Cadillac Eldorado

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cadillac Eldorado
Production period: 1953-2002
Class : Upper class
Body versions : Coupé , convertible

The Cadillac Eldorado was a top-class vehicle ( personal luxury car ) from the Cadillac brand belonging to the General Motors group . It was produced in various versions from 1953 to 2002. A general distinction is made between the models (1953 to 1965) with rear-wheel drive and the vehicles with front-wheel drive (from 1967). In the first phase, the Eldorado models were primarily convertibles , which were sometimes also called Eldorado Biarritz . Coupés with the designation Eldorado Seville and four-door sedans (Eldorado Brougham) were added to them in individual years . From 1967 the Eldorados were high-priced coupés with independent bodies, of which there were occasionally open versions. They were initially called Fleetwood Eldorado .

Eldorado with rear-wheel drive

In 1953 Cadillac launched the first Eldorado. The model name was based on the legendary gold country Eldorado in South America . Within the brand, the Eldorado was initially positioned as a special Series 62 model , although its bodies deviated from the standard bodies for most of the years. From 1959 the Eldorado was run as an independent series outside of the Series 62. Regardless of this, he no longer had any stylistic independence at that time.

History of origin

The Series 62 has been Cadillac's cheapest and most successful series since 1952. It was produced as a coupé, a convertible and a four-door sedan. In addition to the base models of the Series 62, there was also a Coupe DeVille since 1949 , which was sold as a special model within the Series 62. The Coupe DeVille emerged from a show car that Cadillac had shown at the Motorama exhibition in February 1949 . Since then, it has been on offer alongside the regular, but significantly cheaper Series 62 Coupé. In 1953 Cadillac repeated this development process in the convertible segment. The starting point this time was a show car called El Dorado Golden Anniversary , which was shown in 1952 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Cadillac brand. As with the Coupe DeVille three years earlier, the show car was developed to the point where it was ready for series production and offered in the following year with the model name Eldorado alongside the regular Series 62 models. From 1953 Cadillac had a basic and a high-priced luxury version on offer for both the Coupés and the Cabriolets: The Coupe DeVille was positioned above the Series 62 Coupé, and the Eldorado Cabriolet was positioned above the Series 62 Convertible.

First series: 1953

Cadillac Eldorado (1953)

The first Eldorado of the 1953 model year was technically and stylistically a special version of the Cadillac Series 62 convertible. The chassis and drive technology was similar to that of the basic Cadillacs. The Eldorado, like all other Cadillac models, was powered by a 5.6 liter V8 engine with a gross output of 210 SAE HP . However, the body was lowered by 30 mm, which resulted in a lower silhouette. Outwardly, it differed from the basic model primarily through a panoramic window and a metal cover painted in the color of the car, which was installed over the folded-down fabric top. In the area of ​​the side windows, the lines were changed: Here the belt line dropped slightly. The standard equipment was complete. In the first model year, the Eldorado was offered at a price of US $ 7,750. It was twice as expensive as a Series 62 Coupé and US $ 3,500 more than the Series 62 Convertible. Even the large Series 75 sedan was $ 2,000 cheaper. The Eldorado was considered a “dream car” for sale . Mainly because of its high price, Cadillac only sold 532 copies of the Eldorado in 1953. Today they are particularly sought-after collector's models.

The Eldorado Cabriolet already achieved national fame in January 1953, when Dwight D. Eisenhower took part in a parade in Washington on the occasion of his introduction to the office of President of the United States in the back of a white Eldorado . The event was televised in all states. A few days earlier, the country singer Hank Williams had died in the back of his light blue Eldorado.

1954

Cadillac Eldorado (1954)

In the 1954 model year, the Eldorado lost its stylistic features. In response to the weak sales figures of the previous year, Cadillac simplified the Eldorado and at the same time lowered the price significantly. That year, the Eldorado shared the body completely with the Series 62 Convertible; only the chrome jewelry on the sides of the car and on the front was independent. The metal cover for the convertible top was also still offered. The equipment was again of higher quality than the convertible of the Series 62. It included, among other things, chrome wire wheels and seat covers embossed with the Cadillac coat of arms. The name Eldorado was found in gold-colored letters in several places on the car. The price dropped by nearly $ 3,000 to $ 4,738, making the car $ 100 cheaper than the Series 60 sedan . In 1954 Cadillac sold 2,150 copies of the Eldorado.

