It has been unseasonably warm here in Chicago this week, with the temperatures hovering around 70°F (21°C) from this past Monday through Wednesday, and predicted again for today (Thursday) as the high. This is November…in Chicago. This has enabled the unusual experience of the aromatic smell of dry, fall leaves coming in through open windows. The absence of insect sounds that usually accompanies warm weather is conspicuous. It has also been top-down convertible weather for what is likely the last handful of such days this year.
When the ’84 Eldorado convertibles were introduced, some folks were genuinely upset that Cadillac seemingly reneged on their announcement that the ’76 ragtops would be their last. In fact, much publicity about the “end” of the open-air Cadillac after ’76 lead to a whopping 56% production increase over the prior year (14,000 for ’76 versus 8,950 for ’75). Additionally, the final two-hundred produced during the U.S.’s bicentennial year were given their own special edition treatment, done up in triple-white (paint, top and interior), with red pinstripes outside and red piping inside. Many were bought as investments.
As an 80’s kid with none of my hard-earned money tied up in one of those ’76 models with the hope of making money on it later, I rejoiced when I first saw one of the new ones. They were part of an exciting, new wave of American convertibles introduced toward the beginning of that decade which included the Chrysler LeBaron, Dodge 400, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Cavalier Type 10, and the related E-Body Buick Riviera. Of those, my favorite was probably the Mustang, but I was glad all of them had arrived.
The reborn Eldo droptop, a GM-authorized, aftermarket conversion by American Sunroof Corporation (ASC), lasted for only two model years before being discontinued with the dawn of the downsized ’86 models. With the ’84 starting at over $31,000 MSRP (about $72,500 in 2015), it was pricey, but a welcome halo model for Cadillac dealers who had been dealt an iffy hand of a product line by GM’s bean-counters, engineers and stylists. There were 3,300 ASC-converted Eldorados for ’84, and our subject car was one of 2,300 for ’85. (I have seen ragtop conversions of the final, tenth-generation Eldorados, but unlike the subject car, those were not “official”.)
This generation of Eldorado convertible is a car that genuinely looked good to me (then as now), even if a bit fancy compared to the sporty cars I usually liked. If I was a moneyed adult in the 70’s, I don’t know if I would have bought a ’76 as an investment if I didn’t really like the car on its own merits. I imagine it led to a case of The Emperor’s New Clothes for more than a few purchasers who had bragged about snagging one. I do like the style of both the ’76 and this ’85*, but if given the choice, I’d probably give the nod to the later model. I remember seeing them new in the fall of ’84 upon my return to the United States after living abroad for a year, and being really impressed with them.
Sometimes, part of the draw of a classic car is not just its inherent cool-factor, but a personal memory of that car. It’s true that most of the cars in my top-ten “lottery list” were produced before I was born in the mid-70’s. But there’s something special about a car that you remember seeing when it was the latest thing – the very moment your jaw dropped as you entered the dealership with your parents (to look at something else), or stood on a street corner as it passed by in moving traffic. This Eldorado may not be my ultimate dream car, but it’s one I’d certainly be proud to own. Until next summer, friend…
The subject car was photographed by the author in Edgewater, Chicago, Illinois, on Thursday, July 2, 2015.
* Model year positively identified by the custom plate up front.
If I’m right, didn’t Cadillac get in a lot of trouble with consumers when they brought the Convertible Biarritzes out? I seem to recall that Cadillac made it clear the 76 Eldos would be “The last American convertibles” which drove up their prices quite a bit, and when they introduced these convertible versions, a lot of 76 buyers felt cheated and lied to by the company. If I recall, they tried filing lawsuits against them for false advertisement but went nowhere.
Still, I do like the 79-85 Eldorados, not my favorite Eldorados, but they were nicely styled cars that were a nice pill to swallow for personal luxury coupe buyers after the gargantuan 71-78 generation was put to pasture. It’s a shame these never came with better engines, the choice between the diesel or the HT4100 just kill whatever appeal these cars might’ve had. Still better than the stubby, Deville resembling, jokes that were made between 86-91.
A number of 1976 Eldorado convertible owners joined a class action initiated by an attorney who bought one (with an MSRP of $11,049) at a premium price of $16,250 in August 1976; he claimed he suffered damages when GM announced the revival of the Eldorado convertible, as he sold it – with 30,000 miles – for $10,000 in 1983:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1984/07/19/last-convertible-buyers-sue-gm-charging-fraudulent-advertising/64b95912-f4da-43ea-bfb6-1118601d4ce4/
The case was dismssed as groundless. If memory serves me, GM referred to the ’76 as “the last of a breed,” or something like that. That phrase could be construed to mean the last convertible in this particular body style. It was never stated that GM would never, ever, ever build another convertible. I’m not even sure that GM ever referred to it as “the last convertible.”
