| FLEETWOOD ELDORADO SUB-SERIES 693 |
|---|
In a way, you can call the 1968-70 Eldorado a modern classic and certainly
a collectible. For
1968 came a new 472-cid V-8 with 35 more horses than the 429-cid engine
it replaced and 45
more torque to reach a thumping 525 lbs/ft torque. It was designed mainly
for easier
emissions control in that first year of federal smog standards. Now it was
possible to spin the
front-driven wheels on smooth, dry surfaces. Cadillac proudly noted that
most engine
accessories bolted rigidly to the block, rather than being attached by
brackets, and boasted
about the new V-8's two-million miles of testing.
Washington also decreed new safety features for 1968. Eldorado complied
with discreet round
side-marker lights, thicker dash padding, and non-injury interior hardware.
Left alone were the
broad hidden headlamp eggcrate grille distinctive vee'd backlight (i.e., back
window),
knife-edge fenderlines, and small backward-sliding rear-quarter windows.
Wipers, however,
were newly concealed by extending the hood 4.5 inches toward the cowl.
The Eldorado had
the front parking lamps located on the leading edge of the fenders where
they were mounted
vertically. The design of the lens for the front cornering lamps (formerly
vertically ribbed)
was modified.
Spring rates were slightly lowered to give a more cushiony ride.
Upholstery trims included
diamond pattern cloth and vinyl; Deuville cloth with vinyl bolsters in four
color choices and
genuine leather options. Removed from the rear roof pillar, but not the
hood and deck lid,
were the familiar wreath and crest style Fleetwood emblems. Regular
equipment on the luxury
sports type car included all Fleetwood standards plus power rear quarter
ventipanes; power
front disc brakes; retractable headlamp covers; and Rosewood pattern dash
panel appliques.
Though base price jumped some $330, due mainly to the new safety and
emissions gear,
Eldorado production improved by nearly 37 percent for the model year,
reaching over 24,000
units.
| Model number | Body/Style number | Body type | Seating | Factory price | Shipping weight | Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68-693 | 69347H | 2-dr hardtop Coupe | 6 pass. | $6605 | 4580 lb | 24,528 |
| ELDORADO ENGINE | |
|---|---|
| Engine type | V-8 Overhead valves. Cast iron block |
| Displacement | 472 cubic inches |
| Bore & stroke | 4.30 x 4.06 inches |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Brake horsepower (SAE gross) | 375 @ 4400 rpm |
| Torque | 525 @ 3000 rpm |
| Main bearings | five |
| Valve lifters | Hydraulic |
| Carburetor | Rochester four-barrel Quadrajet model 4MV (Eldorado type) |
| Transmission | Turbo-Hydramatic |
| Standard axle ratio | 3.07:1 |
| CHASSIS DIMENSIONS | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 120 inches |
| Overall length | 221.5 inches |
| AVAILABLE OPTIONS | |
|---|---|
| Auxillary horn | $16 |
| Automatic Climate Control | $516 |
| Bucket seats with console (with leather upholstery required) | $184 |
| Firemist paint | $132 |
| Cruise control | $95 |
| Rear window defogger | $26 |
| Front disc brakes | $105 |
| Door-edge guards | $5 |
| One-piece front and rear floor mat | $20 |
| Soft Ray glass | $51 |
| Guide-Matic headlamp control | $51 |
| Head restraints | $53 |
| Leather upholstery | $158 |
| License frame(s) | $6-13 |
| Power door locks | $47 |
| Rear quarter power ventipanes | $63 |
| AM radio | $162 |
| AM/FM stereo radio | $288 |
| AM/FM radio | $188 |
| Reclining front seat with headrests | $84 |
| Power seats with lefthand Four-Way bucket | $53 |
| Power seats with Six-Way front | $83 |
| Rear center seat belt | $11 |
| Front seat warmer | $95 |
| Shoulder belts | $32 |
| Tilt & telescope steering wheel | $90 |
| Remote control trunk lock | $52 |
| Twilight Sentinel | $37 |
| Padded vinyl roof | $132 |
| HISTORICAL |
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May 11, 2000; March 8/03