1955 and 1956

Shark fins on the stern of an Eldorado from 1955 (the Continental Kit was not a factory accessory)

With the 1955 model year, the Eldorado again received a partially independent body, with which it stood out more clearly from the regular Series 62 models than its predecessor. Above all, the design of the rear section was individual. While the Series 62 models still had the little bouncing on the foothills of the fenders that allow the designer Harley Earl , 1948, the fashion of the tail fins (Engl. Fins ) had established that Eldorado contributed born between 1955 and 1956 horizontally extending, tapered Elevations at the stern that should be reminiscent of shark fins. The taillights were embedded in it like a rocket. The Series 62 adopted this design for model year 1957 for all regular models. Then the Eldorado was given a new rear design that set it apart from the Series 62. The drive technology still corresponded to the regular Series 62 models, but the output had been increased by 20 SAE-HP to 270 SAE-HP exclusively for the Eldorado. The increase in performance was achieved through the use of two quadruple carburetors.

The basic version of the Eldorado Cabriolet cost US $ 6,286 in 1955. It was - apart from the eight-seat Series 75 sedan - again the most expensive Cadillac. Nonetheless, production almost doubled compared to the previous year. In 1955 3950 copies were made.

In 1956, Cadillac provided the Eldorado Cabriolet with a two-door coupé with a hardtop . The convertible was then given the name Eldorado Biarritz, which was based on the seaside resort of Biarritz in the French Basque Country , to improve internal differentiation . Like all Cadillac models, the Eldorado got a new engine this model year with a displacement increased to 6.2 liters (365 cubic inches). The price of the convertible rose to US $ 6,556 that year. Production dropped to 2150 copies.

1957 and 1958

Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz (1957)
Chipmunk Cheeks and Shark Fins : Eldorado Biarritz (1957)

Since the rear design of last year's Eldorado Biarritz was carried over to all Cadillac models at the beginning of the 1957 model year, the Eldorado received a new rear section for 1957, which again differentiated it from the standard models. The rear fenders were arched and sloping towards the bumper. Pointed, triangular wings were installed on it, which in turn should be reminiscent of shark fins. In the vernacular, however, the derisive term Chipmunk Cheeks (German for example: Chipmunk Cheeks ) established itself . This design went back to the 23-year-old GM designer Ron Hill. Along with the standard Cadillacs, the Eldorado Biarritz also received a front panoramic window that was heavily curved. The Eldorado kept the 6.2 liter eight-cylinder V-engine introduced in the previous year. However, its performance was increased to 325 SAE-HP.

As in the previous year, Cadillac also offered a hardtop version of the Eldorado in 1957. This year, the series competed primarily with the Continental Mark II from the Ford concern, which was, however, much more conservative and also considerably more expensive. A four-door sedan called Eldorado Brougham was also added, although it was stylistically independent. The Eldorado Coupé and Cabriolet were offered for sale in 1957 at a price of US $ 7286 each. The Eldorado Biarritz was 2000 US $ more expensive than the regular Convertible Coupé of the Series 62. Cadillac produced 1,800 copies of the convertible that year; the Series 62 Convertible Coupe sold four times as well.

In the 1958 model year there were no changes apart from a price increase to US $ 7,500. Sales of the Eldorado Biarritz fell to 815 copies.

1959 to 1966

Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado (1966)

With the 1959 model year, the Eldorado - like the DeVille - was separated from the Series 62 and made into an independent series. Regardless of this, the Eldorado lost its stylistic peculiarities at this point in time. As in 1954, from 1959 it split the bodies of the respective standard models, so that it was in fact no more than a better-equipped version of the Series 62 Convertible or (from 1965) the DeVille Convertible. Until 1964 the Eldorado kept the Biarritz suffix , although it was no longer needed for differentiation due to the lack of other designs. From 1965 marketing assigned the Eldorado to the Fleetwood series, so that the convertible was sold as the Fleetwood Eldorado. In the first half of the 1960s, the prices of the Eldorado were around US $ 1,500 above the basic convertibles and US $ 1,000 above the DeVille convertibles, with the latter not being offered until 1965. The Eldorado convertibles of the 1960s, like their predecessors from the previous decade, were rare vehicles. Annual production was regularly in the lower four-digit range. Only in 1965 and 1966 were more than 2000 copies produced; from 1959 to 1964 only a little more than 1,000 vehicles were built annually.

