July

July 28, 2010

1977 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado In the final restyling of this body, the 1977 Eldorado look would last for just two years. The front end was more detailed than it had been in the past, but the most significant change was to the rear end. Taillights were moved back into the bumper ends, which were shaped to match the contours of the rear quarter panels. The tops of the taillights had a cathedral shape to them. This gave the rear of the car a very clean appearance.

The Custom Biarritz trim option that was introduced late in '76 was very popular among Eldorado customers. Custom exterior touches and pillowed leather seating inside made it a very luxurious and very attractive to buyers looking for added distinction.

Even though this body was now in its seventh year, sales remained strong, especially when one considers that Edlorado's main competitor, the Continental Mark V, came out with a completely new design for 1977.

July 24, 2010

1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Bicentennial Edition Convertible As a way to both celebrate America's 200th birthday and commemorate the end of an era—America's last production convertible—Cadillac built 200 identical "last" convertibles. Of those, 199 were sold to the public, and the actual last car was retained by Cadillac for its historical archives. The Cotillion White cars had matching white convertible tops and white leather interiors, but several unique touches made them special.

We identify the unique features of these final convertibles, and tell you how to make sure the car you may be considering buying is really one of the last replica convertibles.

1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado 1976 is perhaps best remembered for America's 200th birthday, with many bicentennial celebrations planned from coast to coast. In the automotive world, 1976 is likely best remembered as the year of the last American production convertible. In April of that year, the last of the breed rolled off the assembly line. The Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible had been the last production model with that body style for just a year, after Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick all dropped their last convertible models at the end of the 1975 model year.

It was a somber moment for many, as one of the great American icons passed forever into history. Or, rather that is until 1982 when convertibles started being built again. But there was more to the 1976 Eldorado than just the last convertible. Four-wheel disc brakes became standard, and a 24-hour Weather Band radio was offered as a factory option. New styling was on its way for 1977, a new Custom Biarritz option was offered late in the year, and you could get a Merlin Plaid interior! Life was good.

July 23, 2010

MILEPOSTS Garage: 1973 Oil Embargo and Gas Crisis We've been adding a lot of early to mid-seventies classic cars to the site recently, and while researching them a common event kept turning up. The 1973 oil embargo and the gas crisis that resulted from it shattered America's ignorance about our gasoline and who was in control of it.

Faced with the fear of gasoline rationing, and soaring prices that seem downright cheap by today's standards, the public began turning to smaller, more fuel efficient cars. The crisis ended by early spring 1974, and was soon forgotten by many, as people moved back to the big cars they'd always loved. But another crisis was waiting just a few years down the road.

July 22, 2010

1975 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Technically in its fifth year of the body styling introduced in 1971, the substantially restyled 1975 models had as much in common with the first generation 1970 models as it did with the second generation 1971 models, as far as styling was concerned.

After concerns had been expressed in the automotive press as well as from customers that the second generation Eldorados looked "heavy," and after seeing the Continental Mark IV outsell the Eldorado on occasion, Cadillac stylists took the Eldorado back to its styling roots for 1975. Gone were the rear fender skirts that contributed to the bulk previously, and new front and carry over rear styling which was all new for '74 gave the car a leaner, trimmer look.

Sales were up only slightly, as the U.S. economy was mired in the worst recession since 1958 during the 1975 model year. A long list of new standard features and the first appearance of the catalytic converter bumped the base prices up considerably.

July 20, 2010

1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado This was the fourth year for the second generation Fleetwood Eldorado, with revisions to the original 1971 styling. Cadillac had a more substantial restyle waiting for 1975, which would give the car styling more reminiscent of the first generation 1967-1970 cars.

The big news for 1974 was the gas crisis which hit in the fall of 1973, just as the new 1974 models were introduced. Soon, gas prices began creeping up and long lines of people waiting to buy gas were showing up on the evening news. Concerns of ongoing shortages and possible rationing caused consumers to move to smaller, more fuel efficient cars. The gas crisis ending in the spring of 1974, and the new car buying public immediately shifted back to the full sized cars they'd always bought.

