Why The 1979-1985 Cadillac Eldorado Was So Special
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- čas přidán 15. 11. 2022
- The Cadillac Eldorado back in the day was the ultimate 2-door luxury car. For its 10th generation (1979-1985) the Eldorado was a massive success. After it was gone there would never be another like it. Watch the video to find out why it was so special.
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I was working as a valet in 1979-80 and despite the downsizing people bought the Eldorado in droves and everyone who had one loved them, particularly the styling. They still turn heads today. The 1986 shrinking of the Eldorado was a sales disaster.
You could tell right away that it was an Eldo.
The 67-70 is definitely a future high end collector car. The design is a stand out imo.
Sharp lines, especially with a metal roof.
Those lines are subtly on this model year.
Awesome street rod potential.
I had a white '82 Buick Riviera and I loved that car
Agreed. As with the Olds Toronado's of the same generation.
@@tmseh
Oh yeah, those early years... Sooo stylish and future collectibles.
Where I lived by that time it was all Beemers and Benz's. Caddy's were only driven by pimps and octogenarians
An old buddy from 9th grade (1973) needed a loan and a ride to Atlanta then buy a one-owner, Black 83 Biarritz Eldorado from his sister in 1990 for $2,500. The road trip was 900 miles. To this day he still owns that car like a Trophy.!
Wow...really?! I'd love to see that! My father had the '85 Eldorado Biarritz in white. Truly one of my favorite models.
They're some of the most beautiful cars ever built. I have had an '85 Biarritz for twenty-one years. It's the best car I've ever had. No engine problems. Doesn't use a drop of oil. It doesn't have the torque of the seven-liter in my old '79, but with the injection and four gears, if I squeeze it and wind it out it accelerates quite well. I plan to keep it forever.
Beautiful? When did you acquire your white stick?
Just another K car variation. That era of cars was horrible if it wasn’t for the Japanese amd emission regulations we’d still be driving these boats.
Weird but photo of this video my mind still looks at that one as a new car !! it's 35 or so years old but looks like it is current.
Very nice cars, I really liked the Ford LTD and the Dodge Diplomat from that era too.
He’s right, these were extremely popular. And they had an elegance about them that no other car had including Mercedes and BMW. They were definitely the pinnacle of Cadillac.
I agree100%.
The sexiext,most elegant , sharpest ( in the true sense of the word)
cars ever made.
CADILLAC !!!
1981 Eldorado, black, in the movie "Thief" with James Caan. Beautiful car. "Casino" with DeNiro, another beautiful car. Broke my heart when it exploded! That's when cars were a work of art. Today they all look alike, sad.
I had two of these gorgeous cars. A black '79 with burgundy leather, no vinyl top, and a black '81 with a half vinyl padded roof, also burgundy leather. I have never, ever driven anything I loved as much as those 2 beauties all these years later! I still remember floating down the road with that long black hood in front of me with the Cadillac wreath and crest standing up at the end. I felt like the King of the road. Thanks for the memories!
Grandpa had a brown one, nice car.
Me too, see my post. Loved that hood, it reminded me of the flight deck on the USS Kitty Hawk. :)
These were great winter beaters. Heavy V8 over the front driven axles. Really good in snow.
I remember these cars and did not like them at the time. Now, they look better than ever compared to the clone cars of today! Thank you!
Clone cars.....Every GM car looked the same because the finance people wanted to cut costs.
@@johnl2727 They shared the same platform but put the brand styling on them. Some were good looking cars, some looked awkward as heck!
Mr. B. Here ! As a young man work on these vehicle all these cars were something. True class ! ! !
made in Linden N.J. i was there on assembly line for the entire run. the plant where these were made was torn down in 2005. with the Eldorado there was also the Seville, tornado and Riviera. for the entire run 1979-85, we built over 1/2 million cars.
They still had real bumpers, too.