Special forms: Eldorado Seville and Eldorado Brougham

Eldorado Seville

Cadillac Eldorado Seville (1958)

From 1956 to 1960, Cadillac offered closed versions with hardtop in parallel with the open Eldorado Biarritz. The two-door coupé was named Eldorado Seville, reminiscent of the Spanish city of Seville . These were coupes that technically corresponded to those of the Series 62. Stylistically, the Eldorado Sevilles were identical to the standard coupés from the front end to the roof. However, in contrast to this, they carried the rear of the respective Eldorado Biarritz. The equipment also corresponded to the open Eldorado versions. The Eldorado Seville was sold for the same price as the Eldorado Biarritz. In the three years of its production, the Eldorado Seville was regularly more successful than the Eldorado Biarritz Cabriolet: in 1956, almost twice as many copies of the closed version were made as of the convertible. With the model change in 1957, the sales figures of both versions almost equalized, but the Seville was still slightly ahead of the Biarritz in both 1957 (2100 vehicles) and 1958 (855 units). Cadillac also produced "about three" four-door versions of the Eldorado Seville in 1957, but these remained prototypes and did not go on sale.

In the 1960 model year, a coupé version of the Eldorado appeared again. It was called Eldorado Seville again. As with the Eldorado Cabriolet, the body completely corresponded to that of the Series 62. After that, Cadillac initially discontinued production of Eldorado coupés. The name Seville was reused for a compact luxury sedan a decade and a half later .

Eldorado Brougham

Cadillac Eldorado Brougham (1957)
With Pininfarina body: Cadillac Eldorado Brougham (1959)

For the 1957 model year, another member of the Eldorado line was a four-door luxury sedan called the Eldorado Brougham. It was produced in three different versions and in very small numbers until 1960. The Eldorado Broughams were technically ambitious vehicles that were stylistically independent and had no external identical parts either with the standard Cadillacs of the Series 62 or with the coupés and convertibles of the Eldorado series.

The first version of the Eldorado Brougham produced in 1957 and 1958 was based on a show car that had been shown at the Paris Motor Show for two years. The car had doors that opened in opposite directions, so-called suicide doors at the back, and did not have a center post. It was the first Cadillac to be equipped with air suspension. The ground clearance was manually adjustable. It was one of the first US cars to feature twin headlights as standard. At US $ 13,500, the Eldorado Brougham cost almost twice as much as an Eldorado Biarritz or an Eldorado Seville. Alternatively, three Series 62 hardtop coupés were available for the same price. In 1957 and 1958, a total of 1200 copies of the Eldorado Brougham were built. The French luxury car manufacturer Facel Vega copied the Eldorado Brougham concept with its Excellence .

The new edition of the Eldorado Brougham presented in 1959 was stylistically more similar to the Series 62 sedans of the same year. Its body was designed by the Italian bodywork manufacturer Pininfarina . The new Eldorado Brougham differed from the standard Cadillacs mainly in that it did not have a panoramic front window, smoother car sides and significantly lower tail fins. The Pininfarina design had a significant impact on the design of Cadillac's production models in the early 1960s. The production of the Eldorado Brougham was largely relocated to Italy for cost reasons. Cadillac had the chassis fly to Pininfarina in Turin. There the body was built by hand; the finished cars were then brought back to the USA by plane. The 1959 version of the Eldorado Brougham was priced at US $ 13,075. 99 copies were made in this model year. The 1960s version was very similar, but the details were more sober. Pininfarina produced another 101 vehicles this year. After that, Cadillac stopped production of the Eldorado Brougham.

Eldorado with front-wheel drive

For the 1967 model year, the Eldorado was realigned. The Eldorado was technically and stylistically solved by Cadillac's standard models and further developed into a completely independent luxury class coupé. Part of the technical repositioning of the model was the move to front-wheel drive, which was a novelty in this class. From 1967 the Eldorado was related to the Oldsmobile Toronado ; From 1979 the Buick Riviera also belonged to the model family, within which the Cadillac version was the highest quality and most expensive version. The front-wheel drive Eldorado was produced in five generations until 2003.

