1973 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado

Cadillac introduced its ninth generation of styling for the Eldorado in 1971 with a convertible body style joining the coupe after a four-year absence. Cadillac's first Eldorado was a 1952 Dream Car, entering production as a limited edition model the following year. The Eldorado would become Cadillac's top-of-the-line Convertible, later joined by the Seville hardtop coupe derivative and the open version was thereafter badged the Biarritz. Over the years, the Eldorado grew in size and stature until the arrival of the radical sixth generation in 1967, becoming Cadillac's first personal luxury car to feature front-wheel drive using a driveline borrowed from the innovative Oldsmobile Toronado.

The new 1971 styling (E-Body) was dramatically different from the previous 1967 to 1970 Eldorado, devoid of rear fender skirts and having a wider and lower overall profile with a more modern and more luxurious appearance. It did, however, continue to use the front-drive platform with new features such as Automatic Level Control and energy-absorbing bumpers. The styling was capped off by scripted lettering, a large Wreath and Crest hood ornament, vertical tail lamps, a new egg-crate grille, and wraparound indicators. Often considered the personal luxury car to define personal luxury cars, Cadillac engineers bestowed the Eldorado with a lengthy list of standard equipment, a healthy dose of sound-deadening material, and an impressive array of technical features. Keeping it at the forefront of styling and elegance, the Eldorado underwent various and extensive improvements in 1973, 1974, and 1975.

The 1973 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado (Series 6L) was available as either a Hardtop Coupe or a Convertible. Most customers selected the hardtop coupe, with 42,136 examples sold compared to the 9,315 examples of the convertible. The engine found under the very long bonnet was an overhead valve V8 that displaced 500 cubic inches (8.2-liter), had a cast-iron block, hydraulic valve lifters, a Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, and produces 365 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. The engine was paired with GM's smooth three-speed automatic transmission, affording effortless performance despite the Cadillac's prodigious girth.

1973 was a big year for the Eldorado, as they were completely restyled featuring a new front egg-crate grille design. Directly below it were the bumpers which were now more angular and fitted with vertical guards. Running from nearly the front to the back was a thin rub molding.

The hardtop coupe sold for $7360 while the convertible would set the buyer back an additional (roughly) $300.

The 1973 Cadillac Eldorado convertible was chosen as the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car. A total of 566 examples were built with 33 of them being used on the track. The remaining cars were sent to the dealership (each receiving just 1 example). Among the list of standard equipment including cruise control, an AM/FM radio with a search feature, and four-volume, pitch & balance adjustable speakers. The steering wheel adjusted in length. They had a solid parade cover for the top, electric reclining front seats, locks and window controls, an automatic headlight dimmer, and an inside trunk release.

The 1973 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado rested on a 126.3-inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 223 inches. For 1974, it would grow slightly to 224.1 inches. The width measured 798 inches and it stood 54.2 inches tall.

The combined 51,451 sales total of the 1973 Eldorado was the highest total for the model during the 1970s and accounted for approximately 17% of Cadillac's total production.

This 'generation' represented the final full-size Eldorado, with the succeeding 'generation' receiving a downsized, more fuel-efficient platform, reflecting the changing attitudes of American motorists.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2016