As a ten year old,my older sister brought me to the Linden NJ GM factory 🏭 for their open house event celebrating their 75th anniversary. My young eyes were overwhelmed with the sight of how Eldoradoes,Toronadoes,and Riveras were made. I decided on that day that I would work there when I grew up.
Obviously by the time I could apply to work there,the plant shut down. Such is life.😿
I've still got my GM 75TH Anniversary Keychain, though. 😹
Awesome retrospective!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Yes, they are amazing vehicles! I currently have two 1981 Eldorados as daily drivers. A Sable black Biarritz and a a Carmine red base. Hardly a day goes by without someone mentioning their love and memories of them. I treat them as forever art/social statements of the Cadillac greatness era, like going to an art museum. Rock Auto has about 90 % of it's replacement components. They are very easy to work on/maintain with Utube instructional videos and the Cadillac Owners Forum. Try it! You'll like it!
As a second generation GM Engineer, I can't get enough of these memories. GM- The Mark of Excellence.
I had a beautiful 1981 Eldorado and loved it a lot!!!! Probably my favorite at I've ever owned.
It's repairs got expensive as it aged however. No better ride on long trips!
Another youtbuber with bad eyesight
My brother has one of these. When the original 6.0 Liter V-8 finally wore out on him, he decided to make a "sleeper" of it. He replaced the drivetrain with a 4.6 Northstar & transaxle from a wrecked Seville STS. While not a supercar, it is a LOT faster than it was. When he had it tested, it made 300 hp at the wheels. Plus, it gets better MPG, too.
Sounds cool.
@@SuperTommyi It is pretty cool. It can hold its own stoplight-to-stoplight, but still has that smooth Cadillac ride. The only clue that it isn't original, other than lifting the hood, is the dual MagnaFlow exhaust.
@@johncollins7423 I would keep it without the Magna Flow because I always like how quiet Cadillac's are, but it does sound cool with the NorthStar engine
Wow sounds AWESOME!
@@johneckert1365 It's pretty cool. Now, if only he'd sell it to me😂
It's always special when oldcarmemories uploads a new video. Keep up the great work.
I love this style of Eldorado. I had an '82 Touring Coupe that is prolly one of the best driving cars I've ever owned. I've had several Eldorado's from different generations and this one was my favorite. Followed VERY closely by the 1970 with the 500 cu in engine.
The Touring Coupe was rare but an amazing Icon!
The Touring Coupe was rare but an amazing Icon!
I worked at a Chevy Cadillac dealership service department and always loved getting a chance to drive some of these including the Biarritz version.
Ahhh, yes the Biarritz. Luxury plus.
I remember this car very well as my dad owned a 79 in 87 so it was slightly old in hindsight, the difference was that it was in England! I will never forget the quality of the ride and the power windows/seats, oh and the attention it got.
The 79-80 had the best engine, so he owed a good one
Woah that blue with white top is sharp
Cadillac Eldorado, the definition of unconditional love
Amen!
@@scottielover5415 I know it sounds a bit nouveau riche but I always wanted a white one with burgundy velvet trim, however I do own a 76 emerald over silver Seville
Those Eldorados were some of the best looking cars considering it was during a crazy time, nonetheless they were very luxurious, the touring coupes were very sporty for the time, if I had to go back in time to buy a new car, I would end up buying an Eldorado Touring Coupe!!
I'm amazed at the number of blind people writing comments here.
@@SuperDirk1965 These were good looking cars for the time. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
@@dmgscalemodels2825 No it's not. Those are ugly and obnoxious cars.
Gramps had a 84. He liked to show us the gold key.
Our neighbor got a new Caddy every year... I'll always remember his first Eldorado (1980)...I was 10. It was a chocolate brown non-Biarritz with saddle leather and a painted metal roof (no 1/4 vinyl top) and wire wheel covers. Just a beauty. Because The Eldo was introduced a year before the Seville, it had one extra year of good engines before the 1982 HT4100 debacle. The v864 of 1981 was fine once the system was disconnected. Also the Convertible was available in 1984 too...