Fleetwood Eldorado (1967 to 1970)

1967 to 1970
Cadillac Eldorado (1968)

Cadillac Eldorado (1968)
Production period: 1966-1970
Body versions : Coupe
Engines: Gasoline engine
7.7 liters (276 kW) and 8.2 liters
Length: 5610 mm
Width: 2030 mm
Height: 1365 mm
Wheelbase : 3048 mm
Empty weight : 2145 kg

The first generation of the front-wheel drive Eldorado models was considered “the most extraordinary Cadillac model of the 1960s.” Its development began in 1959. In 1962 the decision to switch to front-wheel drive. Previously, the development of a front-wheel drive model for the sister brand Oldsmobile had already been decided, which resulted in the Oldsmobile Toronado presented in 1966 . In the summer of 1963, the technical development of the Oldsmobile and the Cadillac were combined. Accordingly, both models had basically the same technology in the drive area. Unlike its predecessors, the new Eldorado was designed exclusively as a coupé. The body design is attributed to the GM design chief Bill Mitchell ; he is considered one of his best jobs for General Motors. However, preliminary and detailed work was done by Charles "Chuck" Jordan . The special design features of the Eldorado included clear, straight lines with sharp angles, which in retrospect were referred to as Razor Edge Design ("razor edge design "). Behind the long doors was a distinctive kink in the belt line. For the first two years, the Eldorado had concealed headlights.

The chassis of the Eldorado corresponded in its basic features to that of the Oldsmobile Toronado . The front suspension on both models consisted of torsion bar springs with telescopic shock absorbers . At the rear, the Eldorado used a rigid axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs and a total of four shock absorbers. Unlike the Toronado, which was initially equipped with drum brakes all around, the Cadillac had front disc brakes from the start. Cadillac's standard engine was used as the engine. In the first model year it was a 7.0 liter eight-cylinder V-engine with 340 SAE-HP, from 1968 it was a 7.7 liter unit with 375 SAE-HP, and in 1970 the Eldorado received an exclusive one new eight-cylinder engine with 8.2 liters displacement, which was the largest mass-produced car engine of the post-war period. Its power was 400 SAE-HP. In all cases, the power was transmitted by a three-speed automatic transmission installed on the side of the engine.

When the Eldorado was launched, it was priced at US $ 6,277, and by 1970 the price had risen to US $ 6,903. The Eldorado was therefore more expensive than any Cadillac Calais and DeVille, but slightly cheaper than the four-door sedans of the Series 60 . In the first model year, almost 18,000 vehicles were built, in 1968 there were 24,528, then in 1969 23,333 and in 1970, when the Eldorado received the 8.2-liter eight-cylinder engine, finally 28,842 cars.

Fleetwood Eldorado (1971 to 1978)

1971 to 1977
Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado (1971)

Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado (1971)
Production period: 1971-1978
Body versions : Coupé , convertible
Engines: Gasoline engines :
7.0 and 8.2 liters
Length: 5690-5700 mm
Width: 2030 mm
Height: 1380 mm
Wheelbase : 3210 mm
Empty weight : 2510 kg

After four years of production of the first front-wheel drive Eldorado, Cadillac introduced the next generation in the 1971 model year, which featured a completely redesigned body. The new Eldorado looked significantly larger than its predecessor and, according to critics, was designed more crudely. Unlike the previous generation, there was now a convertible version of the Eldorado in addition to the coupé. It was now the only open Cadillac after production of the DeVille Convertible was discontinued at the end of the 1970 model year. The second generation of the front-wheel drive Eldorados stayed in the range for eight years; for the 1975 model year, however, it received a facelift.

The 8.2 liter eight-cylinder engine that was introduced in 1970 continued to serve as the drive. Its performance was given in 1971 as 365 gross SAE-HP. With the conversion to net values ​​for model year 1972, the engine output was initially 235 net SAE-HP (1972 and 1973), before it increased to 210 net SAE-HP (1974) and finally to 190 SAE-HP (1974) as a result of emissions-related modifications. 1975 and 1976) fell. For model year 1976 there was an optional version with gasoline injection, the output of which was 215 SAE-HP. The 8.2-liter engine, which had been the standard drive for all other large Cadillac models since 1975, was discontinued at the end of the 1976 model year. Its successor was a newly designed eight-cylinder V-engine with a displacement of 7.0 liters (425 cubic inches), the output of which has meanwhile increased to 135 kW (180 Netto SAE-HP) with a double register carburettor or 146 kW (195 Netto SAE -HP) belief.

