The Cadillac Eldorado was the Cadillac to own and be seen in ever since it was introduced in 1953. Expensive, powerful, and full of gadgets, it was, with a few exceptions, a deluxe version of the standard Cadillac convertible through the 1966 model year. An all new Eldorado was unveiled for 1967. Smaller and sportier, with front wheel drive and dramatic, yet elegant styling, it would set the standard for all Eldorados to follow from then on.
In 1971 the Eldorado grew longer and wider than ever. The second generation front wheel drive Eldorado became more of a “personal luxury car”, and a convertible would join the hardtop in the line up, and remain through the 1976 model year. With the convertible discontinued, a new flagship was needed. The new model was called the Eldorado Custom Biarritz.
A New Cadillac Flagship is Launched
A mid year addition in 1976, the Biarritz was a exterior trim package that featured a formal, thickly padded half vinyl, or what Cadillac called “Cabriolet” roof treatment, extra bright work on the hood and doors, and color keyed wheel covers. In 1977, all Biarritz models came with a special interior featuring tufted, loose-pillow leather seats.
Cadillac pulled out all the stops to make it the arguably most extravagant, opulent Cadillac ever produced. At just under twenty feet in length, and tipping the scales near 5,300 pounds, it was a massive automobile. With the down-sizing of the DeVille and Fleetwood models that same year, it appeared to look larger than ever. It was excessive, even in the 1970’s, the era of excess.
The Unique Eldorado Driving Experience
Sliding behind the wheel, the driver looks out over hood big enough to land a helicopter on. The plush leather seats are glove soft, and you feel like you are sitting on cushion of air. Today’s Cadillac emphasizes road feel and handling, but in 1977 being totally isolated from the road was the goal. The engineers achieved their goal brilliantly. No road feel in this machine. Exceptionally smooth and quiet, the driver just points the car in the right direction, and assumes there is a road under the car somewhere.
Cadillac Luxury
Most “Eldos” were delivered loaded with options, with customers specifying such un-necessary necessities listed in the Cadillac sales brochure as a power astro roof, factory AM/FM radios with 8-track player, and CB radio. As huge as this car is, it has a relatively small rear seating area, and a very small trunk. It was as if the designers of the car styled it strictly for looks, and then figured out how the put people in the back seat and carry some luggage later.
End of the Big Cadillac Era
The Eldorado Biarritz would remain the same for 1978, with just a minor revision of the grill design. A special Eldorado Custom Biarritz Classic model was introduced as well. A limited edition car with only 2000 produced, it came with special color two-tone paint scheme, gold emblems, and unique two-tone interior. 1978 would mark the end of the era of the giant Cadillac land-yachts. For 1979, the Eldorado was shrunk to half it’s size and the only choice for a super-size luxury car would be Lincoln, and after 1979, they would be down sized as well.
References :
D. Hendry, Maurice. Cadillac-Standard of the World, The Complete History, Third Edition. New Jersey: Princeton Publishing, 1979
Clarke, R.M..ED. Cadillac Eldorado 1967-1978, London: Brooklands Books
Kowal,Bron. Cadillac, New York: Exeter Books, 1985
Langworth, Richard M..ED. Cadillac, Standard of Excellence, New Jersey, 1980
Steve Natale - Steve Natale has been collecting and restoring old cars for over 25 years, and is currently part owner of a classic car parts and ...
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