When I turned 16 in 1985 my parents bought me a 1985 Cadillac Eldorado convertible for my birthday I loved that car an I took care of so much I still have the car today with only 47 thousand miles on it
These beautiful cars have aged very well.
I had the 1981 w/ the 864 - never had a moments problem - great handling and incredibly comfortable. And yes - they would sell like hotcakes today !!
In the slab culture in Houston, Tx... this car is like the Rolls Royce!
Owned a 1981 Eldo Biarittz. Wonderful ride.
God, were those seats comfortable!
I like this Eldorado much better than the older ones. I really enjoy your videos, great specs.
My friend had an 84 I think. I can't remember. It was great. Fast, smooth, comfortable 👌
My father had a 79 brown, 83 black ETC and 85 black convertible with oxblood interior. Loved these cars!! The HT4100 was never a problem.
Oh gosh, love this gen Eldo. The'70-'81 models used wire wheel covers that stuck out quite a bit. I was a kid back then and used to repair the hubcaps for my customers. The Eldo owners would park too close to a curb and break most or all of the spokes in the wheel covers. Cadillac actually sold a "repair kit" of 10 spokes per kit, 5 male and 5 female spokes, but only the outside female spokes would break and were in great demand. I would look for damaged hubcaps on the road and take them apart and use the good spokes to repair my customers hubcaps. Now, in 2022, I own a brick and mortar hubcap store and sell them online as well. These cars were so stylish, GM should never have downsized them. Cadillacs of today do not turn any heads at all.
What’s the name of your business? I’m looking for a nice set of 1981-85 wire caps
Love this channel. It is the only YT channel where you can 4x the playback speed and still sound normal. :)
Had the pleasure of driving an 82 for 4 days best riding coupe I've ever driven.
I had an '82 Eldorado in Jade Grey with a white interior and white vinyl top. Loved that car! Considering all the challenges the atuo makers had in downsizing to meet new MPG rules, safety and other gov. req's., Cadillac did a wonderful job. Wish I still had that car!
The first time I saw one of the1979 Eldorados it was parked at a curb in front of a '78. My first thought was "hey, they've stretched the Seville" (in reference to the 1975, '76, '77 years). Then I came to the _Eldorado_ name plate and thought, "uggghh, what have they done?"
Over time, however, I came to appreciate the style as a logically 'downsized' version of the Eldo.
I miss the El Dorado in general. I had a Black 89 model that I loved. How I wish it was brought back.
I had an '81 Toronado with a 307 and loved it
My dad loved them and owned 4 or 5. I remember fondly the black Biarritz with the red leather interior. He also had a 4-6-8, and even the infamous diesel Toronado
Great looking cars, the 79-80 had the best engine of all the the 79-85 production.
My parents bought a new 81 Riviera, which was pretty popular back then, my Mom kept it till 2001 and it was perfect people stopped her in parking lots all the time admiring it
My parents also bought a new 81 Riviera, fully loaded, it was a dark charcoal color, and 2 tone charcoal interior. In 1985 they traded it in for a new cadillac. Here's the kicker, it was in mint condition, so cal car, garaged, only had 47.000 miles on it. The salesman handling the new car deal came up to us and said, we just sold your Riviera!! 1st time I've ever seen a used car come in, and resold in under an hour!! Yeah. Those were very nice, and I enjoyed driving, and riding in it.
@@johnfranklin5277 my parents was light Sea Jade, body landau top and interior, really a pretty car. Mom finished up with a Cadillac Seville
Buick's 1984 Riviera T-Type of the same vintage were equipped with the turbocharged 3.8l V-6, making approximately 190hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque.
not exactly
@@redsealjourneymanreviews6647 not exactly what?
Relax trigger
Old Car Memories are the most fantastic consistently excellent videos I have ever seen since they started! Thank you!!
