
Transmission	4-speed THM440-T4 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.0 in (2,743 mm)
Length	191.4 in (4,862 mm) (1989–1991) 191.2 in (4,856 mm) (1986–88)
Width	72.4 in (1,839 mm) (1989–1991) 71.7 in (1,821 mm) (1986–88)
Height	53.2 in (1,351 mm) (1989–1991) 53.7 in (1,364 mm) (1986–88)

The Eldorado was downsized again in 1986, losing about 16" in length and 350 pounds in weight and once again sharing a platform with the Oldsmobile Toronado and Buick Riviera, as well as Eldorado's four-door companion, the Cadillac Seville.

With annual sales drop of 72% from 1985 to 1986, seldom has any car model experienced a more precipitous fall. Production was only about a fourth of what it had been just two years earlier. Sales collapsed compared to the tenth generation.[53] Observers have commented that this Eldorado represented was the worst of both worlds - too small Cadillac's for traditional customers, yet too fluffy to attract away buyers from competitors like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz 500 SEC.[58]

The coupés from Buick and Oldsmobile both used Buick's 3.8 liter V6 engine, while Cadillac continued to use their exclusive 4.1 liter V8.[58] The convertible bodystyle ceded to the Cadillac Allanté roadster. The eleventh generation Eldorado carried a base price of $24,251 which was nearly 16% higher than the 1985 model.

Despite its smaller exterior size, the Eldorado's interior volume remained comparable to the previous generation model as well as Lincoln's Mark VII.[58] For the first time, the Eldorado abandoned its "hardtop" heritage and featured framed door glass. News reports later indicated that GM had been led astray by a consultant's prediction that gasoline would be at $3 per gallon in the U.S. by 1986, and that smaller luxury cars would be in demand.[58] In fact, gasoline prices were less than half that.

Aside from a longer, 5 year/50,000 mile warranty, Eldorado was virtually unchanged for 1987. A slight price drop, to $23,740, did not raise sales. The standard suspension, with new taller 75 series (previously 70) tires and hydro-elastic engine mounts, was slightly retuned for a softer ride, while the optional ($155) "touring suspension", with deflected-disc strut valves and 15" alloy wheels, remained for those desiring a firmer ride. As part of a federal requirement to discourage "chop-shop" thieves, major body panels were etched with the VIN. Also new, a combination cashmere cloth with leather upholstery, and locking inertia seat belt reels for rear seat passengers, which allowed for child-seat installation in the outboard seating positions in back. The formal cabriolet roof was added this year. Available for $495 on the base Eldorado, it featured a padded covering over the rear half of the roof, and turned the rear side glass into smaller opera windows. One of the Eldorado's most expensive singular options was the Motorola cellular telephone mounted inside the locking center arm rest. Priced at $2,850, it had been reworked this year for easier operation, and featured a hidden microphone mounted between the sun visors for hands-free operation. Additionally, the telephone featured a radio mute control: activated when the telephone and radio were in use at the same time, it automatically decreased the rear speaker's audio volume, and over-rode the front music speakers to be used for the hands-free telephone. The rectangular marker lamp, located on the bumper extension molding just behind the rear wheel well on 1986 and 1987 Eldorado models, suddenly re-appeared on the 1990 and 1991 Sevilles (base models only) and Eldorado touring coupés.

The Eldorado received a major facelift for 1988, and sales nearly doubled from the previous year, up to 33,210. The wheelbase, doors, roof, and glass remained relatively unchanged and body panels were revised. Now available in 17 exterior colors (previously 19), the Eldorado was 3" longer than the previous year. Underneath the restyled hood was Cadillac's new 155 horsepower 4.5 liter V8. A comprehensive anti-lock braking system, developed by Teves, was newly available. Longer front fenders held "bladed" tips, and a new grille above the revamped front bumper. In back, new three-sided tail lamps - reminiscent of the 1987 Deville - appeared along with a new bumper and trunk lid. Bladed 14" aluminum wheels remained standard, while an optional 15" snowflake-pattern alloy wheel was included with the touring suspension option. The interior held wider front seat headrests and swing-away door pull handles (replacing the former door pull straps). New upholstery patterns, along with shoulder belts for outboard rear-seat passengers, appeared for both base and Biarritz models, with the latter returning to the tufted-button design - last seen in the 1985 Eldorado Biarritz. A new vinyl roof option, covering the full roof top, featured a band of body color above the side door and windows - similar to the style used until 1978. This replaced the "cabriolet roof" option, which covered the rear half of the roof, introduced just a year earlier. With the Biarritz option package, the padded vinyl roof covered just the rear quarter of the roof top, behind the rear side windows. Biarritz also included slender vertical opera lamps, as in 1986 and 1987, but now added a spear molding (similar to the style used on the 1976 - 1985 Eldorado Biarritz) that ran from the base of the roof top, continuing horizontally along the door, and down to the front fender tip. The standard power antenna was moved from the front passenger fender to the rear passenger fender. Pricing went up this year - to $24,891. This 1988 restyle would be the last, until the model was replaced by an all-new Eldorado for 1992.