Eldorado's sales for 1974 were down over 21 percent, due in part to the gas crisis and the fact that the body style was now in its fourth year, which almost always results in slower sales due to newer competing designs. The front end had an attractive new grille design, and the rear end styling was completely new, bearing a resemblance to the rest of the Cadillac line for the first time. Spectacular new paint finishes and interior trim fabrics and colors brightened up the somewhat gloomy sales year.

July 19, 2010

1973 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado For the second time in as many years, Cadillac Division set new records. A new production and sales record for the division, and the Eldorado passed the 50,000 mark for the first time ever.

An Eldorado Convertible was selected to pace the 1973 Indianapolis 500 Race, and we've prepared a special page to discuss those cars, including the differences between the two actual cars built as Official Pace Cars and the Festival cars, as well as the replicas built and sold to the public.

A few new options were introduced in 1973, including a Lighted Vanity Mirror and an Automatic Power Antenna, which was a very welcome feature. People who lived in the western United States had complained about the windshield antennas since they were introduced on the 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix. Cadillac switched to them in 1970, and from that point on no provision for a mast-type antenna was provided. The ability of the windshield antenna to pull in and lock on stations was poor, especially when the radio station broadcast tower was not nearby. The return of the power antenna was very much appreciated by many, and was so popular that it became standard with all radio installations in 1974.

The 1973 Eldorado received significant styling updates, due to concern that the public wasn't completely accepting the styling introduced for 1971. The changes had an immediate effect, as sales improved considerably for the year.

July 16, 2010

1972 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado This was a memorable year for Cadillac, no matter what measure you use to make that determination. 1972 was a record sales year. Cadillac built more than a quarter million cars for the first time ever in a single model year. Cadillac was the oldest auto manufacturer still left in the City of Detroit. Cadillac Motor Car Division celebrated its 70th Anniversary. And President Nixon ordered an Eldorado Coupe on three days notice to be given as a gift from the American people to Soviet Communist Party Secretary Leonid Brezhnev.

In year two of this styling cycle, changes were minimal to the 1972 Eldorado. A new script appeared, which replaced the block Eldorado lettering used previously, and attractive new wheel discs were introduced, replacing the design that had been introduced back in 1969. So, hop into your virtual 1972 Eldorado, snap Carly Simon's Anticipation 8-track into the tape player, point the wreath and crest hood ornament in the direction of home, and step on the gas, putting that 500 cubic inch V-8 engine to work!

July 13, 2010

1966 Lincoln Continental Stainless Steel Convertibles To celebrate the production of 50,000 Lincolns in a single model year, Lincoln decided to build a convertible using stainless steel body panels, which had done before with the 1936 Ford, and in 1960, with two Thunderbird Hardtops.

Allegheny-Ludlum Steel was to provide the metal, and also placed an order for two additional convertibles to be built using the durable metal for their own promotional events. The actual 50,000th car remained in Lincoln's possession, and the other two were updated to a 1967 appearance. Each car had a different colored interior, and all three are now owned by Allegheny-Ludlum, and appear from time to time at events where they always attract a lot of attention.

July 12, 2010

1971 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Cadillac's personal luxury car displayed all-new styling for 1971, and introduced the Convertible model, the first time since 1966 that a Cadillac model could be identified as an Eldorado Convertible. A new Hideaway Top design was introduced by General Motors in 1971, and featured an inward-folding "scissor" design that allowed a full-width rear seat, and no loss of storage space in the trunk.

The Coupe had new Coach Windows, which were stationary upright rectangular windows in the roof side panels. Located just behind the front door glass, they gave the car a very formal, town car appearance. New options for the year included Lamp Monitors, Track Master, and an integrated AM/FM stereo radio with 8-track tape player that used the radio dial to conceal the opening for the tape player.

