Classic car collectors are fond of stylish vehicles from the past. One of the most memorable vehicles ever released by Cadillac is the notorious Eldorado. To say this car is legendary is an understatement. There's a reason why enthusiasts all over the world go out of their way to add these automobiles to their garages — the Eldorado is luxurious, sleek and a representation of American engineering.

The Cadillac Eldorado has changed over time through multiple generations. Now discontinued, Eldorado models are increasing in value due to their high level of performance, cabin technology and handling capabilities. Whether you're looking to add to your vehicle collection or are fascinated by impressive cars from the past, consider this your guide to the Cadillac Eldorado.

What Is the Cadillac Eldorado?

Car fans know the Cadillac Eldorado to be a special coupe- and convertible-style vehicle that debuted back in 1953. The luxury vehicle lasted for 10 generations until its retirement in 2002. Drivers looking for a smooth drive and the latest cabin features in the automotive market purchased Eldorado models, as the vehicle line was considered one of Cadillac's most elite offerings at the time of each release.

While these cars were produced in high numbers, Eldorado models would sit toward the top of Cadillac's pricing structure. Consumers were quick to find room in their budgets for a vehicle that could handle it all — long joyrides and local commutes. The Eldorado was one of Cadillac's most versatile two-door models. Drivers could push the front seats forward to travel with up to five people at once.

A Name Like No Other

The Cadillac Eldorado is unlike other American personal luxury cars in its class, especially with how it got its name. In 1952, Cadillac held a competition in preparation for its Golden Anniversary car show. Internal employees could provide name suggestions for the new 1953 concept vehicle entry.

A woman named Mary-Ann Marini belonged to Cadillac's merchandising team. She brought forward the Eldorado name for the show's special edition convertible that would see the light of day in 1953. Marini claims she came up with the name after reading poetry and coming across the word, “El dorado” — Spanish for “the golden one."

Once she verified this using a dictionary, she pitched it to her boss. To her surprise, it was what officials at Cadillac were looking for. The show car that year was a convertible featuring the Eldorado name across the dash.

The Evolution of the Cadillac Eldorado

The look and performance ratings of the Eldorado were ever-changing. This made the vehicle line something worth paying attention to, with each release more attractive than the last. Compared to other flashy vehicles on the market, Cadillac Eldorado generations were brief, lasting a handful of years before it was time to reinvent the wheel again.

1953 First-Generation Cadillac Eldorado

The first iteration of the Eldorado was limited in numbers. Only 532 first-generation Eldorado models were produced in Detroit, Michigan, which makes them hard to come by today.

Consumers could scoop a convertible Cadillac Eldorado for under $8,000 in 1953. These models were mostly based on a successful car in the Cadillac's lineup, the Cadillac Series 62. Featuring an identical engine, the Eldorado was something to remember thanks to its cabin heating system, power windows and AM/FM radio.

First-generation Eldorado models were the Golden Anniversary concept car made available to the public. These vehicles were nearly impossible to identify on the road since Cadillac positioned name badges only on interior cabin surfaces rather than on bumpers. You could purchase the 1953 Eldorado convertible in four different colors — Aztec Red, Azure Blue, Alpine White or Artisan Ochre.

It's ironic that the first-generation Eldorado model year is considered one of the rarest vehicles in Cadillac's history. Sales for the 1953 Eldorado were responsible for an underwhelming 0.5% of company sales for the year.

1954-1956 Second-Generation Eldorados

General Motors hit the drawing board when reintroducing the Eldorado for the second-generation series. Cadillac would focus on cost-cutting measures to make the Eldorado something a larger group of consumers could afford. More expensive sheet metal surfaces were cut from production, and the body shell of the Eldorado was more in line with the standard Cadillacs.

The second-generation Eldorados are recognizable from the trim pieces GM used to differentiate these cars from the first-gen series. There was a significant increase in sales for the 1954-1956 Eldorados, meaning Cadillac was onto something with this vehicle line.