1990 Cadillac Eldorado touring coupe

With such big changes for Eldorado just a year earlier, 1989 saw little that was new. The optional automatic rearview mirror went from an electrically operated mechanical tilting mechanism to the new electrochromic style, using a clear fluid filled between the mirror and a thin sheet of glass, which tints upon activation. A new exterior color, White Diamond, brought the color choices up to 18. Gone were the 14-inch wheels, as the previously optional 15-inch "snowflake"-style aluminum wheel, introduced last year, was made standard for the base Eldorado. A compact disc player, available only with the Delco Bose Gold Series music system, was a new option this year, as was reversible floor mats, and gold-plated ornamentation ("Cadillac" grille and trunk scripts, sail panel ornaments, deck lid engine plaque, trunk lock cover, tail lamp emblems, and available wire wheel cover wreath and crest). New standard items include an express-down module for the driver's window, electronic oil-life indicator, a more powerful Delco Freedom II battery, a revised factory warranty, and GM's PASS (Passive Automotive Security System) KEY theft-deterrent system, which activated the fuel system based upon a coded pellet within the ignition key. Previously optional items that were now added as standard equipment included a cassette player with graphic equalizer, remote fuel filler door release, and a front license plate mounting. In an effort to use up existing warehouse stock, the brushed chrome lower bodyside accent molding, optional through last year, was added as standard equipment for 1989 (revamped moldings would appear in 1990). New high-gloss Birdseye Maple trim (replacing the satin-finished American walnut used from 1986 to 1988) on the instrument panel and console was standard on Eldorado Biarritz, and available (for $245) on the base Eldorado. The optional full cabriolet roof, which re-created the dashing look of a convertible top, was offered this year in limited colors. Pricing rose again, now at $26,738. Production slipped slightly, down to 27,807 (including 7,174 Biarritz models). The dip in sales was partly due to competition from GM's own Buick Riviera, which grew 11" this year in a dramatic restyle, and had a production increase from 8,625 units in 1988 to 21,189 in 1989.

Aside from the new-for-1990 touring coupe model introduced later in the model year, it was a year of enhancement for Eldorado. A driver's side airbag was introduced as standard equipment, but as a result, the telescoping steering column was discontinued (although the tilt feature remained). Cruise control buttons were mounted on the center of the previous steering wheel, but with the advent of the air bag (mounted on a smaller diameter steering wheel), they were now moved to the turn signal stalk. A new multi-point fuel injection replaced the throttle-body style from last year, and horsepower rose from 155 to 180, although the new system required the use of premium fuel. A new cast aluminum wheel design (not available with the touring suspension package) was optional for those customers who desired something different than the standard "snowflake" alloy wheel on the base Eldorado. Seating received numerous enhancements, including new molded trim panels, additional lateral and lumbar support, French seams, and revised front headrests. Full leather upholstery (formerly leather and cloth) was now standard on the Biarritz model, but the base model lost the seat-back map pockets. The cellular telephone disappeared from the option list, and the vinyl center armrest was revamped. The electronic climate control received an update in the form of three automatic and two manual settings. The optional leather upholstery package on the base model now included a power passenger seat recliner. Last year's "Eldorado option package" (which included new-style carpeted floor mats, body-color door edge guards, illuminated driver and passenger visor, trunk mat, and the illuminated entry system) was now standard. Additionally, previously optional items that were added as standard equipment this year included the rear window defogger with heated outside mirrors, and bodyside accent striping. New options for 1990 included a central-unlocking feature (from the outside door locks using the key) added to the automatic door locks. A revised deck-lid engine plaque now mentioned the port fuel injection, and the deck-lid itself held a chromed handle above the license plate opening. Also, the rear safety reflectors moved from the bumper onto the panel below the decklid this year. A new charcoal-colored vinyl strip accented the chrome bumper and bodyside moldings this year, while the front bumper guards changed from body-color to charcoal. In the front suspension, the stabilizer shaft was revised for ride and handling, while the tire jack located in the trunk had a new carpeted storage container. Price for 1990 was $28,885, with the Biarritz model an additional $3,180. Production dropped to 22,291 units, about 1/3 of which were the Biarritz model and 1,507 were Eldorado touring coupe model.