In any event, to most of the public it probably seemed like an example of all that is wrong with the legal system. After all, who reasonably expects an automobile as a guaranteed investment? Even better, aside from the extreme outliers, how often does a buyer drive ANY brand-new vehicle for seven years and receive 61.5% of the original purchase price, and 90.5% of the MSRP?
‘The last American convertible…’ was due to the uncertainty in the late 1970s about the proposed new safety regulations. NHTSA was looking at one that could mandate the stronger and more effective rollover protection.
The massive roll bars fitted to first generation Volkswagen Rabbit Cabrio and Porsche 911 Targa are examples of proposed safety regulations.
The 1970s was very brutal for the automobile industry. So many new safety and emission regulations became mandatory or modified in rapid succession. So many silly proposals thankfully never became compulsory. Don’t get me started on that dreadful Joan Claybrook.
For example of fear amongst the automobile industry, Road & Track did one article about the proposed safety regulation and called for action against any infringement of ‘driving freedom’. That proposal called for series of lighting displays that flash and horns that blare when the car exceed the certain speed limit as to alert other motorists.
Perhaps our beloved contributor, YOUHAI71, can dig up this issue. I think it was in 1972 or 1973.
There was a story originally published in Road & Track in November 1973 called “A Nice Morning Drive.” The story, available here: http://www.mgexp.com/article/nice-drive.html will seem very familiar to fans of the rock band Rush, as it was the basis for their song Red Barchetta (the author, Richard Foster, was actually credited in the liner notes with the album’s release, and Rush’s Neil Peart has since become friends with him).
The premise is that the protagonist, living in a near future, goes out for a drive in his now-illegal auto, an MGB Roadster. The car is illegal because of the draconian safety regulations put in place that made cars practically indestructible in crashes, and the side effect of that is that drivers occasionally make sport of trying to crash into and kill those that dare drive a pre-safety era car.
It seems R&T was really concerned about whatever these impending and/or rumored regulations were.
That was a great story; and tells a little bit what the car magazines were like in the 70s–most of them were paranoid that the car or at least fun performance cars were going to be legislated off the road.
If you replaced the safety vehicle with 5-6k Lb pickup trucks, I could write a few stories of what it was like to move to the country with two lane black-top twisty roads, that guys in their usually 4×4 pickups would drive 50-65mph on. About a dozen years ago after being used to driving 35mph on straighter and better roads in town; so thats how fast I drove our cars and van when we first moved there. But after having too many close calls with these pick-ups 10 feet off our rear bumper; and at night a lot, trying to pass, corners or not; roaring by with inches to spare. I finally got so I did like the local-yokalls- drive like a bat-out-hell, all the time, around corners flat out on the short straight-a ways–anything to stay ahead of these crazys that had been driving these roads since they were little hellyons. Seen one cop in 10 years and he was driving faster then me–he didn’t even slow down.
The NHTSA did actually implement roof crush (not rollover — although roof crush is obviously implicated in a rollover accident, they’re separate standards) standards in the early seventies that effectively outlawed convertibles. If I recall correctly, Chrysler took the NHTSA to federal court, saying the agency was exceeding its authority. The courts eventually agreed, so NHTSA added an explicit exemption for convertibles in that standard — which is still there. Of course, by then most manufacturers had figured that between the standard and shrinking sales, the convertible was basically dead anyway.
I recall Cadillac announcing that they would end factory production of the Eldorado convertible with the 1976 model year. The base price was about $11,000, but with options the price was more likely around $12,000. I also remember after the 1976 model year was over there were advertisements for the 76 Eldorado convertibles anywhere from $24,000 to $30,000.
Cadillac has not put a factory Eldorado convertible back in production. The 80’s E-body convertibles were after market conversions that GM authorized.
Here is a link from History.com on that last ’76 convertible Eldorado. All the other manufactures were already building convertibles, in ’82-83; Cadillac was one of the last to get back in; through the coach builders. Wasn’t much the ’76 owners could really do, was Cadillac supposed to forecast the future forever? And besides they did get a gold plated plaque with the car that had to be worth something. I remember seeing these new; I knew they were expensive; but 31 thousand dollars! Whew, that was a pile of money in ’83-84; my cars were running under $2000 then; prime classics though, like a ’80 Buick regal.☺ About what my house I was living in was worth.
http://www.history.com/speeches/last-american-made-convertible?
m=55cce9921285b&s=undefined&f=undefined&free=false
I love these cars, and it’s a fascinating period in the history of convertibles.
