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Eldorado Builds On Status As Best-Selling Prestige Luxury Coupe
With a history of innovative technology and styling in its bloodlines, the 2000 Eldorado moves into the new millennium wîth a series of technological and aesthetic improvements.Eldorado continues to be the best-selling prestige luxury coupe in the Únited States and has the highest owner loyalty of any coupe in its §egmènt. While this Eldorado is the most advanced and responsive ever, it adheres to a philosophy that has been a hallmark of Eldorado from the beginning: Eldorado is for those who have accomplished on their own terms and those who proudly display their strong sense of individuality.
Offering both 275- and 300-horsepower variants, the 4.6-liter aluminum 32-valve Northstar V8 remains the heart of the Eldorado lineup. The redesign of the engine focuses on significantly lowering emissions, quieter operation (without losing the 'pleasing' performance note that has long been a signature of the engine), and better fuel economy running on regular fuel. (concept carz) The engine features an all-new head design, new intake manifolds, coil-on-plug ignition and rolling cam runners to reduce friction. Additionally, virtually all other components were changed or updated, including the pistons, valves, connecting rods and cams.
Further demonstrating a commitment to the legendary Eldorado brand and its customers, Cadillac introduced an Eldorado Touring Coupe in 1999 wîth monochromatic exterior ornamentation.
This monochromatic ETC's exterior provides Eldorado wîth a fresh look more in line wîth its target consumers. Úpdates include new body color inserts on side and fascia moldings replacing chrome inserts; a new seven-spoke wheel wîth a Cadillac wreath and crest center cap; new P235/60HR 16-inch tires; and a new ETC decklid.
For 2000, Eldorado offers a new version of OnStar. An integrated three-button system replaces the handset phone. This simplified approach allows for drivers to benefit from all of OnStar's safety, security and convenience features while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Exterior
In addition to the ETC's fresh new look for 2000, the Eldorado's bold exterior styling will be enhanced by the following exterior colors: Crimson Pearl, White Diamond, Sable, Black, Sterling, Cashmere, and Polo Green.
A new logo, ESC (for Eldorado Sport Coupe), has been added to the Eldorado model.
Interior
Eldorado and ETC's elegant interior is available in the following trim: Neutral Shale, Black, Oatmeal and Pewter. A wood trim §teering wheel will be available as an option for the 2000 model Eldorado and ETC.
Sound System
The up-level Bose® entertainment system is standard on the ETC and remains an option on the Eldorado. The system includes radio data system (RDS) technology, which allows the radio to receive digital data transmitted along wîth the standard radio signal. This information can include station call letters, program format, the name of the song and the artist playing and other useful information. RDS also makes it easier to find traffic and emergency information.
RDS also permits Eldorado and ETC buyers to personalize their radio to provide them whatever information they want, whether it's viewing stock quotes or searching for jazz stations.
Commuters will appreciate the traffic announcement function of RDS. When the traffic announcement feature is turned on, the radio looks for a station that broadcasts traffic reports. This feature enables the radio to temporarily interrupt the audio program, including CD and cassette tape, wîth updated traffic conditions.
A key safety feature of RDS is its alert system that will even interrupt a CD or tape to let listeners know of impending local or national emergencies.
Another feature of the radio is the weather band, which allows customers to get National Weather Service reports 24 hours a day.
The renowned Bose speaker system and a single-slot compact disc player are standard wîth the ETC sound system and available on the up-level Eldorado sound system. A 12-disc trunk-mounted CD changer is optional on both.
All radios also feature a mute button, which silences the system when the button is pressed. The sound returns when the button is pressed again.
The ETC, as well as Eldorados equipped wîth the memory feature, offer home/away presets. Both driver 1 and driver 2 can select their preferred radio stations outside their home area, such as in frequently traveled business or vacation areas.
All Eldorado and ETC radios are equipped wîth Theftlock™, which provides automatic theft deterrence for the radio. If the radio is removed from the car, it won't work in any other vehicle unless the vehicle identification number (VIN) is cleared. This can only be done by a dealership using a special tool. Once the VIN is scribed into the radio, the radio can be traced.