1991, the last year for this body style, was also the first year for Cadillac's new 4.9 liter V-8 engine with port fuel injection, teamed up with GM's 4T60-E electronically controlled four-speed transmission. Cadillac set apart its GM transmission from other corporate models it was shared with by use of a Cadillac-exclusive "viscous converter clutch" which provided even smoother shifting under hard acceleration. Engine controls were monitored by the GMP4 powertrain control module (PCM), an on-board 64-kilobyte computer. A new exhaust set-up with a wider catalytic converter reduced restriction by 38% from last year, while the 0-60 mph speed went from 9 seconds in 1990 to 8.2 for 1991. Revised engine mounts prevented engine noise and vibration from affecting the cabin, while the new Computer Command Ride (CCR) system, optional on most other Cadillac models, was standard on Eldorado. CCR would automatically adapt the suspension mode with regard to vehicle speed for better handling and ride comfort. A $309 electrically heated windshield was new to the option list this year, as was the available ($480 on base Eldorado, no charge on Biarritz or touring coupe) "security package" which now included remote keyless entry along with automatic door locks with central unlocking, and the theft-deterrent system. The Bosch II anti-lock braking system, previously a $925 option, was made standard this year, as well as a more powerful 140-amp alternator. A revised windshield washer system rounded out the changes for 1991. Base price was $31,245, almost $2,400 up from 1990, but the jump was not nearly as dramatic when considering the new powertrain and sophisticated suspension system, and that anti-lock brakes were now standard equipment, as well as other previously optional items that were now available at no-charge. In an effort to exhaust parts inventory - and to make the Eldorado appear to be a better value in its last year of current style production, several optional items were available at no-charge on the base Eldorado, including choice of full vinyl roof covering or full-cabriolet (convertible-look) roof (an otherwise $1,095 option), leather upholstery with power passenger recliner, and the Delco-Bose sound system - with choice of CD or cassette. Additionally, both the $2,050 touring coupe and the $3,180 Biarritz packages included the power moon roof and Delco-Bose stereo at no additional charge. This was the last year for the Eldorado Biarritz. Production dropped to just 16,212 (including 2,249 touring coupe models), the lowest output seen since 1966.

Twelfth generation
Overview
Model years	1992–2002
Assembly	Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Hamtramck, Michigan, U.S. (1992–2000) Lansing Craft Center, Lansing, Michigan, U.S. (2000–2002)
Designer	Dick Ruzzin (1990)[59]
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	E-body
Related	Buick Riviera Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine	4.9 L L26 V8 (1992–1993) 4.6 L L37 V8 (1993–2002, ETC) 4.6 L LD8 V8 (1994-2002, ESC)
Transmission	4-speed 4T60-E automatic 4-speed 4T80-E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	108.0 in (2,743 mm)
Length	202.2 in (5,136 mm) (1992–94) 200.6 in (5,095 mm) (1995–2002)
Width	75.5 in (1,918 mm)
Height	54.0 in (1,372 mm)
Chronology
Successor	Cadillac CTS coupe

