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Eldorado Newsday Article

Started by Rich S, May 20, 2013, 09:33:13 PM

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Rich S

Here's an article I came across that many here will enjoy reading:

http://www.newsday.com/classifieds/cars/cadillac-eldorado-an-oversized-car-was-an-oversized-hit-1.5277350

There's simply a "special feel" when you climb behind the wheel of one of those big Eldorados! I sure love 'em!
Rich Sullivan CLC #11473

1971 Eldo Conv., 2013 CTS Cpe

Davidinhartford

Quote: The bulked-up second-generation 1971 Eldorado maintained its front-wheel-drive, but brought back a convertible version for the first time since 1958

Well that's not true.   We all know there was a convertible Eldorado from 59-66.

Quote: As attractive as the replacement was, the new Eldorado was never able to duplicate the glitz and glamour that made its enormous predecessor an even bigger success.

That's not true either.    The 79-85 Eldorado sold in far better numbers! 

1971:   20568 hardtops plus   6800 convertibles.
1972:   32099 hardtops plus   7975 convertibles.
1973:   42136 hardtops plus   9315 convertibles.
1974:   32812 hardtops plus   7600 convertibles.
1975:   35802 hardtops plus   8950 convertibles.
1976:   35184 hardtops plus 14000 convertibles.
1977:   47344 
1978:   46816
1979:   43667
1980:   52683
1981:   60643
1982:   52018
1983:   67416
1984:   74506  hardtops plus another 3300  convertibles    <--Best year.
1985:   74101  hardtops plus another 2300  convertibles.

So the 71-78s were bigger and over the top, but the 79-85s were more popular.   

On a side note,  the decision to move the convertible from the Deville to Eldorado series was a sales mistake.
They sold 15172 of the Deville convertible in 70, vs. only 6800 Eldos in 71.    Part of the problem was probably cost.
The Deville ragtop price started at $6068 and the 71 Eldo ragtop price started at $7751.

So was it a good decision?    The Eldo convertible was certainly a prestige car.   But I think they would have sold more Deville convertibles over all, maybe even longer.

76eldo

The fact checker fell down on the job on this one.
Brian Rachlin
Huntingdon Valley, Pa
I prefer email's not PM's rachlin@comcast.net

1960 62 Series Conv with Factory Tri Power
1970 DeVille Conv
1970 Eldo
1970 Caribu (?) "The Cadmino"
1973 Eldorado Conv Pace Car
1976 Eldorado Conv
1980 Eldorado H & E Conv
1993 Allante with Hardtop (X2)
2008 DTS
2012 CTS Coupe
2017 XT
1956 Thunderbird
1966 Olds Toronado

Louis Smith

Quote from: David Smith on May 21, 2013, 06:28:36 AM
Quote: The bulked-up second-generation 1971 Eldorado maintained its front-wheel-drive, but brought back a convertible version for the first time since 1958

Well that's not true.   We all know there was a convertible Eldorado from 59-66.

Quote: As attractive as the replacement was, the new Eldorado was never able to duplicate the glitz and glamour that made its enormous predecessor an even bigger success.


What he said.  Like it was just yesterday, I vividly remember when the 71's were introduced and the buzz and interest it created with the buying public.  This was 1971 and Cadillac still had the luxury prestige market.  I will take a risk and say, I really don't believe many Cadillac customers really got into the nuts and bolts of the mechanics of the Cadillacs of that era, other then being impressed with a 500 cu engine.  This was still a time in history, that Cadillacs prestige factor was the motivating force for potential customers.  Cadillac did not fail and offered some of the best styling cars in their history.
That's not true either.    The 79-85 Eldorado sold in far better numbers! 

1971:   20568 hardtops plus   6800 convertibles.
1972:   32099 hardtops plus   7975 convertibles.
1973:   42136 hardtops plus   9315 convertibles.
1974:   32812 hardtops plus   7600 convertibles.
1975:   35802 hardtops plus   8950 convertibles.
1976:   35184 hardtops plus 14000 convertibles.
1977:   47344 
1978:   46816
1979:   43667
1980:   52683
1981:   60643
1982:   52018
1983:   67416
1984:   74506  hardtops plus another 3300  convertibles    <--Best year.
1985:   74101  hardtops plus another 2300  convertibles.

So the 71-78s were bigger and over the top, but the 79-85s were more popular.   

On a side note,  the decision to move the convertible from the Deville to Eldorado series was a sales mistake.
They sold 15172 of the Deville convertible in 70, vs. only 6800 Eldos in 71.    Part of the problem was probably cost.
The Deville ragtop price started at $6068 and the 71 Eldo ragtop price started at $7751.

So was it a good decision?    The Eldo convertible was certainly a prestige car.   But I think they would have sold more Deville convertibles over all, maybe even longer.

Davidinhartford

 So was it a good decision?    The Eldo convertible was certainly a prestige car.   But I think they would have sold more Deville convertibles over all, maybe even longer.



Art Director

#5
I looked at the article and noted that Malcolm Gunn of Wheelbase Media was the author. I've corresponded with him many times, as in my "day job," I edit Wheelbase Media's articles for publication in The Denver Post. I'm constantly correcting facts presented in their articles, especially those on Cadillacs. Wheelbase Media is a syndicate that sells automotive-related articles to hundreds of newspapers in the U.S.

