1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado

When Cadillac updated its Eldorado for 1967, it was given the E-body front-wheel drive platform of the second-generation Buick Riviera and the first-generation Oldsmobile Toronado. Its 429 cubic-inch V8 engine was paired with a Turbo-Hydramatic 425 automatic transmission, and front disc brakes were part of the options list. The elegant and angular shape of the Eldorado was courtesy of GM styling chief Bill Mitchell, with its rear end inspired by the GM-X Stiletto concept car. The concealed headlamps were a two-year feature (1967 and 1968), and the rear passenger windows retracted sideways into the C-pillar.

A new 472 cubic-inch V8 replaced the 429 V8 in 1968, offering 375 (SAE) horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. Disc brakes were now standard, the hood extended by 4.5 inches, and the windshield wipers were now concealed. The bumper-mounted front turn signal indicators and parking lights were moved to the fenders.

1970 Cadillac Eldorado
The big news for the Eldorado in 1970, its final year of the Eighth generation styling (1967 to 1970), was a new 500 cubic-inch (8.2 liter) V8 engine offering 400 (SAE) horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant would remain exclusive to the Eldorado until 1975, after which it became the standard engine for all Cadillac models except the Seville.

The two-door hardtop coupe was priced at $6,900, putting it nearly on par with the Fleetwood Sixty Special sedan, and an increase of $300 over the previous year's price. The 23,842 examples sold represented a similar figure to the previous year's total of 24,528 units.

Updates to the vehicle's styling included a pointed, V-shaped grille with a cross-hatched insert set within horizontal blades. At the back were thinner vertical taillamps, and winged-V-emblems now adorned the front fenders, similar to other Cadillacs. The name 'Eldorado' in block lettering could be found on the lower front fender, behind the wheel housing and in front of the door. The side running lamps included retroreflective markers, amber in the front and red in the rear.

Mechanical Specification
The 1970 Cadillac Eldorado rested on a 120-inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 221 inches.

Engine
The 500 cubic-inch V8 engine had a cast iron block, hydraulic valve lifters, a Rochester Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, five main bearings, 10.0:1 compression, and produced 400 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. It was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.

The 1971 Eldorado would grow fairly considerably in size, gaining six inches in its wheelbase and two inches in its length. A convertible body style joined the lineup, and the hardtop rear quarter windows were deleted, replaced by fixed 'opera window' in the 'C' pillar. The styling introduced for 1971 would continue through 1978.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2024