Northstar System
The Eldorado features Cadillac's widely praised Northstar System, which can include a powerful dual overhead cam V8 engine wîth the StabiliTrak™ stability control system, continuously variable road-sensing suspension, all-speed traction control, ABS and Magnasteer™ §teering.
Northstar V8
The 2000 Eldorado benefits from the next step in modern engine design in the form of an improved Northstar V8. While the basic engine architecture remains a predominantly aluminum 4.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8, major design improvements have been incorporated to deliver lower emissions, excellent mileage wîth regular unleaded fuel and smoother, quieter operation.
The List Of New Northstar V8 Features Includes:
Roller-follower valve train design
Improved combustion chamber configuration
Center-feed intake manifold
New pistons
Coil-on-plug cassette ignition system
Siemens powertrain control module (engine and transmission control computer)
Exhaust manifolds wîth integral air-injection passages
Flex pipe between the exhaust Y-pipe and the catalytic converter
Twin electrically driven, two-stage air pumps (LEV applications only)
Direct mounting of all engine-driven accessories (power §teering pump, AC compressor, electrical generator)
Integrated coolant crossover and throttle-body support
One result of these improvements is that the 2000 Eldorado will be certified for sale in California and certain Northeast states as a low emissions vehicle (LEV). This was achieved by means of a reaction-heated catalyst, pistons wîth reduced crevice volume and a new combustion chamber design.
Revised combustion chambers are superior to previous designs in terms of both tumble motion of the incoming fuel-air mixture and burn rate. The intake and exhaust valves have been resized. The larger intake valves improve the engine's breathing ability, while the smaller exhaust valves increase flow velocity to aid catalyst light-off.
While the new combustion chamber design helps maximize fuel efficiency, even larger gains are made by the addition of roller-follower devices between each cam lobe and valve stem. Compared to the previous Northstar's direct valve actuation, the result is a substantial reduction in friction. During moderate driving conditions, the torque necessary to turn Northstar's four camshafts is reduced by 50 percent or more.
The Eldorado's fuel recommendation changes from premium (93 octane, lead-free) to regular unleaded, resulting in a major reduction in operating expense. To facilitate this gain, the Northstar's compression ratio was lowered from 10.3:1 to 10.0:1.
The Northstar also benefits from a new ignition system that delivers power to the spark plugs directly instead of through wiring. A cassette containing four ignition coils linked by short secondary leads to adjoining spark plugs now attaches atop each cylinder head cover.
In addition to improved reliability, the new ignition system permits scheduling the magnitude of the voltage sent to the spark plugs. High voltage is used during full-load, high rpm and heavy EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) conditions to guarantee complete combustion. The energy level is reduced to minimize electrical loads and radio frequency interference during light-load conditions, such as medium speed cruising. The result is extended spark-plug life and a peak energy capacity that is 130 percent higher than the system it replaced.
Northstar's new powertrain control module is a single circuit board device housed within a sealed aluminum case engineered to withstand the harsh underhood environment. The module contains dual microprocessors to monitor and direct engine and transmission operations.
Noise and vibration improvements are the result of adopting a center-feed design for the composite-plastic intake manifold, as opposed to the previous end-feed design. The new design facilitates a near equal-length induction path for all eight cylinders. In contrast, the previous design provided a long path to the front cylinders and shorter paths to rearward cylinders. With the reduction or elimination of many harmonic tones, the resulting induction sound is more of a hum.
A molded-plastic cover backed wîth acoustical foam rests above the intake manifold to reduce induction, fuel-injector and other noises radiated by the engine. Direct mounting of accessories eliminates flex and vibration inherent wîth extra brackets. A flexible connection in the exhaust system en route to the catalyst helps quell another source of noise and harshness.
Outstanding Power, Torque
The 4.6-liter dual-overhead-camshaft Northstar V8 installed in the Eldorado generates 275 horsepower (205 kW) at 5600 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. (407 N•m) of torque at 4000 rpm. The sportier ETC is equipped wîth a retuned version of the Northstar V8 producing 300 horsepower (224 kW) at 6000 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. (400 N•m) of torque at 4400 rpm. Redline for both models begins at 6500 rpm through 7000 rpm.