It’s amazing to think that back in 1963, convertibles accounted for 7% of all US car sales — just 15 years later, they were all gone. I think when Chrysler re-introduced the convertible in 1982, the industry was taken by surprise that there was still demand for convertibles, and some quick convertible conversions followed (Eldorado, Mustang, AMC Alliance, etc.).
What I find interesting is that the average convertible buyer in the mid-80s was much older and wealthier than the average convertible buyer in the 1960s. Even the more affordable convertibles (LeBaron, Rabbit) attracted an affluent, weekend-car crowd. But still, the demand never waned, and as a result, convertibles are still with us.
Regarding the Eldorado, I think the car looks stunning with the top down, however, with the top up, the very small quarter-window and slightly drooping soft-top gave the car a frumpy appearance. But I still love it.
Indeed, the 1982 Chrysler Lebaron convertible wouldn’t have been built if not for Lee Iacocca’s insistence. Chrysler’s finance department insisted it would never get back the cost of ASC’s modifications but Iacocca simply over-road them and had the car built, anyway. It was another one of those instances where Iacocca’s gut instinct turned out to be correct.
Ironically, the convertible’s best year, 1965, was due primarily to another of Iacocca’s cars, the Mustang.
Very nice! I happen to know a little Miata whose top will be down today.
ASC did a really nice job on the convertible conversion, which looks just right with this body style. I had actually forgotten about these, though I remembered the Rivieras from that same time.
Not that I am in the market, but I miss the larger “grand touring” convertible like this. With Chrysler having exited the niche, a large droptop is available only from pricey Euro showrooms.
This weather has been amazing, the best November I can remember since moving to Chicagoland 10 years ago! And it has been great to see some classic cars and convertibles taking advantage of the unexpectedly nice days.
I like these Eldo convertibles, though it’s hard to get too excited about them given the motor. You have to look good cruising, because you sure wouldn’t be moving very fast…
A couple who lived around the corner from my house when I was a kid actually had one of the commemorative “last” 1976 convertibles. It was a big, fat white Eldo, and to my eyes not as nice as the beautiful dark blue ’75 Olds 88 convertible that lived two houses down.
Someone should have reminded those who bought ’76 Eldorado convertibles as investments that the auto industry doesn’t know the meaning of the word “last” as long as there is a buck to be made!
It’s in the 70s in Cincinnati too, and the Bengals are 7-0…strange year all around. If Ohio voters had said “yes” to legalized marijuana on Tuesday the trifecta of weirdness would have been complete.
I seem to recall that these came in very limited colors. Most of them seem to be maroon with maroon leather or white with maroon leather.
And I think dark blue with white leather, and maybe the red was available with white leather too.
I thought they did a great job with this car. You’d think with the vertical C pillar of the coupe it wouldn’t have been easy, but they designed a top that looked just right for the body.
Too bad about the engines, as everything else about this car is so great.
Wouldn’t mind one of these for a fun Summer cruiser but would certainly feel better if said example had a factory replacement 4100 with all the updates that made them more reliable such as improved gaskets and head bolts. Following the maintenance schedule on these is also critical to there survival with the biggest example being the yearly coolant changes and pellet additives.
The pellets, i heard, were just a form of old “bars leak” radiator sealer; they used put that in old cars back in my home town for any small leaks from the radiator or any gaskets that decided to liberate the water from the inside. It worked in a 2.6L Mitsubishi I had, with a leaky head gasket–got 30k more miles from that car–just kept adding more bars leak every couple hundred miles.
I saw a Honda S2000 being driven with the top down yesterday – it was about 7 celsius (45 fahrenheit) and probably colder with windchill.
I had to chuckle when I read this…I probably looked like a fool yesterday, driving to work with the top down in 50°F weather.
Sometimes, I’ll leave the top down when I park the car in the garage at night, and if I’m in a hurry the next morning – even if it’s chilly – I’ll simply grin and bear it for the five minutes or so it takes me to drive to the office. I can usually find the time to raise the top while I’m sitting at the stoplight at the intersection next to my office.
I live about 300 miles south of Chicago and the weather here has been nice the past few days as well, definitely convertible weather. There are few automotive experiences better than just cruising down the road with the top folded back, drinking in the sunshine and the fresh air. We had owned several convertibles in the past and really enjoyed them, but, they can be problematic as daily drivers. As time goes on the top will start to develop leaks and, to me at least, there is something disheartening about driving a convertible in the snow. However, now that we are retired, my wife and I decided that we could have another topless car because we don’t have to get out in the rain and snow to go to work. We looked at several “collector” convertibles and they were either restored to the point they were too expensive or they needed more work than I’m willing to perform at this point. We compromised and bought a slightly used 2014 Mustang; we took it on a mini road trip Tuesday and feel we made the correct decision. There is something to be said for modern technology and its related reliability.