The Post did not run this piece, as we don't subscribe any more to this piece called "Fine Lines." Tim
Tim Coy
CLC Southwestern Regions Vice President
Interim Western Regions Vice President
Art Director, The Self-Starter, International Membership Directory
Life member, Rocky Mountain Region
CLCMRC Benefactor #102

1963 Six-Window Sedan de Ville
1972 Fleetwood Brougham - RIP
1988 Sedan de Ville - RIP
2001 Eldorado ESC - RIP
2003 DeVille DTS - sold

Louis Smith

Quote from: David Smith on May 21, 2013, 12:49:58 PM
So was it a good decision?    The Eldo convertible was certainly a prestige car.   But I think they would have sold more Deville convertibles over all, maybe even longer.




You have to keep in mind that sales of convertibles with all makes was in the decline, due to the lower price on air conditioning.  Don't forget that the car manufactures are businesses only interested in the bottom line.  If they don't think its cost effective and can't turn a profit, they won't make it.  GM was in the process of phasing out convertibles across all lines in the mid 70's.  I believed even Corvette ceased convertibles for its '84-'85 models.  The '76 Eldorado's were touted as the last American convertibles.  As we all know that was not true.  Eventually GM produced convertibles, using outside trim shops.  They were mostly high end products, such as Corvette, Buick Riviera, and Reatta. 

Rich S

Dave, you have raised many good points, but I'm glad Cadillac continued to offer an Eldorado Convertible from '71 to '76. Eldorados included a convertible from '53 through '66, and thus it was a sort of "return to its roots" by offering the ragtop once again, and the '71 had many design cues reminiscent of the first Eldorados (side vents/gills, blank fuselage rear quarter and the lower setting folded roof--an advantage of the new inward folding roof frame design). Since Eldorados were always about being the most glamorous model in the line-up, what could me more glamorous than a convertible body style?

The probability is that a "1971 + DeVille Convertible" would have likely sold in greater numbers than the Eldorado Convertibles actually built, due to the lower price level and the perennially greater sales of the DeVille series cars--including a greater following of loyal customers. Perhaps, if Cadillac had gone this route, continuing to offer only an Eldorado Coupe, then the Eldorados may have stayed more sporting in nature, somewhat closer to the '67 through '70 series of Eldorados?

I must refer to the '73 Eldorado Convertible two-page magazine ad that simply mentioned, "The car that ran out of competition . . ." since that about sums it up (sentiments I share, too)!
Rich Sullivan CLC #11473

1971 Eldo Conv., 2013 CTS Cpe

J. Skelly

Aside from the factual errors in the article, I agree that the Eldorado didn't have the same distinctiveness after the 1978 model.  I was disappointed with the 1971 Eldorado when it came out.  Compared to the 1967-1970 models with its crisp lines, it looked bloated with the fender skirts.  Having opera windows in place of a true two-door hardtop roof was another disappointment.  I was glad to see the convertible version, which looked sleek even with the skirts.  The 1979-1985 'E' bodies (Eldorado, Riviera, Toronado) shared the same roofline, so all three lost some of their unique character.  The 1979-1985 models certainly were a better size for driving, had nice styling, and sold better than their predecessors. 

Unfortunately, the 1970s was the beginning of the end for the auto industry in some ways.  Cars have now become appliances.  GM downsized their full-sized cars for 1977, their intermediates for 1978, and the compacts for 1980.  Cars became narrower, had less usable interior room in most instances, wheelhouse intrusion into the footwells became the norm and continues to this day.  Engine compartments have gotten more compact so that it is almost impossible for the average person to do any routine maintenance.  The goal of better gas mileage was met through lower weight and less powerful engines.  Lower emissions with good driveability was eventually accomplished.  Cars have gotten better performance and gas mileage in the past forty years, have better build quality, and more features.  However, most sedans look about the same and there aren't many coupes and convertibles to choose from that adequately seat more than two people.  The cars we took for granted with their great styling are slowly becoming just a memory.     
Jim Skelly, CLC #15958
1968 Eldorado
1977 Eldorado Biarritz
1971 Eldorado (RIP)

Louis Smith

Quote from: J. Skelly on May 23, 2013, 11:37:01 PM
Aside from the factual errors in the article, I agree that the Eldorado didn't have the same distinctiveness after the 1978 model.  I was disappointed with the 1971 Eldorado when it came out.  Compared to the 1967-1970 models with its crisp lines, it looked bloated with the fender skirts.  Having opera windows in place of a true two-door hardtop roof was another disappointment.  I was glad to see the convertible version, which looked sleek even with the skirts.  The 1979-1985 'E' bodies (Eldorado, Riviera, Toronado) shared the same roofline, so all three lost some of their unique character.  The 1979-1985 models certainly were a better size for driving, had nice styling, and sold better than their predecessors. 


Yes the '71's were bloated, but were still very appealing to the buying public.  They basically followed on the coattails of the previous models, plus gave more interior room.  The opera lights, opera windows and hood ornaments, gave them a distinctive styling look, that appealed to many, and started the trend of all other makes to quickly follow.

Not only did the Riv's Eldorados and Toronado's share the same chassis, but were built simultaneously on the same assembly line.  I think the Riv's were more distinctive, because they followed the same lines of the original Rivs.  The Eldo's and Toronado's did both have a "boxy" look.  Ironically, I think more Eldo's survived then the others.