1970 Cadillac Eldorado: The 8.2 Litre Sports Car

1970 was the fourth and final year of the body style originally introduced in 1967. Each year, Cadillac updated the Eldorado to give it a fresh look, but the changes for 1970 were more than cosmetic. Under that long hood debuted a massive new 500 cubic inch V-8 engine. It developed 400 horsepower and had a massive 500 lb-ft of torque. Despite its size, the Eldorado was actually quite agile. Combine this much horsepower and torque with front wheel drive, automatic level control, and variable-ratio power steering, and it's really surprising how quickly you can throw this car around a corner. The tires may complain, but they will hold the road pretty well.

To announce this event, Cadillac attached a plaque on the right side of the grille just below the Eldorado script that stated "8.2 LITRE" on it. It took a while in 1970 for people to determine just how big that was, but when they did the look on their face said it all. And despite the weight and size of the Eldorado, they can flat out MOVE when you hit the gas pedal! There's something about driving an automobile of this sheer size, with the Automatic Climate Control keeping you comfortable and the AM/FM Stereo entertaining you that almost can't be described. Then...you step on the gas and experience 400 horses under the hood flashing you from where you are to where you're going without hesitation. It seems like it should be a smaller car. We'll just advise this: if you ever have the opportunity to drive a 1970 Eldorado, don't pass it up. You won't believe the power this car has, and how nimble it feels.

To many, the 1970 Eldorado is the best of the series. The engine alone makes it stand out, but many feel the styling looks better as well. A redesigned grille had a cross-hatched insert similar to last year's model, but not as fine, and wider horizontal blades were spaced out every inch or so to give it more sparkle and to emphasize the V-shaped center section. A thicker chrome molding surrounded the grille, making it stand out a bit more than the 1969 grille, and giving it more prominence than in the past. Cadillac introduced a winged V emblem on its cars for 1970, and instead of the metal emblem used on other models, the Eldorado emblem was molded into the clear plastic turn indicator lens.

The taillamps received their first restyle in 1970, and lost the chrome blade that had split them vertically down the center. A smaller, simpler lens was used that gave the car a cleaner, less fussy look. ELDORADO was spelled out in block lettering quite low on the front fenders, just behind the wheel opening and right above the bright rocker moldings.

A new rub molding with raised vinyl center protected the sides from other car doors in close parking.

Inside the Eldorado, simulated oriental tamo wood adorned the instrument panel and side panels. The Duplex cloth and vinyl upholstery introduced last year returned as the standard interior, but genuine leather could be fitted at additional cost.

Late in the year, a new anti-lock braking system named Trackmaster was made available on the Eldorado. It was computer controlled, and prevented rear wheel lockup in panic braking situations on slick surfaces such as ice, or loose surfaces such as gravel. This allowed the driver more control over the car, and reduced the distance it took to come to a complete stop. Very few were equipped with this option, so cars with it are difficult to find today.

The base price increased to $6,903, which was $192 more than last year, and production increased as well, up 509 units to 23,842, which is a good indicator that the public liked the attractive styling updates for 1970. The Eldorado that would follow in 1971 would be a much changed car, with completely new sheet metal and interiors. It would be much heavier looking with busier styling, and quality control would not be as good.

For someone seeking a classic personal luxury car that has decent performance, good braking, and acceptable handling, the 1970 Eldorado is worth considering. They are great road cars and are more adept in most situations than many people give them credit for. In addition to being a true Milestone Society car, these Eldorados are just now beginning to garner the respect and consideration they deserve in the collector car market.