1971 Cadillac Eldorado
The Cadillac Eldorado was first introduced in 1953 as a limited, special-production convertible. This set the stage for all Eldorados to follow, as they would always be a top-of-the-line Cadillac package. In some years it was a trim option, while others it received unique sheetmetal, as it did the first year.
For 1967, an entirely new Eldorado was conceived to capitalize on the new “personal luxury” category of high-optioned two-door hardtop. Rather than in previous years where it was based on the full-size Cadillac, the 1967 was its own separate model, available only as a two-door hardtop coupe. The chassis was in development for years. Known as “E-body” it was a unique front-wheel drive platform, versatile enough to also be used by Buick as a rear-wheel drive chassis for their Riviera, which debuted the previous year. The front-wheel drive Oldsmobile Toronado also shared the chassis, and it, too debuted the previous year. The Eldorado’s transmission package utilized a roller chain that transferred power through a torque converter placed next to a planetary gearbox. This was all tied into the Turbo Hydro 400 automatic and 429ci Cadillac V8. It was dubbed “Unified Powerplant Package.” Styling was helped by the long hoods the E-body chassis permitted, and was crisp and clean with hidden headlights and full wheel openings in this era of skirted rear wheels on most all Cadillacs. This basic body lasted through 1970.
In 1971 the E-body was enlarged, with a six-inch longer wheelbase. Again the Eldorado shared the platform with the Toronado and Riviera. Opera windows were placed in the C-pillars—the only operational windows were in the front doors. With minor revisions this body lasted through 1978. Offered as both a coupe and convertible, the 1978 convertible the last convertible body General Motors offered for almost 10 years. The last 200 were special “Bicentennial” models in white with red interiors. In 1979 an entirely new, downsized Eldorado was introduced. Again sharing the front-wheel drive chassis and components with both the Toronado and Riviera, it was still distinctive, but was harder to identify placed next to sisters Toronado and Riviera. The styling featured an upright top in the rear, and much more taunt lines and body surfaces, following the trends of the time. The new Eldorado was well received, and sales shot up to 67,463 units in its first year. This general configuration would run through 1985 when a more baroque design with influences from Roll Royce automobiles was introduced.
1971 Eldorado
Completely new for 1971, the Eldorado again would share this new GM E-body with sister divisions Oldsmobile and Buick, retaining their unique front-wheel drive. These cars were huge, with 224-inches of length, and over 4800-pounds. Styling was more baroque, and a vertical grille behind the doors and rear wheel skirts were back, gone since 1966. A convertible was offered for the first time.
AVAILABLE MODELS:
1971 Eldorado
- Body Style
- 2-Door Hardtop
- 2-Door Convertible
- Engine Options
- 500-4bbl cubic inch V8, 400hp
1971 Eldorado VIN Decoder:
First Character: GM Division
Second through Fifth Characters: Series and Model
- 9347 ~ Fleetwood Eldorado 2-Door Hardtop Coupe
- 9367 ~ Fleetwood 2-Door Convertible
Sixth Character: Year
Seventh Character: Assembly Plant
- Q ~ Detroit, Michigan
- E ~ Linden, New Jersey
Eighth through Thirteenth Characters: Production Numbers
Basic production numbers.
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