The Eldorado Cabriolet weighed 2335 kg empty when it was launched; in the last year of production the curb weight had risen to 2567 kg. The coupes were each around 30 kg lighter.

In the 1970s, the open-top version of the Eldorado was the only convertible that remained in the Cadillac range, and from 1975 it was also the only open-top car produced by the United States. After Cadillac announced the cessation of production of the convertible at the end of the 1976 fashion year, the company sold a total of 14,000 Eldorado convertibles last year. Many of them were bought by collectors and speculators as investment objects.

The Eldorado from 1971 to 1978 was mostly criticized in the press. According to Automobile Quarterly magazine , there was “no logical reason” to buy such a car: the Eldorado's efficiency was “close to zero”; it has the handling of a barge and is the most fuel-intensive car on the market.

Eldorado (1979–1985)

1979 to 1985
Cadillac Eldorado (1979–1985)

Cadillac Eldorado (1979–1985)
Production period: 1979-1985
Body versions : Coupé , convertible
Engines:
Otto engines : 4.1–6.0 liters
(93–234 kW)
Diesel engine :
5.7 liters
(78–93 kW)
Length: 5182 mm
Width: 1814 mm
Height: 1377 mm
Wheelbase : 2895 mm
Empty weight : 1638-1723 kg

After Cadillac had already subjected its standard models of the DeVille and Fleetwood series to a downsizing program in model year 1977, the third front-wheel drive generation of the Eldorado finally appeared in model year 1979, which was now significantly reduced in size. The length of the coupé fell from 5.70 m to 5.18 m and its weight from 2.3 to 1.75 tons. The suspension of the rear wheels was new. They were now hung individually. The independent suspension, which was unusual for US models at the time, was more space-saving than the rigid axle previously used. It contributed to the fact that the interior of the Eldorado turned out to be larger than the previous model, despite its smaller dimensions.

From 1979 onwards, the Eldorado shared the technology and the body shell not only - as before - with the Oldsmobile Toronado, but also with the Buick Riviera , which had used a rear-wheel drive platform in 1978. Externally, all of the trio's bodies were redesigned. In the beginning, the Eldorado, like its sister models, was only available as a two-door coupé. After several independent bodybuilders had already converted numerous coupés into open four-seater on behalf of customers since the model was presented, a - very expensive - convertible version was also produced at the factory from 1984. A total of 5600 convertibles were manufactured by her.

Over the years Cadillac offered five different gasoline engines as well as a diesel engine for the Eldorado. Compared to the earlier Eldorado models, displacement and engine power were significantly reduced; That was a reaction to the almost annually stricter legal requirements for fleet consumption and emissions. The only engine that was offered over the entire production period of the third Eldoraco Coupé was a 5.7 liter eight-cylinder diesel engine supplied by Oldsmobile. Its power was 105 SAE-HP. With it, the Eldorado and Cadillac's standard models were underpowered. Only in its debut year was a 5.7 liter V8 petrol engine with 170 SAE HP planned as the standard engine, which was replaced in 1980 by an eight-cylinder V engine with a displacement of 6.0 liters (145 SAE HP). In the following year it was equipped with a cylinder deactivation, i. H. he worked four, six or eight cylinders depending on the load situation. The cylinder deactivation often did not work properly. Together with the eight-cylinder diesel engine, it damaged the brand's reputation at the beginning of the 1980s. In 1981 and 1982 there was alternatively a 4.1 liter six-cylinder engine with an output of 125 SAE-HP, bought by Buick - the first six-cylinder engine in Cadillac's history - which was finally replaced by a 4.1-liter engine developed by Cadillac itself from 1983. Eight-cylinder engine with 125 hp or 135 hp was replaced.

The Eldorado Biarritz Coupé was still part of the range as a luxury variant ; the sporty version offered from 1983 was called the Touring Coupé.

The new Eldorado was very well received on the market. By 1985, a total of 454,000 copies of the third front-wheel drive Eldorado had been built. 1984/85 were the best Eldorado years ever with around 77,000 pieces each.

