A Far Too Brief History of The Cadillac Eldorado
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- Опубликовано: 7 июл 2024
- #eldorado
Over 12 Generations the Cadillac Eldorado aspired to showcase General Motors Styling and Technical excellence. From exquisite early Eldos to the dramatic misstep in the 80s, the Eldorado was eventually phased out in favor of smaller vehicles and meaningless alphanumeric naming.
Chapters:
Start 00:00
Origins 00:17
2nd gen 01:22
3rd gen 01:58
4th gen 03:32
5th gen 04:45
6th gen 05:08
7th gen 05:50
8th gen 06:13
9th gen 07:23
10th gen 08:53
11th gen 11:05
12th gen 12:01
Conclusion 13:28
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Jon, you are absolutely right. Cadillac needs to go back to using actual names instead of alphanumeric ones. The names Eldorado, Seville, DeVille, and Fleetwood deserve to be brought back since there is so much history with those names. Even Catera, Allante, and Cimarron deserve a chance to shine again on better vehicles.
When the Germans use alphanumeric designations, they actually mean something. When the Americans do, not so much. Usually with the German carmakers, the alphanumeric designations usually indicate the series, which is often related to size and style of the vehicle, and the engine size in the vehicle. Not to say that they are not guilty of fudging the numbers badged on the vehicles to make them seem more powerful from to time.
Yeah... I'm not going to agree on the "Cimarron" there. 😀
Usually, but increasingly not so much. The idea is there - size and engine.
makes such as Lincoln were like "here's random letters! Look! We're Euro-Luxury!"
I'm not so sure the Cimarron or the Catera ever shined let alone shine again.
@@JonathanMoosey actually Cadillac's alphanumeric system does have meaning.
You’re right, we need names back! Some of them were very powerful: Roadmaster. Eldorado. Fleetwood Brougham. New Yorker. Continental. I’m mad Chrysler was never given a Dodge Challenger body to remake the Cordoba.
Great episode. I wholeheartedly agree about the alphanumeric car names… meaningless, uninspiring, and for dyslexic people like myself… SO damn confusing.
Proud owner of a 58 Eldorado Seville……. Took me a decade of saving for it, zero regrets!
Absolutely 100% spot on with this one. You have done a great job Jon with reminding GM of something they should have never forgotten. When you heard the name El Dorado, Seville, Deville You instantly recognize that as a Cadillac. Not a car made by GM but a separate thing a Cadillac.
Why automobile and other companies decide to get rid of long-standing brand names that defined who they were and what they made and switched it to some alphanumerical thing is beyond me.
Being a baby boomer and having been on the internet almost since it's inception. the only reason I can think for going to alphanumerical short things is because of what I call the TL; DNR crowd. For those who might not know, that means " too long did not read". In this age of instant gratification I guess people just don't care about memorizing the longer name anymore.
I feel this is something that not only plagues GM but automobile manufacturers in general nowadays. So many of them have dropped names that defined a particular vehicle they produced, or reused an old name that had nothing to do with the current model they replace it with.
Take the Ford Maverick. It was not a pickup truck, it was never a pickup truck, it was a car. Yet now it's reborn and it is a truck ???
Also, look at GM nowadays I remember when the K5 Blazer series were big brutish 4x4s that you wanted to take out and abuse because you knew they were built for it and they could take it Now what is the Chevy Blazer? A cutsey little SUV. That ain't right! At least the reintroduction of the bronco by Ford looks like it going to be a good off-road performer. That's if anyone can actually afford to buy one and not be too scared to take it out and get scratches all over it.
Speaking of "too long did not read", if you manage to make it all the way through to the end of this post, then you definitely do not suffer from TL;DNR
Great job I congratulate you 👍
Thanks for the kind words, and yes I made it to the end of your comment. :)
I don't think the American brands switching to alphanumeric is a TL:DR issue - I think it's simply that the US brands were doing anything they could to be considered for purchase against the alphabet soup of European makes. Why build a better car if you can just change the name?
That being said, sometimes it works (Cadillac's naming is better than Lincoln's for example), but sometimes not (Lincoln's collection of "MK" models was just stupid).
And as I've done these recent history videos, I've been surprised at how strongly I felt about some models. The Zephyr, Seville, Eldorado. They're strong, American, and evoke something that "BRZ-4" or some nonesense never will.
Personally I think we're seeing the shift back, even if it's not historical names. The new Lincolns are well named, and while the Lyriq is poorly spelled and not something from their past, at least they're using names.
But the upcoming Buick Electra.... that one really works. :)
I bought a new 1998 RED!! Eldorado. White interior.
CD player locatedin the trunk that held 12 CDs!