The Northstar engines offer 100,000-mile (160,000-kilometer) durability and limp-home mode in case of total coolant loss. The Northstar's maintenance-free design can go up to 100,000 miles before the first scheduled tune-up — only changing the oil, oil filter and air filter is required in the interim — until the Eldorado logs 100,000 miles (160,000 kilometers). In limp-home mode, the engine can operate on four cylinders at speeds of 50 mph (80 kph) for about 50 miles (80 kilometers), giving the driver an opportunity to reach a safe location. The engine accomplishes this by alternately delivering fuel to four of the eight cylinders. The remaining four cylinders do not fire but continue to pump air, which cools the engine.
On both ETC and Eldorado, the 4T80-E transaxle is linked to the engine via a viscous converter clutch, which assures smooth operation by reducing torque variation when the torque converter clutch is applied. The 4T80-E also features equal-length drive axles, which limit torque steer by minimizing angle differences from side to side as the car accelerates.
StabiliTrak™
StabiliTrak will continue to be offered as standard equipment on the ETC and a stand-alone option on Eldorado.
StabiliTrak is a stability control system that improves the stability of the vehicle on all surfaces at all speeds. At the heart of StabiliTrak are two sensors — a yaw rate sensor and lateral acceleration sensor — that work wîth the car's suspension, §teering, ABS and traction control systems.
StabiliTrak's computer compares the §teering angle (where the driver wants the car to go) wîth feedback from yaw rate and lateral sensors (where the car is actually going).
When the StabiliTrak system determines that the car is not going where the driver is §teering it, the StabiliTrak computer (which also controls ABS and traction control functions) sends a complex but extremely rapid series of directions to the vehicle's traction control and ABS to help straighten the vehicle. For example, if the car is starting to fishtail, StabiliTrak gently applies the outside front brake to slow the vehicle and nudge its tail back into line.
Road-Texture Detection
Road-texture detection, a standard feature on ETC, makes the anti-lock brakes more effective by measuring the roughness of the road and adjusting brake operation accordingly.
Suspension Systems
The ETC is equipped wîth continuously variable road-sensing suspension (CVRSS), which produces optimum body and wheel damping under virtually all driving conditions by independently adjusting the damper setting at each corner of the vehicle and responding in real time. CVRSS can precisely match required damping to the severity of the input, enabling a refinement level not previously achieved. The benefits to the ETC customer include markedly improved rolling smoothness, road isolation and impact feel, wîth exceptional control during aggressive emergency maneuvers. The Eldorado features hydraulic dampers that provide good control while still delivering the well-isolated ride preferred by Eldorado customers.
Magnasteer™
Another integral part of the Northstar System, Magnasteer is a continuously variable, speed-sensitive §teering system that is standard on the ETC and Eldorado. Magnasteer varies the amount of §teering effort in proportion to vehicle speed. Steering effort is reduced at lower speeds for parking ease and is increased as the vehicle speed rises for highway cruising.
Sensitivity to lateral acceleration as well as speed is an enhanced feature of the Magnasteer system. When the cornering rate is up, as sensed by an on-board lateral accelerometer, §teering effort is automatically increased to enhance the driver's feel of the road. In addition, if StabiliTrak is active, §teering effort also is increased significantly to help the driver maintain command of the situation.
Personal Security
OnStar
New from OnStar for 2000 is a simplified, integrated three-button system. Attached to the rearview mirror of Eldorado and ETC, the OnStar three-button system has its own dedicated cellular network, which eliminates the need of an additional cellular contract.
OnStar provides the most complete array of safety, security and convenience services available to drivers today. The system uses Cadillac's sophisticated on-board electronics, global positioning system (GPS) satellite technology and the cellular network to link the driver and the vehicle wîth the 24-hour OnStar Center.