Eldorado (1986-1991)

1986 to 1991
Cadillac Eldorado (1985-1991)

Cadillac Eldorado (1985-1991)
Production period: 1985-1991
Body versions : Coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 4.1–4.9 liters
(97–149 kW)
Length: 4780-4861 mm
Width: 1811-1839 mm
Height: 1351-1364 mm
Wheelbase : 2745 mm
Empty weight : 1491-1572 kg

As early as the summer of 1984, Cadillac had greatly reduced the standard models of the DeVille and Fleetwood ranges for the second time since 1977. A year later, for the 1986 model year, the fourth generation of the front-wheel drive Eldorado appeared, which had also been reduced in size and weight. The new Eldorado models, like the Oldsmobile Toronado, the Buick Riviera and the Cadillac Seville, whose new - third - generation was stylistically a four-door version of the Eldorado, used the newly designed e-platform.

First series (1986–1987)

The new Eldorado, presented in late summer 1985, was 340 mm shorter and 380 kg lighter than its direct predecessor. It was only offered as a two-door coupe. The role of the open sports car was taken over by the two-seater Cadillac Allanté , which was presented at the same time , whose technology corresponded to that of the Eldorado, but had an individual body designed by the Italian designer Pininfarina with emphatically European lines and was twice as expensive as the Eldorado. The Eldorado had a self-supporting body . The smooth-surfaced front section of the Eldorado with broadband headlights was based on that of the Allanté; Otherwise, its structure was completely independent. The sides of the car were smooth. A special feature was a very narrow, almost vertical C-pillar, which could be provided with a vinyl cover on request. The design of the new Eldorado has been criticized many times. It was considered uninspired or boring; For some observers it was too close to the bodies of other, cheaper GM models.

As the only member of the model family, the Eldorado used an eight-cylinder engine that was installed across the front ; the sister models of Buick and Oldsmobile had a six-cylinder V-engine instead. The eight-cylinder Eldorado had a displacement of 4.1 liters and developed 97 kW (132 hp). The power was transmitted via an automatic four-speed gearbox with electronic control, which was operated by a lever attached to the vehicle tunnel; the steering wheel gearshift that was common up to now was no longer necessary. The Eldorado was equipped with four disc brakes as standard. As in the previous generation, a particularly high-quality version was available called Eldorado Biarritz.

The extreme reduction in dimensions with a significant loss of power at the same time made the car a failure. In 1986 sales fell by more than 60 percent compared to the previous year's model. In its debut year, only 21,342 copies of the Eldorado were made, in 1987 production fell to 17,775 vehicles. The lack of success is primarily explained by the small dimensions of the Eldorado: American customers have not accepted such a small vehicle in the luxury class segment.

Second series (1988–1991)

For the 1988 model year, GM took up the criticism of the tight dimensions of its Personal Luxury Coupés. After two unsuccessful years, the Eldorado, the Oldsmobile Toronado and the Buick Riviera were stylistically redesigned. The Eldorado received a new front and rear section, with the C-pillar also being widened. With the wheelbase unchanged, the overall length increased by almost 100 mm. Overall, the design was perceived as “more classic”. The engine was also renewed. From 1988 to 1990 a 115 kW (157 PS), then 135 kW (183 DIN PS) 4.5-liter V8 engine provided propulsion, and in 1991 a 4.9-liter with 149 kW (203 DIN PS) ). As a supplement to the Biarritz, Cadillac again offered a sporty touring coupé from 1989 .

The revised Eldorado was much more successful than the models in the first series. In 1988 production doubled compared to the previous year to 33,210 vehicles, in the following years 27,807 (1989), 22,292 (1990) and 16,212 (1991) Eldorados were built.

Eldorado (1992-2002)

8th generation
Cadillac Eldorado (1991-1995)

Cadillac Eldorado (1991-1995)
Production period: 1991-2002
Body versions : Coupe
Engines:
Petrol engines : 4.6-4.9 liters
(149-224 kW)
Length: 5136 mm
Width: 1918 mm
Height: 1369 mm
Wheelbase : 2745 mm
Empty weight : 1633-1756 kg

At the end of 1991 the Eldorado appeared, after a delay because Cadillac was initially not satisfied with the external design (for a release in the model year 1991), as a completely new model, which was technically very similar to the Cadillac Seville and its emphatically angular style, especially around around the C-pillar, brought back memories of the first front-wheel drive coupé from 1966. The formal, public presentation of the series model took place at the NAIAS in January 1992.