Production was down due to a 3-month UAW strike at GM, which began about the time the 1971 models were introduced. The first new Eldorado of the decade would be very different from the last new Eldorado of the decade, and it's a fascinating story!

July 5, 2010

1978-1979 Cadillac Gucci Seville Cadillac didn't seem to mind that Lincoln had Designer Series cars at the time the Gucci Seville was marketed by a company in Miami, Florida, perhaps because Cadillac felt its Elegante trim package option was enough distinction without going too over the top.

But that didn't stop Aldo Gucci from designing a motorcar that would bear the Gucci name, and carry a designer price tag as well! To start with, 24K gold plated GG emblems for the hood ornament, as well as other badges on the front fenders, rear deck lid, instrument panel, steering wheel hub, and interior B pillars.

Then there was special Gucci material for the vinyl roof outside, and the headrests and armrests inside. Think that's enough? Oh, but there's more. Inside the trunk, each Gucci Seville came with a five piece set of matching Gucci luggage!

Just three exterior colors were offered, all with Saddle leather interiors. A few options were offered to allow customers to customize their Seville to meet their needs. A Gucci Seville was offered through 1985, and the after market trim package was never endorsed by Cadillac.

July 3, 2010

1979 Cadillac Seville This was it for the first generation Seville, which had been so popular and paved the way for the many smaller luxury cars that were to come. Yearly changes were almost non-existent, yet sales remained strong, just slightly down from 1978. Seville buyers could choose a bare painted metal roof or a padded vinyl roof at no charge, gasoline or optional Diesel engine, and choose luxurious cloth or extra cost leather upholstery for their interior.

The critically acclaimed Seville was the favorite of the after market customizers, who were making the stock four door sedan into stretch mini-limousines, two door opera coupes, two door convertibles, even a Gucci edition with a matching set of Gucci luggage was available for those with the wherewithal to purchase one.

Seville's new styling for 1980 was more daring, and the public would not be as accepting of the second generation cars as they had the earlier ones. No matter how you look at it, Cadillac's first smaller luxury car was a success.

June

June 26, 2010

1978 Cadillac Seville This was the third and most popular year for the first generation 1976-1979 Cadillac Seville. Appearance changes from 1977 were few and minor, and would remain so for 1979 as well.

A couple of changes that couldn't be seen were a new Electronic Level Control which kept the car level regardless of load, and Electronic Spark Selection, which altered spark advance to meet varying conditions. A new engine option was offered mid-year, the 350 cubic inch Diesel Engine, which was built by Oldsmobile and almost immediately was given a bad reputation. Initially offered in just seven metropolitan areas, it was available everywhere by model year's end.

Also offered mid-year was the Elegante trim option, which featured duo-tone exterior paint and an interior with 40/40 front seats and functional center console. We have a special page in the 1978 Cadillac Seville section on just the Elegante package.

June 25, 2010

1979 Continental Mark V Collector's Series in Diamond Blue Introduced late in the model year, only 197 were built in this color. The Collector's Series Lincolns of 1979 commemorated Lincoln's final full-sized, traditional luxury car. Cadillac had downsized most of its line in 1977, leaving just the Fleetwood Eldorado as Cadillac's "traditional-sized" offering. But even the Eldorado had been shrunk by 1979, leaving just the Lincolns. They, too, would be smaller for 1980.

June 21, 2010

1977 Cadillac Seville Cadillac celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 1977, and set new sales and production records as well. The Seville entered its second model year with minor changes, including a new front grille design and four-wheel disc brakes.

We've included some interesting demographics on Seville drivers in this section, as well as a comparison report between the Seville and the new Lincoln Versailles from one of the automotive magazines of the time. (The results might surprise a few of you.)

1977 is also remembered as the year of the big downsizing for all Cadillac models except the Eldorado, which had to be worrisome for the top brass at Cadillac. They needn't have worried, though, as sales of the new smaller Cadillacs set new records, and the Seville helped to pave the way.