The 1992 Eldorado was all new, drawing both interior and exterior styling cues from the 1988 Cadillac Solitaire show car. It was significantly larger than its predecessor—approximately 11" longer, 3" wider, and substantially heavier. Window glass was once again frameless, and shortly after introduction Cadillac's new Northstar V8 became available in both 270 and 295 hp (220 kW) variants, replacing the previous generation's 200 hp (150 kW) 4.9 L L26. The car was sold under ESC (Eldorado Sport Coupe) and ETC (Eldorado Touring Coupe) trim.[60] The former was distinguished by a stand-up hood ornament, Cadillac crests on the rear roof pillar, and 16" multi-spoke alloy wheels, and concealed exhausts. It came standard with cloth upholstery, Zebrano wood dashboard trim, 6-way power front bucket seats, climate control, digital instrumentation, column-mounted automatic transmission shifter, and three-position electronically adjustable "Speed-Sensitive Suspension". The more handling-oriented Touring Coupe could be recognized by the grille-mounted Cadillac wreath and crest, "Touring Coupe" scripts on the doors, integrated fog lamps, flat-face 16-inch alloy wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Its standard equipment included "Nuance" gathered leather seating areas, 12-way power seats, Zebrano-trimmed full-floor console with shifter, analog instrumentation, and specially tuned suspension. Sales of the Eldorado were up, though never again at record heights.

The Eldorado continued for the rest of the decade with incremental changes and tapering sales. For 1993 the Touring Coupe received a new two-spoke steering wheel and a body-color grille, and lost the 12-way power seats in favor of 6-way ones. A new Eldorado Sport Coupe model was introduced, featuring the new Northstar V8 and some of the accoutrements of the more expensive Touring Coupe. The most notable ones were quad exhaust, full-floor console with shifter—albeit stripped of the Zebrano trim, and even the Touring-tuned adaptive suspension, which was now touted "Road Sensing Suspension". A passenger side airbag was added as standard equipment on all models, and new 16-inch chromed alloy wheels became available. For 1994 the lineup went back to just Eldorado and Eldorado Touring Coupe. The steering wheel was changed again, this time to a four-spoke design. Both models came with quad exhausts. A "Sport Appearance Package" allowed the buyer to get most of the Touring Coupe's cosmetic features on the base Eldorado.

Styling was freshened in 1995, with updated bumpers front and rear, side cladding, a new chrome eggcrate grille, and new seven-spoke alloy wheels. For 1996, the interior received attention, with a larger analog gauge cluster, relocated climate control system, updated stereo faces, a new upholstery style—perforated instead of the out of fashion gathered leather on the Touring Coupe. The Touring Coupe received rain-sensing wipers called "Rainsense", and once again a body-color radiator grille. Daytime running lights were standard.

In 1997, the Integrated Chassis Control System was added. It involved microprocessor integration of engine, traction control, Stabilitrak electronic stability control, steering, and adaptive continuously variable road sensing suspension (CVRSS), with the intent of improving responsiveness to driver input, performance, and overall safety. It was similar to the Toyota/Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM). In the wake of declining sales, circulating reports that the Eldorado would get a redesign for 1999—similar to that which the Seville underwent for 1998—would prove false as the car soldiered on largely unchanged into the new millennium, although it did get some upgrades from the 1999 Seville.

By 2000, the Eldorado was the last of a dying breed: its Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado stablemates had been discontinued, as had its perennial rival the Lincoln Mark VIII, while its Seville and Deville sedan counterparts no longer shared its platform. At this point, the Eldorado was the last production K- or E-body, and its assembly was moved to the Lansing Craft Center.

A 2002 Collector Series Cadillac Eldorado

In 2001, GM announced that the Eldorado's 50th model year (2002) would be its last. To mark the end of the nameplate, a limited production run of 1,596 cars in red or white—the colors available on the original 1953 convertible—were produced in three batches of 532, signifying the Eldorado's first year of production. These last cars featured specially tuned exhaust notes imitating their forerunners from a half-century earlier, and a dash-mounted plaque indicating each car's sequence in production. Production ended on April 22, 2002[61] with the Lansing Craft Centre retooled to build the Chevrolet SSR. The last Eldorado to roll off the assembly line was donated to the Cadillac Museum in honor of well-known Cadillac dealer Don Massey.[62]

• Lincoln Mark Series
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cadillac Eldorado.

• Official Cadillac America Forum

Product information on:

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• Cadillac Eldorado 1959 Review