OnStar's services include route support, remote door unlock, theft detection notification, stolen vehicle tracking, emergency services, OnStar MED-NET, AccidentAssist and remote diagnostics. From a database of more than five million listings, an adviser at the OnStar Center also can provide a wide range of convenience services, such as providing the location of the nearest automatic teller machine (ATM), making hotel reservations or ordering flowers.
Ownership And Warranty
All 2000 Cadillacs are backed by a four-year/50,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper limited warranty wîth courtesy transportation for all warranty repairs and no deductible. The warranty also includes defects in the material and workmanship of tires. Additional coverage includes a six-year/100,000-mile (whichever comes first) rust-through protection.
Cadillac 24-hour roadside assistance is available to Cadillac owners toll-free by dialing 1-800-882-1112. Cadillac-trained service technicians are dispatched to handle minor repairs and assist wîth flat tires, lockouts, jump starts, fuel deliveries and other roadside emergencies. If the repair cannot be completed on the spot, the technician can arrange to have the vehicle transported to a dealership and customers driven to their home or other local destination. Roadside assistance is provided at no charge for any warranty repair and at a nominal charge if the vehicle is not under warranty.Source - Cadillac
Sales History (Calendar Year)
1999 5,599 (Through May '99)1998 15,598
1997 20,609
1996 20,964
1995 23,200
Vehicle History
The Eldorado name first appeared on a convertible Cadillac in 1953. Introduced as a limited edition, this car signified a new direction in styling for Cadillac and GM. Over the next few years, the Eldorado helped distinguish Cadillac as the ultimate in the prestige class. In 1956, Cadillac offered two versions of the Eldorado: the convertible returned wîth the name Biarritz and a two-door hardtop called the Seville was unveiled. Designed to be a modern technical showcase, Cadillac's ultra-luxurious 1957 Eldorado Brougham introduced the quad headlight system, a power seat wîth memory, automatic door locks, air suspension and a foot-operated parking brake that automatically released when the transmission was shifted into gear. Eldorado's tail fins, also called rocket fins, reached their styling peak in 1959. The fins would begin a gradual decline in 1960 and reached a subdued form by 1964. Completely redesigned in 1967, the Eldorado was the first Cadillac wîth front-wheel drive. Cadillac stopped making convertible Eldorados in 1976, but teased enthusiasts in 1984 by producing 2,000 Eldorado Biarritz convertibles. In 1992, the Eldorado was dramatically restyled wîth sharp, razor edges and angular body. The Eldorado Touring Coupe (ETC) was also introduced, designed wîth a more aggressive and refined touring suspension. The two models offer the world-famous Northstar System. Today, the Eldorado is the only luxury coupe built in North America.Source - Cadillac
New For 2000
• Improved Northstar V8• Freshened exterior on Eldorado Touring Coupe (ETC)
• Body color inserts on side and fascia moldings replace chrome (ETC)
• Seven-spoke wheel wîth Cadillac wreath and crest center cap (ETC)
• Simplified ETC decklid logo design
• ESC decklid logo for Eldorado Sport Coupe
Source - Cadillac
The Eldorado was a word with many meanings. It was chosen as the name to adore an upscale car that was built by Cadillac to celebrate its Golden Anniversary in 1952. Mary-Ann Zukosky, a secretary in the merchandising department, participated in a in-house competition and suggested the name. Eldorado was derived from the Spanish words 'el dorado' meaning 'golden one'. The name had first been used by the chief of a South American Indian tribe. The story was that his followers and tribe would sprinkle his body with gold dust on ceremonial occasions. He would later cleanse himself by diving into a lake.
Another story states the name represents a legendary but undiscovered city in South America filled with riches. Many European adventurers have long sought for this city including England's Sir Walter Raleigh.
'Palm Spring Life' magazine claimed the name Eldorado was derived from a Californian resort that was frequently visited by General Motors executives. The name of the resort located in Coachella Valley was the Eldorado Country Club.
In respects to the automobile built by General Motors, the Eldorado name was first used in 1953 and given to a limited-edition, low production, convertible and would continue to be used for many years. The original Eldorado was indeed a limited-production vehicle with only 532 examples created. The year prior, GM had shown the 'El Dorado' concept car in celebration of its 50 year anniversary. The Eldorado was the production version of this concept. It was based on the Series 62 and carried no special badging except a golden nameplate 'Eldorado' could be found in the center of the dash.
