Yet only a year later, the division evidently felt it had
sufficiently made that point. It was time for a new kind of Eldorado, one that could
be sold in significant numbers and thus turn a substantial profit. Accordingly, the
1954 model was of a different breed -- and it sold for a different price: $5738, more
than $2000 less than the '53.
Cadillac styling was heavier and more massive for '54. The new models outweighed their
1953 counterparts by something like 140 pounds, due in part to three-inch longer
wheelbases across the line. Whether their more slab-sided appearance made them
better-looking may be open to question, but they were nevertheless well received.
Power was still supplied by the division's milestone 331-cubic-inch overhead-valve
V-8 that had first appeared for 1949. Though rated horsepower now rose from 210 to
230, there were no engine changes from the previous year. In fact, the '53 figure had
been deliberately understated in order to facilitate this corporate sleight of hand.
The Eldorado still carried the basic Cadillac engine and its predecessor's impressive
list of standard features, but it now used the exact same bodyshell as the Series 62
convertible, with no sheetmetal modifications as on the '53. Although the '54 could
be readily identified by ribbed bright metal on the lower rear fenders and gold
Cadillac crests on the door uppers, it was much less distinctive than the original.
Still, the price was right, even if it was now "only" $1300 higher than the 62's.
Despite a somewhat abbreviated model year, the Eldorado found 2150 buyers, a dramatic
four-fold increase.
The Eldorado had golden identifying crests centered directly behind the
air-slot fenderbreaks and wide, fluted beauty panels to decorate the lower
rear body sides. These panels were made of extruded aluminum and also
appeared on a unique, one-of-a-kind Eldorado coupe built for
the president of the Reynolds Aluminum Co. Also included on the
production convertible were monogram plates on the doors, wire wheels,
and custom interior trimmings with the Cadillac crest embossed on the seat
bolsters. The body style was designated: 6267SX
| Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54-62 | 6267SX | - | Sport Convertible Coupe | 5 | 5738 | 4809 | 2,150 |
| Type | V-8 Overhead valves. |
| Block | Cast iron block. |
| Displacement | 331 cubic inches. |
| Bore and stroke | 3-13/16 x 3-5/8 inches. |
| Compression ratio | 8.25:1. |
| Brake horsepower | 230 at 4400 rpm |
| Bearings | Five main bearings. |
| Valve lifters | Hydraulic valve lifters. |
| Carburetors | Carter WCFB four-barrel Models 2143S, 2109S and 2110S - also - Rochester 4GC four-barrel (with Aire) Model 7006963; (without Aire) Model 7006962. |
| Model | Wheelbase | Overall Length | Front Tread | Rear Tread | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 62 Eldorado | 129 inches | 223.4 inches | 60 inches | 63.1 inches | 8.20 x 15 whitewalls |
| Exhaust | Dual exhaust system standard | ||||
| Rear axle ratio | (Standard) 3.07: 1; (Standard with air conditioning; optional without) 3.36:1 | ||||
| None available |
|
| Hydra-Matic drive on Series 75 | $186 |
| Power brakes | $48 |
| Radio | $120 |
| Heater | $129 |
| Air-conditioning | $620 |
| Power ol>erated window and seat | $124 |
| Chrome wire wheels | $325 |
| White sidewall tires | $49 exchange |
| E-Z-Eye tinted glass | |
| Autronic Eye automatic headlamp dimmer | |
| Vertical front seat adjuster | |
| Horizontal front seat adjuster (standard on Eldorado) | |
| Other standard GM options and accessories |
Books about Cadillac |
History of LaSalle |
Books on other automobiles |
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