June 19, 2010

1976 Cadillac Seville This was a signal that change was coming to the American luxury car market. Big change. Cadillac introduced its new "international size luxury" sedan on May 1, 1975. Designed to compete with the luxury import sedans from Mercedes, Jaguar, and BMW, the Seville was smaller than the other Cadillacs in the showroom. Yet it carried a big price tag, higher even than that of the revered Fleetwood Brougham. To justify its high price, most Cadillac features were standard.

Many did not realize it at the time, but 1976 would be the year of "lasts" at Cadillac. The last convertible. And the last traditionally-sized luxury car. By 1979, every car in Cadillac's catalog would be smaller and more efficient. The Seville served as Cadillac's test vehicle to determine public response to a new, smaller, more efficient Cadillac.

The public loved them, and a new breed of Cadillacs was about to be born.

June 16, 2010

1970 Ford Thunderbird Tridon Shown Car was the third Thunderbird-based show car in as many years. This one featured a tinted roof panel that ran across the rear section of the roof, stretching from sail panel to sail panel. If you notice a resemblance to the Brushed Aluminum Wrapover Tiara and Opera Window introduced on the 1977 Ford Thunderbird Town Landau, that could be because this reportedly was the inspiration for that design. Fully enclosed rear wheels was another unusual styling touch.

Inside, high back front bucket seats with a full-length center console were provided. Synthetic lambs wool covered the seats. This is a very racy looking car, made even more so with aggressive front end styling that featured concealed headlamps and a nose that jutted out in front past the fenders.

June 14, 2010

1975 Chrysler Imperial Finally, Imperial had reached the end of the road. After suffering with slow sales for years, Chrysler made the tough decision to put it to rest. This was done quietly and respectfully, at the end of the 1975 model year, as one would expect for a marque of Imperial's high credentials.

As the 1976 models were announced, one can imagine the confusion upon seeing an Imperial on the cover of sales brochures and in dealer showrooms. But wait...on closer inspection, the nameplates on the car indicate it as a New Yorker Brougham!

Chrysler didn't intend to fool anyone with this move. Realizing that the Imperial just couldn't compete with Cadillac and Lincoln without a unique body, it finally did what it had planned to do back in 1973 and retired the name (temporarily). Putting a New Yorker nameplate on it and lowering the standard equipment and base price delighted Chrysler customers, because they were smart enough to see that they were actually buying an Imperial for a New Yorker price. What a deal! The cars sold very well in this configuration, and continued through the 1978 model year, after which major changes came for Chrysler.

June 13, 2010

1970 Continental Mark III Dual Cowl Phaeton Show Car Lincoln was turning out one concept car after another during this time, and this one was based on the new Continental Mark III personal luxury car. Very sporty in appearance, most of the body panels were modified. The car wasn't a true dual cowl or phaeton, but it certainly brought back memories of the hot rod Lincolns from more than a decade earlier. The car survives to this day, according to reports.

June 10, 2010

1974 Imperial It was big, it was stylish, it was powerful, and it had one of the most luxurious interiors ever installed in a motorcar. From its waterfall grille to the pillowed velour or leather upholstery inside, to its teardrop taillights in back, the '74 Imperial was a looker.

Unknown to many, Chrysler had planned on discontinuing the Imperial after the 1973 model year, due to slow sales. But a chance visit by a Chrysler executive to a stylists' desk changed everything. And while the 1974 Imperials may have been the best ones ever built, they couldn't have been introduced at a worse time. Gas prices were increasing and stations were running out of gas due to the oil embargo that began just weeks after 1974 model introductions.

The story of the Imperial is a fascinating one. Sales always trailed Cadillac and Lincoln, but this particular car should have sold! It had it all: the looks, the performance, the best interior in any car, anywhere, four wheel disc brakes, a great ride, a silent interior...and yet it was not a hit. We wonder if people even looked at the Imperial before buying, because surely if they had, they'd have bought one! It's an automotive mystery why the 1974 Imperials weren't popular, especially with its attractive new styling and stunning interior. Did we mention how spectacular the interior was?

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