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Cadillac Features: 1948 – 1980, revised and expanded

Started by jdemerson, October 04, 2016, 11:07:16 AM

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jdemerson

Cadillac Features: 1948 â€" 1980

1948   New postwar body styling, first tail fin
1949   New overhead valve V8 331 cubic inch, 160 hp
1950   New body style with one-piece windshield
1952   Dual exhaust, 4-barrel carburetor, 190 hp, optional power steering, optional dual-range Hydra-matic, optional autronic eye, first gold V’s
1953   12-volt electrical system, one-piece rear window, optional air conditioning, Eldorado Convertible introduced
1954   New styling, standard Hydra-matic and power steering, optional power brakes, wrap-around windshield, power windows and seat now electric instead of hydraulic.
1955   Tubeless tires standard, 250 hp and 270 hp optional with two 4-barrel carburetors, trunk lid pull-down, first Sabre spoke wheels
1956   Revised Hydra-matic, 365 cubic inch V8, power antenna changed to electric, optional six-way power seats, glove-box trunk release and power trunk pull-down, optional gold grill and gold Sabre wheel covers
1957   New styling, tubular X-frame with body lowered, Eldorado Brougham introduced, first electric door locks on Brougham
1958   Dual headlights, rear-slanted fins, heavy chrome, cruise control available, six-way power seats available, optional electric door locks, first rear coil springs, optional air suspension
1959   Iconic tail fins, standard 390 cubic inch V8, automatic release parking brake, power steering and power brakes standard
1960   Attractive revision of 1959 model, cleaner style with large but tasteful fins, change to vacuum door locks
1961   New body style, no wrap-around windshield, no dual exhaust, skeg in lower rear fender, Cadillac seat belts optional
1962   Minor revision of 1961, dual master-cylinder brakes, cornering lights
1963   New body style, redesigned and lighter 390 V8 is quieter and smoother, available tilt wheel
1964   Climate control air conditioning, engine size increased to 429 cu. in.,
   introduction of Turbo-Hydramatic, Twilight Sentinal lights, last tail fin
1965   New body style, vertical headlights, fins gone, curved side-glass, full perimeter frame replaces X, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, super-lift automatic leveling shocks, front seat belts standard, rear belts optional
1966   Optional variable-ratio power steering, optional heated seats, optional stereo AM/FM radio, front and rear seat belts standard
1967   New front-drive Eldorado, printed mylar-circuit dashboards, energy-absorbing steering column, optional front disc brakes on Eldorado.
1968   New 472 cubic inch V8, government-required side-marker lights, concealed windshield wipers under longer hood, optional front disc brakes on all models, last year with vent windows, seat belts standard in all positions with two front shoulder belts, rear shoulder belts optional
1969   Horizontal headlights return, vent windows eliminated, first sunroof offered, power disc brakes standard on all models, added safety equipment including push-button seat belt buckles, front headrests, coolant recovery system, optional power door locks now electric, last use of genuine wood veneer
1970   Eldorado with 500 cubic inch engine and Trackmaster skid control system (ABS)
1971   All-new full-size cars and front-drive Eldorado with new convertible model but no rear-drive convertible, optional fiber optic lamp monitors, new inside hood release
1972   New bumper impact system for federal requirements (2 ½ mph front bumpers), Medici velour available
1973   Anti-theft deterrent system, heated grid-style rear defogger,
d'Elegance option on Fleetwood Brougham
1974   Optional air cushion restraint system (forerunner of air bags) including passenger side bag and knee protection, 5 mph bumpers front and rear, optional electronic ignition, Talisman model introduced, coupe rear window no longer retractable
1975   500 cu. in. V8 on all full-size models, sealed “Freedom” battery, electronic fuel injection as option, moon roof available, illuminated entry option introduced, optional power seat recliner
1976   All-new smaller Seville model, air cushion restraint system (forerunner of air bags) available on Seville, last Eldorado Convertible
1977   All new RWD models, 1000 pounds lighter, 10.4 inches shorter, same interior room as 1976 Fleetwood, 4-wheel disc brakes on Seville and Fleetwood Brougham models. Discontinued air cushion restraint system until 1990s. Lighter 425 cu. in. V8, derivative of 472 and 500, optional 40-channel CB radio
1978    Last big Eldorado, first digital dash, Elegante Seville offered, diesel introduced
1979   Electric power side mirrors, new Eldorado model
1980   Engine displacement lowered to 368 cu. in., digital electronics control (TBI) fuel injection standard on Eldorado and Seville, revised “bustle-back” Seville with diesel standard
John Emerson
Middlebury, Vermont
CLC member #26790
1952 Series 6219X
http://bit.ly/21AGnvn

jsanford

"1973   Anti-theft deterrent system"

It is either "Anti-theft system" or "Theft deterrent system" because what you wrote is illogical.