Was working at a nice neighborhood Ralph’s market in Long Beach. Tons of 240Ds, Jags, etc. When this and the Seville showed up it was really nice to see a tight American competitor in the parking lot. 👌🏽
The 1979 to 1985 cadillac eldorado ! You must have said it 20 times in the video ! Same with all the other one.... still one of my favorite car channel on CZcams... 😅😂😅
I think they were cool because it was class & luxury, with a little nod or throw back to "muscle car" body style, long nose short trunk look, like a Monte Carlo or Camaro..etc.
Another great video.
My mother had a 1981 Biarritz V-864, blue with blue interior, stainless steel/black top with moon roof. The car became mine in 1991 and I drove until 2002. That car still turned heads. I miss that car so much. 😢Wish Cadillac hadn’t become so boring in their style trying to play keep up with the euro luxury cars.
I've had 4 of these. All 79s
Can't beat that Olds 350
I'm so happy that you got your channel back.
Great review of the E body !
The 1983 - '85 Eldorado Touring Coupe is my favorite.
Great post 👍🏾
Thank you we enjoy these videos.
Central California watching
I had an '83 Biarritz that I drove for 8 years and I still think that it was the best and most comfortable car I ever owned. And I still miss it.
When I worked for Cadillac my favorite was the 85 .I enjoyed working on them and I always wanted one.
I’m not a fan of front wheel drive or Cadillacs, but I’ve always loved these cars.
That black touring coupe is badass!!!
In 1985, buying an Eldorado Biarritz Convertible cost and Additional ELEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS,., that made it a $31,000.00 automobile!! My 85 BIARRITZ is white with burgundy interior, RR style grille replete with an original R.R. Silver Cloud mascot. A faux burgundy spare attached to the rear bumper makes her a beauty to behold!! The only drawback to owning one of these beautiful machines is that every parade in the county wants me to drive someone in it!!! 😊
I enjoyed 50k miles in this era of Eldo. Navy Metallic Blue with Navy interior / EU sport. It was the best vehicle prior or after; nothing to this day has exceeded the quality or ride of that generation build. Trying to explain this to a modern car owner is impossible. Too bad we drive what we do today. Very sad picking up a new car today, only thinking of that great Eldo, always to be disappointed by the EV model S experience. Oh please bring us back a real Eldo.
I have an 83 Eldorado I bought from the original owner in 2001. Lifelong Southern California car. Silver exterior, 2 tone silver and cream interior. Options include the all digital dash, and Bose stereo system. Leather interior, which is all still supple and gorgeous. Its in very nice condition, and though it has the notorious HT 4100 engine, at 147.000 miles, it has not had any issues. No doubt that 3000 mile oil changes, and cooling system services every other year and adding the SEALANT PELLETS has been beneficial. It drives very nice and rides like a dream. Looking out at the long hood and seeing that beautiful cadillac crest sticking up at the end of the hood is definitely a piece of nostalgia that no longer exists. Thanks for a great video.
The 1979-1985 Cadillac Eldorado holds a special place in automotive history, and this video beautifully captures its essence. From its distinctive design to its innovative features, every aspect of the Eldorado exudes luxury and sophistication. As a fan of classic cars, it's fascinating to learn about the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating such an iconic vehicle. The Eldorado truly represents the epitome of American luxury and style, and it's no wonder why it remains a beloved classic among enthusiasts. This video is a wonderful tribute to a truly special car! 🚗💫
I added a limo antenna to the trunk, tinted windows on my black 82 birratz such a wicked car
I agree, GM should of kept the proportions from 79-85 and just modernized the styling, interior, handling, powertrain. If I found one, I'd turn it into one of those touring coupes. Modern suspension and drivetrain.
This is my all time favorite model Cadillac has ever put out. My mom had an 81 Biarritz diesel. It was such a Beautiful car! 🥰
My 81' is truly the coolest car I've ever seen! Great video!
love your videos
I remember going with my Uncle on road trips in his Eldorado , those memories and that car are etched in memory .