One notable feature of second-gen Eldorados is the angled tailfins. These exterior characteristics would become synonymous with future Eldorado generations, as well. The Eldorado was a pioneer in the appearance of vehicles during this era. Cars from competing manufacturers went for bulky tailfins at the time while the Eldorado's were thin — competitors would copy this cosmetic detail moving into the late 1950s.

1957-1960 Third-Generation Eldorados

The third-generation Eldorado series was sharp in appearance with pointed fins and a low-running fender area. Collectors are intrigued by the 1957-1960 Eldorado models, as the exterior body extended over the front and rear wheel assemblies for a look that made it seem that drivers lowered suspension parts.

Third-gen vehicles became famous because the 1957 model year brought us the Eldorado Brougham. Cadillac decided the vehicle line was in need of an even more luxurious package. Eldorado Brougham models were hardtop vehicles showcasing four doors, stainless steel roofs and power seats.

By 1959, Cadillac trusted the Italian company, Pininfarina, to assemble Eldorado Brougham cars by hand. These models were less popular than their 1957 and 1958 predecessors. The craze for Eldorado Brougham vehicles fizzled out once consumers started experiencing issues with the state-of-the-art air suspension setup at the time. Many Cadillac owners decided to edit the suspension system to include standard coil springs.

1961-1964 Fourth-Generation Cadillac Eldorados

Fender skirts were removed for the fourth-generation series, and there was a shift in production beginning in 1961. All Eldorados were created using the Fleetwood body. The 1963 model year marked the first time Fleetwood crests were present on the rear section of a Cadillac convertible.

Fourth-generation Cadillac Eldorados featured eye-catching chrome grilles, shining bumper trims and white-wall tires when they were available through dealerships across the country.

1965-1966 Fifth-Generation Eldorados

The primary difference between fifth-generation Eldorados and previous builds relates to how the vehicles were marketed. As of 1965, fifth-gen cars were called the Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado. This was to reflect the Eldorado becoming a sub-series of Cadillac's Fleetwood line.

1967-1970 Sixth-Generation Eldorados

Consumers were in for a treat with the 1967 Eldorado. Cadillac completely redesigned the Eldorado at the start of the sixth-gen series. The cars showcased the same E-body as the Oldsmobile Toronado and Buick Riviera. Both of these vehicles stood as big sellers for General Motors. The 1967 Eldorado grabbed the attention of consumers by acquiring the Unified Powerplant Package and front-wheel drive capabilities of the Toronado.

Overall, the sixth-generation Eldorados were more angular in appearance, and there was a clear focus on power with the latest models at the time. Sixth-gen Eldorados served as a huge step forward for Cadillac, especially since the legendary Bill Mitchell was responsible for the design alterations.

The Cadillac Eldorado was changing alongside the technological advancements of the automotive industry. Disc brake systems were considered standard equipment by 1968, and the cars were assembled with updated federal emissions standards in mind. Perhaps most important of the sixth-gen vehicles, the 1970 models included a 500 cubic inch V8 engine. This engine build was only available in Eldorado vehicles through 1975.

1971-1978 Seventh-Generation Eldorados

Cadillac approached the seventh-gen Eldorado series knowing the muscle car era was ending. There was a size increase in the body of the Eldorado. The 1971 options were designed for drivers who had a craving for a luxurious behind-the-wheel experience. Each vehicle was equipped with 100% vinyl seats in the front and back of the cabin. Seventh-gen Eldorados offered a 126.3-inch wheelbase, leaving passengers with more legroom than previous builds.

The cars were the perfect combination of innovation and comfort. The 1976 model year was special for Cadillac. By this point, all other domestic convertible cars disappeared from the market. Cadillac marketed the 1967 Eldorado as “the last American convertible” to let drivers know they were still in the game.

1979-1985 Eighth-Generation Eldorados

There was a focus on fuel efficiency for the eighth-generation series. Some drivers opted for the diesel 350 edition Eldorado to get the most for their money at the pump. People looked forward to climbing in the driver's seat of 1980s Eldorado models, as air conditioning systems were marketed as being extremely quiet, electronic instrument clusters were introduced and a Commemorative Edition Eldorado was available in 1985. Commemorative Edition vehicles displayed exclusive emblems and gold locks on each door.