Car had a 65K mile "warranty". At 67K the engine started burning oil.
I was just sick! Sold it outrignt to a mechanic who "was going to fix the engine".
That car sat behind his shop for 10 years.
I'd still be driving that car if it hadn't failed me.
Drove Buick Regals til they went cheap quality.
In May 16 bought a 2016 Impala LTZ /w/ 6 miles on it.
Currently 44K miles on it.
We had a 52 deVille. I was born in 53. Good years for those models!
67 Eldo, perfection on wheels.
Our friend and Florida meteorologist Bill recently showed us an 83 Eldorado he was about to take to auction. They are something else. That 83 he showed us would be perfect for someone's Aunt Vivian to drive to her bridge club or to the golf course.
More like Aunt Blanche!
And if that 1979-85 Eldorado was made into a 4-door with same Eldorado style as the Seville instead of the bustle back disaster that destroyed any brand value the 1975-79 Seville created…..perhaps Cadillac would have exited the 1980’s stronger!
My favorite generation of the Eldorado is the ninth because how roomy is was and pillowed tufted leather seats on the biarritz models especially on the 1976-78 years
The body styling also made them look like beautiful grand pianos with a motor
What color is your Biarritz ? Did you get the Astroroof, a 2777 dollar option in 1977 ? Did you know, Ford and GM used the same sunroof supplier ?
Great historic video, thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate you for being here!
I'm in no way shape or form a Cadillac guy. but the 59 Eldorado 4 door is one of the best looking cars ever made. Its in my own personal top 10 list. and jon the alphanumeric system from caddy does have meaning.
I understand it has meaning, more than other makes at least, but it lacks the emotional "punch" of those older, heritage names. :)
You made an error when mentioning the Eldorado went to FWD in 1967. The Buick Riviera didn’t transition to FWD until 1979 when the 6th generation Riviera was introduced.
Well.... shoot. I was focused on 'E-body' and got that wrong. Thanks.
Another great historic video, Thanks!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!
It's amazing how they were able to get such low power from such gigantic engines.
Yea, in 71, due to higher emissions standards, the 500 CI engine went from 400 hp, down to 185, and gas mileage dropped too !!! 😮
Wow, this triggered a long forgotten memory - my earliest car memory was my grandmother's 1959 Cadillac Series 62 (I think that's what that was)- those tailfins... I am kind of sorry those things went the way of the dodo. The almost obscene opulence of Cadillacs of that era. Cadillac has tried to hard to compete with European luxury/sport type nameplates that they have completely lost their collective soul. I agree, bring back those strong names; El Dorado, Seville, Fleetwood. Make Cadillac Opulent Again - MCOA??
It's funny, I have mixed feelings about cars of this whole era. At first, say from '49 to maybe early 60s, they were beautiful and, as you say, opulent. Then, the race to longer and longer makes them look just silly to my eyes. It's no wonder brands like Mercedes started to gain a following.
And while I kind of like what Cadillac is doing now, that's only looking at it in a bubble. Once you look back at some of what they were trying to do, even in the 80s and 90s.... I agree with you. The Caddy's of today may be 'nice', but are they really "special"? 20 years from now, other than performance, will anyone look back and go "MAN... 2020's Caddy's were beautiful".
Increasingly I see there's an untapped market for US luxury brands that's fully contemporary, good handling and not "boaty", but also with more than a dash of some Gilded Age "In Yo' Face".
@@AllCarswithJon Maybe it's an age thing, but I kinda want a panther body Lincoln Town Car. I'm old enough to be ready for plush that won't kill my back on long road trips. The sad thing is that Cadillac never comes to mind whan I have those thoughts, whereas, it might have if I were the same age in the 1950's through maybe the early 1980's.
always admired the Eldorado Deville and Seville among other classic Cadillac models that actually had names though the Deville is particularly special to me because my late maternal grandmother owned a Used 1981 Coupe Deville when I was a baby/toddler then she traded it for a used 1984 Buick Skylark limited 4 door sedan
Fascinating, thanks...
Thank you too!
Not my cup of tea but another great video Jon, thank you.
Thanks!
The last good one was in 1976. Cadillac really went downhill after that. But loved your vid, as always.
Thanks for watching!
Personally I think the last gen was the best looking. :)
I used to own a 1978 Eldorado. Last of the large Cadillacs. 1977 GM started to downsize all passenger cars. The Eldorado was the last hold out. Wish I still had that car 😢.
Thank you as you did an excellent job with this video. What can I say you did not say? Good images and footage. You stayed objective in your presentation. I agree with you on the naming issue. That is sad they got away the real names. There were a lot of strong names that are no longer in use. I do thank you for your efforts as well.
Thank you very much!