The lure of a convertible is difficult to describe to anyone who has never driven, let alone, owned, one. Yeah, they’re a security risk for theft and vandalism, and a PIA, in general, but on those few days when the weather is perfect, it can make it all the demerits worthwhile, quite similar to owning a Jeep Wrangler or Harley. It’s the reason convertibles always seem to enjoy a cyclical resurgence, the latest attempt being the upcoming Buick Cascada.
So true, Rudiger. My brother had two consecutive VW convertibles which were the first I ever got to drive. The experience of driving a drop-top is something that words really can’t do justice to. And I do like the Cascada, even if it’s not a homegrown design but an Opel.
I’m still not a huge fan of this Eldorado generation as a coupe, but they certainly do look good topless. Great color also, sort of a maroon-meets-cinnamon thing going on. Could be fun to find a nice one and retrofit a better drivetrain…
This is one of the last Cadillac models that really lived up to it’s heritage in panache, at least. Truly beautiful. If you don’t want to take a chance with that HT4100, the equivalent Riviera convertible will carry the bulletproof 3800. And the Riv is also such a beauty.
Hey Joseph- longtime fan, first time “acknowledge-er” of your awesome photography and enjoyable reads/posts. You’ve proven yourself to be a great addition to the CC Team and I always look forward to your contributions.
Commenting today because we must be “virtually” neighbors. I live in the Malibu East condo shown on the right, and have seen streetscapes of the bldg featured in a few of your posts. I’m familiar with this fine old Eldo and have seen it in our garage. There’s also a cream puff bustleback Seville and a few mint vintage Mercedes hiding in the nooks of the 507-space garage here.
“It’s a small world” as they say and it’s been fun to see several of your vehicular finds tooling around the neighborhood. In fact, whenever I see a prime CC in the area I’m tempted to snap an iPhone pic myself, but usually figure “Joseph will probably get a pic(s) soon, or has some great shots already.” ;->
Anyway, please keep up the great work you’re doing documenting the CC’s of Chicago’s Northside lakefront. Your travelogue pics and stories are welcome additions and fun reads too. So, all the best to you from a local fan!
SFDennis1, I really appreciate you kind words, and I agree – it is such a small world. Even in just our small, lakebound corner of Edgewater in Chicago, I’ve seen so many classic cars just out and about. In my own building, there’s a creampuff of an early Studebaker Lark convertible under a cover in our basement garage – buttercup yellow. I’ve seen it driving around, and have tried to meet the owner, but no luck so far. Anyway, thanks again!
Fun capture. I love seeing cars in motion. Normally I prefer the coupes over the convertible Eldorados and Rivieras of this era, but something about this car is very charming (and I think your photos are helping). I was in high school when these were new, and I wrote a research paper for my English class about the “Return of the American Convertible”. It made the assignment much more pleasant, and I learned quite a bit (in those pre-internet days). To this day, I’ve still never owned a convertible. That may need to change!
Very nice catch! That color may be Autumn Maple Firemist, very appropriate for the season. 🙂
Thanks, Tom! The reason I’m commenting now is because it occurred to me this morning that I’d want a cinnamon-flavored syrup called “Autumn Maple Firemist” on my pancakes. Mmmmm!
I and guys my generation are probably the reason convertibles died out.
born in 63, I remember them always being extra-classy cars and spent a lot of time in them via an aunt and uncle that had convertibles. fast forward to 1980 or so my dad had a 67 xl500 as a summer toy that newly licensed me tried any excuse to get to go touring with my buddies and when we did we always got looks.
yet I have never owned a convertible myself, as a daily driver or summer toy. it wasn’t for lack of interest(I was one of the first to stand up and cheer when the came back in the early 80’s) or non availability having had the opportunity to purchase several over the years.
it just always seemed there was a “reason”. top will need replacing, too cold in winter, too hot in summer, dust, noise, blah-blah-blah. I feel kind of sad that even to this day it still exists. just a couple months ago I saw an ad for an 85 amc alliance convertible in good shape for $2,500 original enthusiastic thoughts of “its cheap enough to be a daily driver, cheap on gas, fun” quickly went into “don’t like humidity in summer, have to wear a hat all the time(hairline receding, sunburn on top of head..ouch!) break ins, etc.)
where did that 17 year old who used to dream of ways to get the old mans 67 ford go?
A lot of the practicality concerns are obviated by the metal-roof retractables that have been recently available in quite a few cars. There’s some added complexity to the top mechanism, and it probably eats up even more of the already compromised trunk space, but they do a much better job of being a closed car than do the soft-top models–no concerns about theft, cold, window seals, etc.. The 2006-2013 Volvo C70 retractable in particular is one I could see in my own driveway as my wife has always wanted a convertible.