I would argue that the anti-theft equipment started in 1969 with the ignition/shift interlock and locking steering wheel. Also, VIN visible through windshield was an anti-theft feature.

Jeremy
Jeremy
Sacramento, CA
1980 Seville
1981 Eldorado
2016 ELR

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621

#2
1965 - Calais Series introduced.

1972 - New front bumper rub strips.

1973 - Federally mandated 5 mph front bumper; 2.5 mph rear. Both bumpers 5 mph in 1974. 

1974 - D'Elegance available for DeVlle, Talisman available for Brougham. A/C standard all models 1/1/74.

1977 - 4 wheel disc brakes on Fleetwood Brougham, Eldorado & Seville.

1978 - Diesel available Seville only.

1979 - Diesel available all models except Limousines; Cassette Player optional.

1980 - Fleetwood Brougham Coupe introduced (mid year); Heated Outside Rearview Mirrors; V-6 available (credit option) all models exc Limousines.

* (Active) Theft deterrent system optionally available beginning 1973.

Locking steering wheel/transmission was not a "theft deterrent system" per se as much as a redesign of the steering column to help prevent theft as well as a safety enhancement.

* "Trackmaster" (Anti Skid Brakes) affects rear wheels only.

A Cadillac Motorcar is a Possession for which there is no Acceptable Substitute

g27g28

Eric were 73 rear bumpers 5 mph?  I know 74 both front and back but I thought 73 was just the front.
Also 57 Eldo Brougham introduced memory seat.  Also the "digital dash" offered in 78 was a trip computer type thing and not a speedometer and fuel level like most digital dashes are thought of.
1941 Series 62
1954 Coupe DeVille
1978 Phaeton
1980 Fleetwood

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621

#4
There is a flexible strip in body color between the bumper end and the rear quarter panel of the 1973 Cadillac which strongly suggests the rear bumper was designed to collapse without damaging the quarter panel. 

Beefy rubber surrounds around the lower half of tail lamps & impact strips across rear bumper as well.  Also note the lower rocker molding on the rear quarter does not extend into the body color strip.

Taken together is pretty convincing evidence that the rear bumper was designed to accept a certain amount of impact force without damage. Whether the speed rating was the same for the front, I cannot say. 

EDIT: Just found this:

In 1971, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the country's first regulation applicable to passenger car bumpers. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 215 (FMVSS 215), "Exterior Protection," took effect on 1 September 1972â€"when most automakers would begin producing their model year 1973 vehicles. The standard prohibited functional damage to specified safety-related components such as headlamps and fuel system components when the vehicle is subjected to barrier crash tests at 5 miles per hour (8 km/h) for front and 2.5 mph (4 km/h) for rear bumper systems. 

This would suggest 1972 would've had conventional bumpers front & rear.


A Cadillac Motorcar is a Possession for which there is no Acceptable Substitute

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621

#5
Quote from: g27g28 on October 04, 2016, 05:14:15 PM
Also the "digital dash" offered in 78 was a trip computer type thing and not a speedometer and fuel level like most digital dashes are thought of.

1978 & 1979 Sevilles equipped with Trip Computer did include digital display speedometer and fuel gauge.



A Cadillac Motorcar is a Possession for which there is no Acceptable Substitute

The Tassie Devil(le)

The list needs correcting in a number of areas.

The Dual Headlights came in 1957 with the Brougham.

The Auto Park Brake release was until 1960, (did the Broughams have this feature?) and then there was the Self Adjusting Brakes in 1960 as well.

Bruce. >:D



'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

bcroe

These are features that are very important to me; date may need correction. 
Bruce Roe

1957 I would call those quad headlights

1963 first fully transistorized radio

1963 alternator

1965 switch pitch transmission

1969 increased capacity cross flow radiator

radial tires

1970 first Cad 400 hp engine

1974 valve rotators and hardened valve seats, HEI ignition, internally regulated alternator

1975 GMs first fully electronic fuel injection system. 

1977 halogen headlights, electronic cruise control

Glen

Great list.  That took some time to do.  Thanks.     
Glen Houlton CLC #727 
CLCMRC benefactor #104

TJ Hopland

Weren't rear disc an option mid 75 and then standard on the Eldo, Seville, and Brougham starting in 76?

EFI was also a mid year option in 75?

I think both of those were Seville items which came out earlier than the rest of the 76's? 

StPaul/Mpls, MN USA

73 Eldo convert w/FiTech EFI
80 Eldo Diesel
90 CDV
And other assorted stuff I keep buying for some reason

jdemerson

1972 had 2.5 mph bumpers. I once owned a 1972 Catalina that had the 2 1/2 mph bumpers.

Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on October 04, 2016, 06:25:46 PM
There is a flexible strip in body color between the bumper end and the rear quarter panel of the 1973 Cadillac which strongly suggests the rear bumper was designed to collapse without damaging the quarter panel. 

