1966

Cadillac Eldorado

The end was near for the traditional rear-wheel drive Eldorado which went out this year with a bow. Sales of 2250 were topped only by the 1955 model. The ‘66 Eldorado was very similar in appearance to the 1965 model; again a wreath and crest were affixed to the rear fender and small Eldorado block letters were in the usual position just behind the front wheel openings. The final rear-wheel drive Eldorado was priced at $6631.

Yes, the Eldorado convertible had done its time. America needed something new. And once again Cadillac took the industry by surprise in 1967 with the new front-wheel drive Eldorado coupe, born out of a tradition of comfort, elegance and luxury. It was so enthusiastically received that sales in the first year exceeded 17,000 units, that is four times more than the combined sales of the previous Eldorado coupe models, built from 1956 through 1960, and about half the combined production of Eldorados, including the Brougham, in the fourteen years from 1953 to 1966.