In the first year it was powered by the 4.9-liter V8 engine (149 kW / 203 PS) taken over from its predecessor, then by the new Cadillac Northstar V8 engine in two different output levels: 201 kW (273 DIN PS) for the base model, 216 kW (294 PS) for the Eldorado Touring Coupé and the Eldorado Sport Coupé (only available in 1993).

Cadillac Eldorado (1995-2002)

In autumn 1995 a visual and technical overhaul was made on the Eldorado. The Northstar engine increased to 205 kW (279 hp) or 224 kW (305 hp).

The sales figures of the Eldorado of the eighth generation amounted to over 31,000 copies in the first year, afterwards they fell to about 15,000 to 25,000 pieces per year, with a further downward trend.

Production of the last generation of Eldorado at the Lansing Craft Center in Lansing , Michigan, ended in April 2002. The last vehicle produced was donated to the Cadillac Museum.

Technical data (from year 1992 and 4.9 V8)

model 4.9
Number of cylinders V8
Displacement (cm³) 4893
Max. Power (kW / PS) 149/203 at 4100
Max. Torque (Nm) 373 at 3000
Top speed (km / h) 193
Transmission (standard) 4-speed automatic
Acceleration (0-100 km / h) 9.0 s
Combined consumption (l / 100 km) 10-17 L.
Tank capacity 71 L

Weak points

According to the magazine Motor Klassik Youngtimer , the model has the following ten weak points:

  1. partly rickety interior
  2. Engine electronics
  3. Loss of oil and cooling water
  4. Cylinder head gasket
  5. Stud bolt (4.6 L)
  6. Ball joints front axle
  7. Shock absorber control
  8. Control units
  9. higher brake wear
  10. Board computer

Trivia

This model is celebrated in the song Geronimo's Cadillac by Modern Talking . It also appears in the accompanying music video.

literature

  • Georg Amtmann: Cadillac . Lechner Verlag, Geneva 1990, ISBN 3-85049-071-8 .
  • Angelo Van Bogart, Brian Earnest: Cadillac. 100 Years of Innovation , Krause Publications, 2003, ISBN 978-0-87349-690-2 .
  • James M. Flammang, Ron Kowalke, Ron: Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999 . Krause Publications (1999), ISBN 0-87341-755-0 .
  • John Gunnell: American Cars of the 1960s: A Decade of Diversity , Krause Publications, 2005, ISBN 978-0-89689-131-9 .
  • Richard M. Langworth: Automobiles of the 1930s . Beekman House, New York 1980, ISBN 0-517-30994-7 .
  • Richard M. Langworth: Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930-1980 . Beekman House, New York 1984, ISBN 0-517-42462-2 .
  • Dan Lyons: Cars of the Fantastic '50s , Krause Publications, 2005, ISBN 978-0-87349-926-2 .
  • Rob de la Rive Box: General Motors' passenger cars 1945-1965 ., SERAG, Päffikon 1988, ISBN 3-908007-48-8
  • Cadillac - Standard of the World , Motorbuch Verlag, 1995, ISBN 3-613-01247-2
  • Cadillac - The American Dream Car , VIP, 1993, ISBN 3-552-05101-5
  • Standard Catalog of Cadillac 1903-2004 , Krause Publications, 2005, ISBN 0-87349-289-7
  • Automobil Revue , catalog numbers 1960, 1969 and 1973 (dates).

