1960-1970
The flamboyant tailfins continued to be refined through 1964 when Cadillac built its three millionth car. However, design enhancements were complemented by several engineering innovations that were introduced in this decade.
In 1962, Cadillac models featured cornering lights and dual circuit braking, both key safety innovations. Also new for 1964 was automatic climate control, which provided “set it and forget it” control of both air conditioning and heating. A welcome cold-weather climate option was electrically heated seats, which first appeared on 1966 models.
1967 Eldorado, Redesigned E-body
In 1967, Cadillac introduced the totally redesigned front-wheel-drive Eldorado. This personal luxury car was built on a completely new chassis. Higher levels of performance were achieved in 1968 with the new 472-cubic-inch engine and again with the 1970 Eldorado, which featured a 500-cubic-inch V8 engine. Track Master anti-skid transistorized rear braking was also available. A magazine survey ranked the Cadillac “most comfortable and easiest to control” among ten German, British and American luxury cars.
1969 Cadillac Coupe de Ville (custom)
In 1969, all Cadillacs featured major styling changes with all-new interiors, new front and rear ends, repositioned headlights, revised fenders and the elimination of vent windows. The Elegant Customs by Dean Coupe de Ville has a stock drivetrain, with body modifications including the fully-functional top chopped by 3 ½ inches. The interior has been customized with no gauges in the dash and custom built seats front and rear. The exterior color is Salmon Candy with candy-orange fade away.
1970-1980
Passenger security and environmental protection were the focus of Cadillac innovation in the Seventies. Fuel economy had always been a Cadillac trademark, despite the cars’ size and luxury. In this decade, engines were designed for better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
In 1971, in order to reduce lead emissions that resulted from the use of premium or high octane gasoline, engines were designed to run on regular fuel. By 1975, the cars were engineered to operate using both regular unleaded fuel and pollution-reducing catalytic converters.
For Cadillac’s 70th anniversary year in 1972, many styling refinements were introduced. An improved bumper-crash absorption system was introduced on 1973 Cadillacs. Driver and front seat occupant safety air bags were offered in 1974, 1975 and 1976 models.
The five millionth Cadillac rolled off the assembly line in June 1973, and yearly production was running at 300,000 or more.
1976 Eldorado Convertible, Last Eldorado Convertible
As America celebrated it 200th birthday, Cadillac introduced a bicentennial edition of the Eldorado convertible. This patriotic 1976 model was white with red and blue pinstriping, white leather seating with red piping, and wheel discs with white inserts.
1979 Eldorado Coupe
The Eldorado for 1979 offered a combination of engineering features not found in any other car, including front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension, and an electronic fuel-injected V8 engine. While shorter in length, head and leg room were greater in the front and rear seats, and there was more usable trunk space.
1984 Eldorado Biarritz
The feature of Biarritz was a brushed stainless steel roof covering the front passenger compartment for model years 1979-1985. As the nation began to enjoy a healthier economic climate, sales of luxury cars increased. Cadillac enjoyed excellent results in 1984, with calendar year sales of 320,017. The convertible returned to Cadillac that year. Production was limited to 2,000 Eldorado Biarritz convertibles.
1986 Eldorado (above) 1991 Eldorado (below)
The 1987 Allante luxury two-door convertible was unique in many ways. The body was designed and manufactured by the Italian firm Pininfarina in Turin, Italy. Bodies were flown to Detroit on 747s for assembly of the powertrain and chassis, creating the world’s longest assembly line — a distance of 3,300 miles. This front-wheel-drive sports car pioneered many Cadillac innovations, including traction control and the Northstar engine.
In the late Eighties, Cadillac engineering, manufacturing and design staffs teamed up to introduce such innovations as the elegant 1989 DeVille and Fleetwood.
At the end of the decade, the 1989 Fleetwood featured a full range of Cadillac styling cues: a subtle suggestion of fins along with rear fender skirts, long, low protective side molding treatment, a stylish chrome radiator grille, and wreath and crest.