Beefy rubber surrounds around the lower half of tail lamps & impact strips across rear bumper as well.  Also note the lower rocker molding on the rear quarter does not extend into the body color strip.

Taken together is pretty convincing evidence that the rear bumper was designed to accept a certain amount of impact force without damage. Whether the speed rating was the same for the front, I cannot say. 

EDIT: Just found this:

In 1971, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the country's first regulation applicable to passenger car bumpers. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 215 (FMVSS 215), "Exterior Protection," took effect on 1 September 1972â€"when most automakers would begin producing their model year 1973 vehicles. The standard prohibited functional damage to specified safety-related components such as headlamps and fuel system components when the vehicle is subjected to barrier crash tests at 5 miles per hour (8 km/h) for front and 2.5 mph (4 km/h) for rear bumper systems. 

This would suggest 1972 would've had conventional bumpers front & rear.



John Emerson
Middlebury, Vermont
CLC member #26790
1952 Series 6219X
http://bit.ly/21AGnvn

g27g28

Thanks for the pics Eric as I had never seen an actual car with the Trip Computer.  I dug out my 79 brochure and sure enough it says the speedo and fuel gauge are digital.  I guess I need to start verifying instead of just relying on memory lol.  While looking at the brochure I noticed the Seville seat pattern is different for a cloth seat vs. leather.  I can't say that I have ever seen a cloth seat Seville either.  Side note: My 79 brochure is from Dix Cadillac Pontiac in State College PA.  I know most of you guys that post are from up in that area.  I guess I must have bought it on Ebay at some point is how I wound up with it. 
1941 Series 62
1954 Coupe DeVille
1978 Phaeton
1980 Fleetwood

David Greenburg

One correction to the list- the automatic parking brake release was introduced in 1960, not 1959.
David Greenburg
'60 Eldorado Seville
'61 Fleetwood Sixty Special

Roger Zimmermann

Quote from: The Tassie Devil(le) on October 04, 2016, 07:41:18 PM
The Auto Park Brake release was until 1960, (did the Broughams have this feature?) and then there was the Self Adjusting Brakes in 1960 as well.


Bruce, the Brougham had the same set up as the other models for the parking brake.
1956 Sedan de Ville (sold)
1956 Eldorado Biarritz
1957 Eldorado Brougham (sold)
1972 Coupe de Ville
2011 DTS
CLCMRC benefactor #101

Roger Zimmermann

Quote from: bcroe on October 04, 2016, 10:39:32 PM
1963 first fully transistorized radio

Bruce, the '57 & 58 Broughams had a fully transistorized radio.
1956 Sedan de Ville (sold)
1956 Eldorado Biarritz
1957 Eldorado Brougham (sold)
1972 Coupe de Ville
2011 DTS
CLCMRC benefactor #101

bcroe

Quote from: Roger ZimmermannBruce, the '57 & 58 Broughams had a fully transistorized radio.   

Thanks for the update.  While possible earlier, the cars I was driving didn't get rid of the tubes till 63.  They
did get rid of the vibrator power supply some time between then and 62, using signal amp tubes running
directly from 12V and with a transistor power output.  Bruce

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621

Quote from: jdemerson on October 05, 2016, 02:23:06 PM
1972 had 2.5 mph bumpers. I once owned a 1972 Catalina that had the 2 1/2 mph bumpers.


THANK YOU!

I made a point of looking at a '72 at Hershey this week and indeed the front bumper had been designed to move on impact.

Later discussions this week confirmed:

1972:  2 1/2 mph (front only) ; none rear.
1973:  5 mph (front), 2 1/2 mph rear.
1974   5 mph (front & rear).

Hope that settles it! :)
A Cadillac Motorcar is a Possession for which there is no Acceptable Substitute

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621

Quote from: TJ Hopland on October 05, 2016, 09:27:03 AM
Weren't rear disc an option mid 75 and then standard on the Eldo, Seville, and Brougham starting in 76?

EFI was also a mid year option in 75?

I think both of those were Seville items which came out earlier than the rest of the 76's?

No rear disc brakes before 1977 on any Cadillac. 4 wheel discs standard Brougham, Eldorado & Seville in 1977. Not optionally available on other models. Customer could neither order nor delete rear discs - the model was either built with them or it was not.

A Cadillac Motorcar is a Possession for which there is no Acceptable Substitute

V63


TJ Hopland

Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on October 08, 2016, 02:14:14 PMNo rear disc brakes before 1977 on any Cadillac.

76 Eldorado had them for sure, I have seen several of them.   I thought Seville had em too but I could easily be wrong about that, I have not messed with many Sevilles. 
StPaul/Mpls, MN USA

73 Eldo convert w/FiTech EFI
80 Eldo Diesel
90 CDV
And other assorted stuff I keep buying for some reason