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Image: 1970 Cadillac DeVille ConvertibleTHEY'RE HERE!
1969 and 1970 Cadillac

The Spirit of the Seventies


Shown: 1970 Cadillac DeVille Convertible in Nottingham Green Firemist

ARCHIVE:

- 10/2009
- 09/2009

Friday, November 20, 2009 7:12:14 AM

Image: Guide-Matic Automatic Headlamp DimmerToday we've published a new article, Rare Option: Ford Thunderbird Autolamp and Automatic Headlamp Dimmer which takes a look at the availability and authenticity of the automatic headlamp dimmer option for the T-bird during 1964-1969. Some T-bird self-proclaimed experts say such a system was not offered by the factory, and we say they are wrong.

The experts state that their basis for this option not being available is that they've never seen one with this option. So, if you haven't seen something, it must not exist, right? Right. (Insert rolling eye smilie here.) So despite the fact that personal car rival Buick Riviera offered an automatic dimmer system during these years, Ford didn't even though they had the systems available for installation on the Lincoln Continentals. OK.

In case you can't tell for sure, we're being sarcastic here. There is little doubt that at the very least, an automatic headlamp dimmer was a factory authorized dealer installation on the Thunderbird during these years. And most clubs and organizations recognize dealer accessories that are correct for the year as authentic, with no points deductions during judging. So, if you want to add this option to your T-bird, it can be done fairly easily, and if you drive much at night it is a fun and useful item to have.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 7:46:38 AM

Autumn Leaves imageThe Thanksgiving Thunderbird returns again for 2009 with 1969 trivia and statistics. Did you know a gallon of milk cost $1.10 in 1969? Each year, AM updates this page with something new. It's a snapshot in time of Thanksgiving 1969. Celebrate the 40th anniversary by checking out popular movies, television shows, music, and more.

Saturday, November 14, 2009 10:18:48 AM

Image: 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Custom Biarritz ClassicThe last full-sized Cadillac Eldorado rolled off the assembly line in 1978. To commemorate this event, Cadillac Division teamed up with American Sunroof Corporation to create the 1978 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado Custom Biarritz Classic. Just 2,000 were built and featured a duo-tone exterior paint treatment in Arizona Beige and Demitasse Brown with a matching duo-tone pillowed-style leather interior in Light Beige and Dark Saddle. At the time, some felt Cadillac pushed good taste with this bold duo-tone color scheme, yet many loved it.

Many nice examples still survive today, and each is a testament to the time in which they were built. We've added this particular car to the site early, before the rest of the 1978 Cadillac Eldorado section, since many have requested information about the special edition cars, of which often very little is known. We are going to continue doing this in the months to come, with special pages on the last Cadillac drop top, the 1976 Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible, as well as the Custom Biarritz models for 1976-1977. The 1974-1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman page is already online. We hope you enjoy this information on a few of the special edition Cadillacs, and have a great fall weekend!

Friday, November 13, 2009 6:53:42 AM

We've added a video of the 1970 Lincoln Continental Model Introduction Film to the site. Prepared by Lincoln to introduce all of its new models to the public, this video has lost some of its color over the years, but is still worth watching. It shows brand new 1970 models being driven and the announcer points out the new features of each car.

Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:21:32 AM

Image: 1970 Lincoln ContinentalThe first altogether new Lincoln Continental in nearly a decade, the 1970 Lincoln Continental was the beginning of a period of time in which Lincoln would truly challenge Cadillac for the top spot in the luxury car field. Lincoln's stylists sought to create a contemporary, modern look for the car while maintaining styling that immediately said "Lincoln" to onlookers. We think they did a pretty good job. Despite its new styling, sales of the 1970 models fell from 1969, which had to cause concern at Lincoln.

Quality control at this time was very good, the ride was superb, and the interior noise levels were very low. Many new standard features and options were offered, and this was the first year for body on frame construction for Lincoln since 1957.

These are truly remarkable automobiles, with a commanding presence on the road, and we hope you enjoy this section. The Golden Anniversary 1971 Lincolns are next in line for publication.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 7:26:41 AM

The Oldsmobile Division of General Motors Corporation celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 1972. Little did anyone suspect at the time, by 2004 Oldsmobile would be gone. In 1972, Oldsmobile was riding high and some of its best sales years ever were just ahead. To honor its anniversary, Olds built a Limited Edition 1972 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency. Available in an exclusive color scheme, it featured a timepiece designed by Tiffany & Company especially for this model. The Regency would become a full-production model for 1973, but its production was limited to just 5,000 units for 1972.

Saturday, November 07, 2009 10:55:25 AM

Image: 1969 Ford Thunderbird Fordor LandauIn the Classic Car Showroom: 1969 Ford Thunderbird Fordor Landau with RARE Brougham Cloth Flight Bucket Seats and Console interior. Just 1,983 were built with this configuration, amounting to 12.6% of total production for the year. Click the image for more details.

In other news, we've had several more issues with software, which have put us about a week behind schedule. We had to update a couple of things, and we abandoned one program and bought a new one to replace it. Now we're trying to figure out how to use it, which will take a little time! What's the saying? If we didn't have bad luck, we'd have no luck at all? LOL!

Work will now begin on the last couple of pages for the 1970 Lincoln Continental section, which we hope to have online within the next week. Enjoy your weekend everyone, and thanks for your support.

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