1986-1991 Ninth-Generation Eldorados

Ninth-gen Eldorados were smaller in size leading to fuel efficiency improvements. This involved making the vehicles shorter in length to shed extra weight from the body. The ninth-gen era was an interesting time for Cadillac. Consumers were jumping ship on the vehicle line in hopes of finding more spacious builds. These Eldorados were assembled with 4.1-liter V8s, but the cars experienced a 60% sales plummet.

It is believed GM anticipated gas prices would be much higher than they were at the time of the ninth-generation Eldorado's release. Officials felt if this were the case, consumers would be rushing to buy compact-size vehicles. Fuel costs being less than $1.50 per gallon at the end of the 1980s resulted in the ninth-generation Eldorados falling flat of sales expectations.

1992-2002 Tenth-Generation Eldorados

The final Eldorado generation was the longest in the vehicle line's history. When the 1992 model was announced, fans were excited to see frameless window glass designs were back. The vehicles were noticeably larger in size, and drivers could choose Northstar V8 engines in 270 or 295 horsepower configurations.

Sales were better than they were during the ninth-generation series but nowhere close to record highs. Consumers could see small changes made to tenth-generation Eldorados between 1992 and 2002. The 1995 models received a bumper redesign and updated front grilles. Eldorados from 1996 were created with new interior upholsteries, climate control technology and entertainment system layouts.

The Eldorado mostly stayed the same internally and externally into the new millennium until its 50th anniversary in 2002.

About 50th Anniversary Eldorados

For the 50th anniversary milestone, GM introduced a limited production release of Eldorados available in red or white, influenced by the vehicles seen in 1953. The special 2002 Eldorados are highly collectible, as each came with an exhaust system tuned to resemble the sound of models from five decades prior.

All of the anniversary Eldorados had plaques on dash surfaces signifying each vehicle's number in production. The last Cadillac Eldorado model was built on April 22, 2002. As of now, GM has no plans to revive the Eldorado name in the near future.

The Legacy of the Cadillac Eldorado

Car enthusiasts all over the world remember the Cadillac Eldorado by preserving models from the first- through tenth-generation series. Some fans join classic car clubs to celebrate the vehicle with its rich and unique history. 

Cadillac drivers have their fingers crossed that one day the Eldorado emblem badge will return in some form.

Eldorado FAQs

Review the information below to learn more about the Cadillac Eldorado.

How Many Cadillac Eldorados Were Made During Its First Year?

Only 532 Eldorado vehicles were produced in 1953. This initial release was the official production version of the 1952 “Golden Anniversary” concept car. Cadillac did a modest launch of the Eldorado to feel out the market.

What Was the Last Year for the Cadillac Eldorado?

Production of the Eldorado concluded in April of 2002 — 50 years after the vehicle's initial release.

What Is the Eldorado Brougham Model?

The Eldorado Brougham Eldorado is a luxury package introduced to the public during the third-generation (1957-1960) era. Brougham models were similar to standard Eldorados. However, these cars were equipped with four doors and featured the first six-way memory power seats.

Other memorable features of Eldorado Brougham models are headlight dimming controls, automatic door locks and powered trunk latches.

What Vehicle Category Does the Cadillac Eldorado Fall Under?

The Cadillac Eldorado is an American personal luxury car. Throughout its life on the market, the Eldorado was compared to vehicles including the Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick LeSabre and Cadillac DeVille.

Find Your Cadillac Eldorado at Volo Museum Auto Sales

Volo Museum Auto Sales is the oldest collector car dealer in existence. Being family-owned and operated with four generations of experience across our team, we can help you find the exact vehicles you want for your garage.

We offer a wide range of retired vehicles by Cadillac and other world-famous automakers. Unlike other outlets, we let you test drive a classic car before you commit to purchasing. We also look out for you by having our on-site mechanics inspect all vehicles for sale, and we stay in touch with post-purchase support to ensure you're fully satisfied with your new ride.

Check out the vehicles available from Volo Museum Auto Sales to get your Cadillac Eldorado!