The convertible tops were available in black or white while the rest of the body could be ordered in one of four colors that included Azure Blue, Artisan Ochre, Alpine White, and Aztec Red. It carried a factory sticker price of $7,750 which was nearly twice as expensive as the vehicle it had been based, the Series 62.
The styling was influenced by the legendary Harley Earl who championed the wraparound windshield design along with other unique and stylish features.
The following year the Eldorado lost much of its unique qualities as it began sharing its body with other standard Cadillac's. This standardization allowed for lower, more cost effective pricing.
For 1955 the Eldorado continued to grow in bold features and radical designs. Tailfins could now be found in the rear giving the impression the car was in motion or pointing forward, even at a stand still. The following year Cadillac introduced the Eldorado Seville, a two-door hardtop coupe version.
One of the most memorable and sought-after designs of the Eldorado appeared in 1957, the Eldorado Brougham. At a price of over $13,000, the Brougham brought ulta-luxury and four doors. Event at this high price, it is estimated that GM lost over $10,000 on each of these hand assembled masterpieces. It cost more than most luxury marque models such as Rolls-Royce. The hardtop roof was stainless steel and it included almost every convenience option offered by General Motors, including dual headlights and air suspension. During its two year production run, only 704 examples were produced.
1957 also saw a new rear-end design on the Eldorado, often referred to as the 'chipmunk cheeks.' Little changed in 1958 and in 1959 Cadillac scaled back on the design. Though it was a couple years older its price remained relatively the same, selling at around $13,075. The assembly was handled by the famous Italian coachbuilder, Pinin Farina. These virtually hand-built machines had large fins, 'rocket-ship' taillights, and a very modern design for its era.
1960 was the last year Cadillac built the Seville version. GM made the Eldorado a trim option on the standard Cadillac convertible which would continue until 1966.
In 1967 the Eldorado was redesigned and now shared an E-Body platform with the Build Riviera and the Oldsmobile Toronado. The styling had been courtesy of GM's styling chief Bill Mitchell. One of the more distinctive features were the hidden lights. It continued to define luxury, prestige, and style. Under the hood lurked a potent 429 cubic-inch V8 which drove the front wheels. Zero-to-sixty took less than 9 seconds. This excellent performance did not translate to all of its mechanical components and its drum brakes were rather inadequate for its size and speed. Disc brakes could be purchased for an additional price.
Strict government regulations, emissions, and safety concerns meant the Eldorado changed slightly in aesthetics and mechanical components for 1968. For 1969 the hidden headlights were no longer part of the Eldorado design. A halo vinyl roof was offered as optional equipment.
A massive 500 cubic-inch V8 engine capable of producing 400 horsepower was offered exclusively on the Eldorado from 1970 through 1975. Thereafter, it was standard on all full size Cadillac's.
GM redesigned their full-size cars in 1971, with the new design lasting until 1975. The Eldorado was again offered as a convertible with fender skirts. The opera window design was all new and would prove to be very popular, indicated by its imitation by almost every domestic manufacturer. The opera window was a fixed rear side window surrounded by a vinyl roof.
Near the close of the 1970's many marques were decreasing the size of their cars. The Eldorado and Toronado continued to remain large and luxurious. In 1979 the Eldorado decreased in size and now sat atop a chassis which it shared with the Buick Riviera and the Toronado. Due to increasing oil prices and stricter government regulations, the engines began to decrease in size as well.
The notchback roofline was perhaps the most distinctive feature on the Eldorado. Its rear window was nearly vertical. An Independent rear suspension could now be found on the Eldorado, offering more rear passenger seating and a larger trunk while retaining a smaller body. The Eldorado Biarritz model was offered with a stainless-steel roof, just like the one that had been used on the first Brougham.