Had a white one with tan leather interior… rode like dream!!!! Banging stereo very very awesome ride.
Невероятной красоты автомобили ! 👏
Been missing hearing these!!
In 1983, I worked at the Hyatt Regency in Fort Worth, TX and in my hood we called the El Dorado "El Dol'. I really liked that EL Dorado Biarritz
I had a 1979, it was a show stopper. Classy quick and refined, it was a dream machine. No problems ever
Thank you for the information on the vehicle that replaced mine I have a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible and it's just such a cool piece of artwork good for parades good for making you happy going to work etc. Just bought it can't wait to get it figured out there's a few things that need to be done I've got to install new carpeting Etc but can't wait to hit the road with her!🌞
I currently own a 1988 Eldorado Biarritz, White exterior, maroon interior,,,, moon roof and all the bells and whistles...... I get soooooo many compliments on the car it is just unbelievable. The car is 35 years old but I plan on keeping it for a lot longer, owned it since 2000.
I loved these!
gorgeous car and great video too
I currently have a 1974 Eldorado Convertible. White, white top, red interior. I've had for 32 years now. Very fine ride. My father bought new, a 1985 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. What a fine car and gorgeous in every way.
My first car was a canary yellow 79 Biarritz. All the homies had nothing but good things to say. I miss that car
Man, these cars were hot!...My uncle had one and we used to sit on the rear bumper just to activate the load leveler......Very cool!
There was a cherry red 85 Biarritz for sale a couple of doors down from my grandparents right before I got my license. I didn’t have quite enough money to buy it, and my parents wouldn’t help me buy it without my license. Unfortunately that one got away and I’ve yet to find another one like it.
Your best video yet! Not just because of the nice pictures and the very accurate account of what this generation of Eldorado offered but most importantly, for the way you pinpointed when Cadillac lost itself.
Even today, with that unusually grotesque Celestiq and it's equal in ugliness, the Lyriq , you can see how fads, gadgets and gimmicks have replaced the true luxury that made this generation of Eldos the very best of Cadillac. Even those names and the even more asinine "CT5, CT4, XT5, XT4" can't hold a candle to the more imaginative and inspiring "Eldorado", "Seville", "Elmiraj", "Fleetwood" and "Coupe DeVille/Sedan DeVille." If I were in charge of GM, Steve Carlisle would be fired and kicked out on his hindquarters. Where has the actual "luxury" gone? Lincoln, Acura, Lexus, Infinity, Genesis, Volvo, Jaguar and BMW (both who lack quality) and Mercedes-Benz. Oh well, Maybe "gm" can make it work with just Chevrolet and GMC; the only divisions whose identity has been defecated on by Mary Barra & Company. 💩!
🐰
In 98, I bought a 84 Eldorado. I loved how it rode. Body and interior were in great condition but it was at the Cadillac dealer so often that they started giving me employee discounts.
I recall parking many of these cars when I was a kid as a valet and a couple of things still stay with me today. For one, they were so comfortable and super modern for the time but also the steering was so boosted it was if they were just a free spinning wheel as if you could spin it and let go and it would keep going. They also had a unique DING DING doorbell electronic chime to the turn signal in which you could hear the graininess of the low definition recording.
And then there was that long hood.
When I look at them now they seem so boxy and unimaginative but at the time they were edgy and ultra modern and super cool.
The 1979 through 1985 Cadillac Eldorado was one of the most beautiful designs of the era without a doubt. Even though they shared much of their structure with the Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado, Cadillac designers and engineers definitely built a Cadillac here! I drove a 1980 Riviera. It definitely had a stiffer ride than the Eldorado. Totally different personalities.