Web links

Commons : Cadillac Eldorado  - collection of pictures, videos and audio files

History of the Cadillac Eldorado on the website www.edmunds.com

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ a b Rob de la Rive Box: General Motors' passenger cars 1945-1965 ., SERAG, Päffikon 1988, ISBN 3-908007-48-8 , p. 34.
  2. ↑ Richard M. Langworth: Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930–1980 . Beekman House, New York 1984, ISBN 0-517-42462-2 , pp. 84 (model description) and 103 (prices and production).
  3. ↑ a b c d Georg Amtmann: Cadillac. Lechner Verlag, Geneva 1990, ISBN 3-85049-071-8 , p. 17.
  4. ^ Dan Lyons: Cars of the Fantastic '50s , Krause Publications, 2005, ISBN 978-0-87349-926-2 , p. 55.
  5. ↑ Description of the Cadillac Eldorado from 1954 on the website www.100megsfree4.com (accessed on October 19, 2016).
  6. ↑ a b c d e Angelo Van Bogart, Brian Earnest: Cadillac. 100 Years of Innovation , Krause Publications, 2003, ISBN 978-0-87349-690-2 , p. 133.
  7. ↑ a b c Rob de la Rive Box: The Passenger Cars of General Motors 1945-1965 ., SERAG, Päffikon 1988, ISBN 3-908007-48-8 , p. 36.
  8. ↑ Overview of the Cadillac model range 1965 in a works brochure (accessed on October 20, 2016).
  9. ^ A b Richard M. Langworth: Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930–1980 . Beekman House, New York 1984, ISBN 0-517-42462-2 , p. 90.
  10. ^ History of the 1967 Cadillac Eldorado on the website www.eldorado-seville.com (accessed October 20, 2016).
  11. ^ Georg Amtmann: Cadillac . Lechner Verlag, Geneva 1990, ISBN 3-85049-071-8 , p. 31.
  12. ↑ a b c Georg Amtmann: Cadillac . Lechner Verlag, Geneva 1990, ISBN 3-85049-071-8 , p. 32.
  13. ↑ a b c Description of the Cadillac Eldorado from 1971 on the website www.100megsfree4.com (accessed on October 21, 2016).
  14. ↑ Richard M. Langworth: Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930–1980 . Beekman House, New York 1984, ISBN 0-517-42462-2 , p. 93.
  15. ^ A b Richard M. Langworth: Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930–1980 . Beekman House, New York 1984, ISBN 0-517-42462-2 , pp. 107 f.
  16. ^ History of the Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz (model year 1978) on the website www.automotivemileposts.com (accessed on October 21, 2016).
  17. ↑ Richard M. Langworth: Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930–1980 . Beekman House, New York 1984, ISBN 0-517-42462-2 , p. 94.
  18. ↑ Richard M. Langworth: Encyclopedia of American Cars 1930–1980 . Beekman House, New York 1984, ISBN 0-517-42462-2 , p. 95.
  19. ↑ a b Description of the Cadillac Eldorado 1986 on the website www.100megsfree4.com (accessed on November 16, 2016).
  20. ↑ Description of the Cadillac Eldorado from 1988 on the website www.100megsfree4.com (accessed on November 16, 2016).
  21. ↑ Jim Mateja: Good, Bad Sides Of `92 Cadillacs - tribunedigital-chicagotribune. In: articles.chicagotribune.com. September 8, 1991. Retrieved August 5, 2018 (American English).
  22. ↑ Mike Rosa: Design Notes: 1992 Cadillac Eldorado, Part 2 - Cars of Interest. In: autosofinterest.com. September 6, 2013, p. 5 , accessed August 5, 2018 (American English, interview with Chief Designer Dick Ruzzin).
  23. ↑ End of an Era: The Last Cadillac Eldorado rolls off assembly line - Autoweek. In: autoweek.com. April 23, 2002, accessed August 5, 2018 .
  24. ↑ a b Motor Klassik Youngtimer, 5/2018
Cadillac models timeline , 1930s to 1980s
Type 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s
0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9
Middle class 60 61 2nd ww 61 Cimarron
355 70/80 62 Series 62 6200 Calais
upper middle class Seville
Upper class 65 Coupe DeVille / Sedan DeVille
60S Sixty Special Fleetwood Flwd60S Fleetwood
Limousines 355 72/75/85 Series 75 6700 Fleetwood 75 FL FB Brougham
Personal Luxury Eldorado
Roadster Allante
Luxury class V-16 Brougham
Timeline of Cadillac models from 1980 to present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s
0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0 1 2 3 4th 5 6th 7th 8th 9 0
Middle class Cimarron BLS ATS CT4
upper middle class Catera CTS CTS CTS CT5
Seville Seville Seville Seville STS XTS
Upper class DeVille DeVille DeVille DeVille DTS
Fleetwood Fleetwood Fleetwood CT6
Brougham
Personal Luxury Eldorado Eldorado Eldorado
Crossover SUV Lyriq
XT4
SRX SRX XT5
XT6
SUV Escalade Escalade Escalade Escalade
Roadster Allante XLR