To further comply with evolving government regulations and rising fuel concerns, GM introduced a variable displacement engine in 1981. The idea was to turn off inactive cylinders while not in use. When power was needed, those sleeping cylinders would come alive and provide the power that was need. The idea was genius, but the execution was disastrous. On many occasions, it did not work well or at all which did much to scare the reputation of the Eldorado resulting in poor sales. Within the next few years, the sales rebound and the Eldorado was able to regain its market share.
By 1986, the size of the Eldorado had decreased substantially, now being similar in size to a compact car. The design was mediocre and for the first time in its history it was available with sedan frames around its windows. Many believed that this drastic change was due to fears of skyrocketing fuel prices that would send consumers running to smaller, lighter, and fuel efficient vehicles. Rather, fuel prices remained reasonable and the Eldorado sales plummeted. There were future revisions and aesthetic changes but sales continued to slow for the following years.
In 1992 the Cadillac Eldorado was reborn. Though it did not grow much in size it gained much ground in the styling department. Its design drew from its past and incorporated the frameless window glass that was distinctive to the Eldorado. The Northstar V8 was placed under the hood and provided excellent power and response. The styling and power resulted in increased sales and popularity. Though the four-door Cadillac Seville consistently outsold the two-door Eldorado, it had regained much of its prestige that it had lost.
For the following years, there were minor enhancements to the design and the interior.
In 2003, Cadillac celebrated the 50th model year of this nameplate. An ETC version was offered that produced an astonishing 300 horsepower. A limited number of red and white colored cars, the same as the 1953 convertible, were produced as a tribute to the legacy of the Eldorado.
On April 22, 2002, production of the Eldorado ceased.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2006
For more information and related vehicles, click hereAnother story states the name represents a legendary but undiscovered city in South America filled with riches. Many European adventurers have long sought for this city including England's Sir Walter Raleigh.
'Palm Spring Life' magazine claimed the name Eldorado was derived from a Californian resort that was frequently visited by General Motors executives. The name of the resort located in Coachella Valley was the Eldorado Country Club.
In respects to the automobile built by General Motors, the Eldorado name was first used in 1953 and given to a limited-edition, low production, convertible and would continue to be used for many years. The original Eldorado was indeed a limited-production vehicle with only 532 examples created. The year prior, GM had shown the 'El Dorado' concept car in celebration of its 50 year anniversary. The Eldorado was the production version of this concept. It was based on the Series 62 and carried no special badging except a golden nameplate 'Eldorado' could be found in the center of the dash.
The convertible tops were available in black or white while the rest of the body could be ordered in one of four colors that included Azure Blue, Artisan Ochre, Alpine White, and Aztec Red. It carried a factory sticker price of $7,750 which was nearly twice as expensive as the vehicle it had been based, the Series 62.
The styling was influenced by the legendary Harley Earl who championed the wraparound windshield design along with other unique and stylish features.
The following year the Eldorado lost much of its unique qualities as it began sharing its body with other standard Cadillac's. This standardization allowed for lower, more cost effective pricing.
For 1955 the Eldorado continued to grow in bold features and radical designs. Tailfins could now be found in the rear giving the impression the car was in motion or pointing forward, even at a stand still. The following year Cadillac introduced the Eldorado Seville, a two-door hardtop coupe version.
One of the most memorable and sought-after designs of the Eldorado appeared in 1957, the Eldorado Brougham. At a price of over $13,000, the Brougham brought ulta-luxury and four doors. Event at this high price, it is estimated that GM lost over $10,000 on each of these hand assembled masterpieces. It cost more than most luxury marque models such as Rolls-Royce. The hardtop roof was stainless steel and it included almost every convenience option offered by General Motors, including dual headlights and air suspension. During its two year production run, only 704 examples were produced.
1957 also saw a new rear-end design on the Eldorado, often referred to as the 'chipmunk cheeks.' Little changed in 1958 and in 1959 Cadillac scaled back on the design. Though it was a couple years older its price remained relatively the same, selling at around $13,075. The assembly was handled by the famous Italian coachbuilder, Pinin Farina. These virtually hand-built machines had large fins, 'rocket-ship' taillights, and a very modern design for its era.