I owned a 1983, "Copper Canyon Firemist" Cadillac Eldorado with the standard cloth interior, Bose Symphony Sound, digital dash. It was Cadillac perfection in style, design, and performance. I got asked to buy it at least 2 times a week! By 1983, all of the "bugs" were worked out of the HT4100 engine. Mine ran smooth. Idling was completely silent. Cadillac had also increased horsepower to 140. That Eldorado had plenty of power and acceleration. I took two cross country drives in it and drove in a foot of snow with no problem.
It was stolen out of my garage in 1992. Never found. I was so saddened. Fabulous automobile! Only had 51,000 miles on it.
I really appreciate and enjoy your videos have thought about the ford Maverick pinto and mustang paint schemes that would be interesting
Dad had one, and boy, was that a pleasant car to drive.
Great vid........ 👍👍
Great 👍 review and information ! I would consider the Oldsmobile or Buick for their more reliable engine. These were really top cars to buy if you wanted pure luxury back in the day .
My parents has a 79. I remember it was a beautiful car.
This style GM came up with was awesome. I still think these and cars like the Buick Riviera from this era look amazing.
Spent the late 80's in a '84 Biaritz. It remains the most comfortable car I've ever ridden in. Not ideal for Canadian winters though. The trim was excessively rust prone.
As a young mechanic in the late 80's. I loved these cars but loathed their uppity snobby owners. The front suspension would wear out very fast. Besides performing brake service, I mostly replaced worn front end parts and then aligned the steering and suspension. They were fully adjustable front and rear so you could really dial in the alignment. Afterwards they drove so nice. I loved taking them on long test drives. Some had stainless exhaust systems and lasted forever but, most had standard exhaust that rusted very quickly. Nice cars. Not much else seemed to fail on them.
I just don't like front wheel drive but that touring coupe was pretty sharp . Imagine that with a old school V8 with 300hp + and rear wheel drive
Either way thanks for the memories I look forward to each video you do
What about a Buick GN from 85 - 87, style & power for the time.
Full frame and no freak wheel drive for the win
I had an '82. Coupe De' Elegance Loved it.
I drove a same year Tornado and it's always fun to watch smoke curl up over the front fenders.
Awesome thanks 👍 n
Thank for the great video. I loved the footage and information. A lot of great facts. The Touring Coupe returned in 1992. It ran until the end of the Eldorado's run. The last Eldorado was upsized twice after the 1979-1985 model. It was 1988 and 1992. They tried hard to recapture the success of this model. I fondly remember this generation Eldorado despite being underpowered. I often wondered about the horsepower ratings of this generation. Thank you for sharing. What you said is what they should have done. GM made a lot of mistakes in the 1980's. The Eldorado did not get a decently powered engine until 1988. It was reliable power with the 4.9 liter V8. Thank you for showing the Eldorado stablemates the Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado. Thank you again.
My friend's dad bought a new 91 Eldorado touring coupe, so it must have returned in 91.
@@califdad4 You are indeed correct. My error. I forget about the downsized one. That one appeared in 90 I believe.
@@OLDS98 I think so, I must say his was very good looking, my friends dad liked nice cars had Imperials in the 60s and 70s and told me he realized he was turning 70 and not in great shape and never had a Cadillac, so he went looking and fell for this white touring coupe and bought it. I was glad he did because he passed away in 1993. My friend's Mom started leasing Eldorados in 97, touring coupes and they were very good looking too, she just turned 102 the other day, hasn't driven since 2009
underpowered is right. I like the looks, but when I test drove one, it was gutless. In about '87 I reverted to a 69 Road runner with a 440. It would fry the tires, 265 width.
@@tomcrosby6332 some bought them and dropped 350 Olds engines in them,
Loved my 1981..
Had a 1980 Eldorado Barritz. Bright red w/white leather. Had the vogue tires w/genuine Cadillac accessories spoke wheels. Absolutely stunning vehicle. I unfortunately lost it to a theft. I'd still have it today if that hadn't happened.
I had a white 83 and it was gorgeous.
Typical GM management: Improve a car design until it's perfect just to cancel it right when it's starting to catch on 💀