As a big fan of Cadillac, I was eagerly awaiting this, and you didn't disappoint. Thanks for uploading and I got my Saturday morning Cadillac fix!
Glad you enjoyed it!
You have one?
@@UnionPacific1997 I have two.
@@ShutterBiscuit oooooh sweet what kind? I got me two Lincoln's a 76 continental coupe and a 81 mark vi but I want a eldorado or maybe a 91-96 fleetwood brougham
Yes I have a 58 Biaritz convertible Amazing
Dear Jon, thank you for another great video. And the Eldorado is one of my favorite cars of all times, hence this video is a bit special to me.)))
Sure my favorite is 8th gen due to its look and FWD technic (here it’s worth to mention that E-body Rivera was remaining RWD). However, having IMO best exterior design of late 60s on the market, to me personally 8th generation Eldorado is second to Lincoln Conti Mk III due to Linc’s interior quality, ride comfort, and more “classic“ look if you will.)
And yes, sadly missing those great Caddy’s names! Hope they will notice what Lincoln is doing with that issue.)
Thank you again!
You're very welcome. Another pointed out my mistake with the Riveria, and I was so focused on the E-body I never checked that it changed to FWD too. My mistake!
Appreciate you being here and your kind comments!
How about a hydrogen powered Cadillac Eldorado as the flagship of Cadillac of the 21st century.
Thanks Jon, great history of a iconic nameplate.
I 100% would be behind a revival of Cadillac’s roots in bringing back cars like Eldorado. Unfortunately, the crossover craze has turned this brand into a fleet of OK but unexciting crossovers (nicer Buicks?) and the truck-based Escalade as the flagship model. But that’s all America is buying these days :(
The SUV or Crossover, "craze" as you put it is because Cadillac, Lincoln & Chrysler don't build big powerful cars anymore. If people want roomy, powerful vehicles, what else can they buy these days other than a truck? If GM, Lincoln & Chrysler would build big, roomy, stylish, & powerful coupes and convertibles again, people would buy them.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Cool Car
Hi Jon, I saw both your Eldorado and your Lincoln Continental Mark Series videos. Outstanding cars! One problem was, federal government vehicle emissions, fuel economy and safety restrictions. Please reply. Dave...
Thanks for the view and comment!
Best 1967. Worst 1986.
The Eldorado reached its design peak in 1959-1960, and it's been slowly downhill from there.
The Oldsmobile Toronado was discontinued in 1992 and Buick Riviera in 1999 not 2000. Great video though.
You didn't mention the limited edition convertible 12 generation.
Sooooo, thanks for the comment. I saw a picture of the 12th gen convertible, but my understanding was this was an outside conversion? I never saw anything about this being an official product?
I appreciate the feedback.
hey, i am writing a reserch paper on Cadillac desgin History, can you share the citations or where you found the information. It
would be great help! Thanks a lot!
So the E body was interchangeable between 1968 and 1999?
I have a fifty-year-old one; somehow it’s not my daily driver at this time. Thank you for the fine video!
Right on! Thanks for being here!
Yor forgot to mention, in 71, due to higher emissions requirements, the 500 CI engine horsepower dropped drom 400, to 185. How they sold any of those, is beyond me. !!! 😮 "Come on down to your Cadillac dealer, our new 71 model makes 60% less horsepower, gets worse gass mileage, and has hideous huge 5 mph safety bumpers " 😮
In 71 it made 365 hp
"PromoSM"
You also forgot in 1973 Indianapolis Motor Speedway picked the Cadillac Eldorado as the pace car.
Not until 1967 did Eldorado find its mark. To me the 1979 design was the most beautiful. The 1986 looked like a low priced japanese car. Horrible ! Everything after that was just awful.
Well, we can all have our opinions!
I kind of like the 86 model if it's judged in a vacuum. I like that styling a lot, until I see an Olds Cutlass Ciera and think "oh... looks the same".
But that last generation was, to my eyes, stunningly beautiful.
I own a '54 Eldorado & my late parents '85 Eldorado Biarritz. They are classic, luxurious, classy, but most of all stylish cars. If Cadillac still made Eldorado's & Coupe de Ville's, they wouldn't need to make SUV's like the Escalade. American's want big, roomy, powerful cars, & when GM, Chrysler & Ford don't build them, Americans move to SUV's. I personally don't like trucks, so I don't buy SUV's. I've been told that my '54 & '85 Cadillac's are "TRUE" or "REAL" Cadillac's by hundreds & hundreds of people, as opposed to the tiny plastic garbage pales that GM & Cadillac are turning out today. And I must agree with them that Cadillac has lost its way.
So many are just ugly, over-powered, gas-guzzling dinosaurs