1960 was the last year Cadillac built the Seville version. GM made the Eldorado a trim option on the standard Cadillac convertible which would continue until 1966.
In 1967 the Eldorado was redesigned and now shared an E-Body platform with the Build Riviera and the Oldsmobile Toronado. The styling had been courtesy of GM's styling chief Bill Mitchell. One of the more distinctive features were the hidden lights. It continued to define luxury, prestige, and style. Under the hood lurked a potent 429 cubic-inch V8 which drove the front wheels. Zero-to-sixty took less than 9 seconds. This excellent performance did not translate to all of its mechanical components and its drum brakes were rather inadequate for its size and speed. Disc brakes could be purchased for an additional price.
Strict government regulations, emissions, and safety concerns meant the Eldorado changed slightly in aesthetics and mechanical components for 1968. For 1969 the hidden headlights were no longer part of the Eldorado design. A halo vinyl roof was offered as optional equipment.
A massive 500 cubic-inch V8 engine capable of producing 400 horsepower was offered exclusively on the Eldorado from 1970 through 1975. Thereafter, it was standard on all full size Cadillac's.
GM redesigned their full-size cars in 1971, with the new design lasting until 1975. The Eldorado was again offered as a convertible with fender skirts. The opera window design was all new and would prove to be very popular, indicated by its imitation by almost every domestic manufacturer. The opera window was a fixed rear side window surrounded by a vinyl roof.
Near the close of the 1970's many marques were decreasing the size of their cars. The Eldorado and Toronado continued to remain large and luxurious. In 1979 the Eldorado decreased in size and now sat atop a chassis which it shared with the Buick Riviera and the Toronado. Due to increasing oil prices and stricter government regulations, the engines began to decrease in size as well.
The notchback roofline was perhaps the most distinctive feature on the Eldorado. Its rear window was nearly vertical. An Independent rear suspension could now be found on the Eldorado, offering more rear passenger seating and a larger trunk while retaining a smaller body. The Eldorado Biarritz model was offered with a stainless-steel roof, just like the one that had been used on the first Brougham.
To further comply with evolving government regulations and rising fuel concerns, GM introduced a variable displacement engine in 1981. The idea was to turn off inactive cylinders while not in use. When power was needed, those sleeping cylinders would come alive and provide the power that was need. The idea was genius, but the execution was disastrous. On many occasions, it did not work well or at all which did much to scare the reputation of the Eldorado resulting in poor sales. Within the next few years, the sales rebound and the Eldorado was able to regain its market share.
By 1986, the size of the Eldorado had decreased substantially, now being similar in size to a compact car. The design was mediocre and for the first time in its history it was available with sedan frames around its windows. Many believed that this drastic change was due to fears of skyrocketing fuel prices that would send consumers running to smaller, lighter, and fuel efficient vehicles. Rather, fuel prices remained reasonable and the Eldorado sales plummeted. There were future revisions and aesthetic changes but sales continued to slow for the following years.
In 1992 the Cadillac Eldorado was reborn. Though it did not grow much in size it gained much ground in the styling department. Its design drew from its past and incorporated the frameless window glass that was distinctive to the Eldorado. The Northstar V8 was placed under the hood and provided excellent power and response. The styling and power resulted in increased sales and popularity. Though the four-door Cadillac Seville consistently outsold the two-door Eldorado, it had regained much of its prestige that it had lost.
For the following years, there were minor enhancements to the design and the interior.
In 2003, Cadillac celebrated the 50th model year of this nameplate. An ETC version was offered that produced an astonishing 300 horsepower. A limited number of red and white colored cars, the same as the 1953 convertible, were produced as a tribute to the legacy of the Eldorado.
On April 22, 2002, production of the Eldorado ceased.
By Daniel Vaughan | May 2006
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| Dodge | Ford |
| GMC | Hummer |
| Jeep | Lincoln |
| Mercury | Pontiac |
| Saturn | |
| Cadillac: 1990-2000 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Cadillac History |
| Other models by Cadillac |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Vehicle Recall Information |
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| 1999 Eldorado | 2001 Eldorado |
