Downsized the year before, Eldorado entered 1980 with few significant
changes beyond a bolder crosshatch grille pattern, dominated by
vertical bars. Its upper horizontal bar, with Cadillac script,
peaked forward and upward. Quad rectangular headlamps sat above
amber-lensed parking/signal lamps, with wide horizontal cornering
lamps on the fenders. An Eldorado script was behind the front
wheel openings, just above the bodyside molding. Wide rocker
panel moldings stretched all the way front to rear. Atop the hood
was a Cadillac wreath and crest. New two-tone paint schemes were
offered. Multi-slot style wheel covers were standard. So was
Heather knit-cloth pillow-type front upholstery, offered in six
colors for the Dual Comfort 50/45 front seats (for two people).
Customers could also select from 10 leather possibilities.
The instrument panel featured simulated
teak woodgrain. Eldorado enjoyed an improved EPA fuel mileage
rating as a result of the 6.0-liter V-8 with electronic fuel
injection. A new MPG Sentinel was available with the DFI engine,
which also offered new on-board computer diagnostics. New
Electronic Climate Control offered digital accuracy. An optional
Cabriolet roof of textured Elk Grain vinyl came in 15 colors,
including matching Firemist shades. The optional theft-deterrent
system now disabled the starter motor.
Eldorado Biarritz rode cast aluminum
wheels and carried a number of unique styling accents, including
an exclusive brushed stainless steel front roof section. The wide
chrome molding crossing over that roof continued all the way to
the front fenders. Biarritz script and opera lamps enhanced the
rear roof pillars, and the model also featured accent stripes.
Inside, the tufted pillow-style interior came in seven leather
choices; or slate gray Heather knit fabric. The steering wheel
was leather-trimmed. Biarritz carried a price tag of $18,003,
compared to $15,509 for a base Eldorado.
| Model | Series Number | Body/Style Number | Body Type | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eldorado | 6E | L57 | 2-door Coupe | 4 | $15,509 | 3806 lb | 52,683 |
PRICE NOTE: Cadillac announced a series of price rises during the model year. By summer. Eldorado cost $16,401.
| Feature | Base Engine | Optional Diesel | California engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 90-degree, overhead valve V-8. Cast iron block and head | ||
| Displacement | 368 cu. in. (6.0 liters) | 350 cu. in. (5.7 liters) | 350 cu. in. (5.7 liters) |
| Bore & stroke | 3.80 x 4.06 in. | 4.057 x 3.385 in. | 4.057 x 3.385 in. |
| Compression ratio | 8.2:1 | 22.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Brake horsepower | 145 @ 3600 rpm | 105 @ 3200 rpm | 160 @ 4400 rpm |
| Torque | 270 lbs.-ft. @ 2000 rpm | 205 lbs.-ft. @ 1600 rpm | 265 lbs.-ft. @ 1600 rpm |
| Main bearings | Five | ||
| Valve lifters | Hydraulic | ||
| Fuel Supply | digital fuel injection | Fuel injection | Fuel injection |
| VIN Code | 9 | N | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 114.0 in. |
| Overall length | 204.5 in. |
| Height | 54.2 in. |
| Width | 71.5 in. |
| Front Tread | 59.3 in. |
| Rear Tread | 60.6 in. |
| Standard Tires | P205/75R15 SBR wide WSW. |
| Transmission | Turbo Hydra-matic transmission, column shift. |
| Gear ratio | (1st) 2.74:1; (2nd) 1.57:1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (Rev) 2.07:1. |
| Standard final drive ratio | 2.19:1. |
| Drive Axle | Hypoid drive axle. |
| Steering | recirculating ball; power assisted. |
| Front suspension | independent torsion bars, link-type stabilizer bar |
| Rear suspension | independent trailing arm, coil springs, electronic level control |
| Brakes | four-wheel disc |
| Fuel tank | 20.6 gal. Unleaded fuel only |
| 5.7-liter diesel V-8 engine | Eldo: $266 |
| Heavy-duty cooling system | $59 |
| 100-amp alternator | $41-$59 |
| Engine block hearer | $22 |
| California emission equipment | $83-$250 |
| Sport handling pkg. | $95 |
| Trailering package | $100-$118 |
| Eldorado Cabriolet | $363 |
| Eldorado Biarritz | leather seating: $2937 |
| Eldorado Biarritz | cloth seating: $2494 |
| Astroroof | $1058 |
| Cruise control | $147 |
| Rear defogger, grid-type | $170 |
| Six-way Dual Comfort power passenger seat adjuster | $171 |
| Power driver's seat recliner | $130 |
| Tilt/telescope steering wheel | $142 |
| Automatic door locks | $129 |
| Garage door opener | $125 |
| Theft deterrent system | $153 |
| Guidematic headlamp control | $72 |
| Front light monitor | $35 |
| Trumpet horn | $26 |
| Electric remote-control left mirror w/thermometer | $97 |
| Lighted thermometer on left mirror | $30 |
| Lighted vanity mirrors, pair | $112 |
| Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with 8-track tape player | $195 |
| Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with 8-track tape player and CB | $480 |
| Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with cassette | $225 |
| Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with CB | $380 |
| Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and CB | $510 |
| Firemist paint | $201 |
| Door edge guards | $16-$24 |
| License frame | each: $11 |
| Leather seating area | $435-$595 |
| Carpeted rubber front floor mats | $35-$38 |
| Carpeted rubber rear floor mats | $19 |
| Trunk mat | $15 |
| Cast aluminum wheels | Eldo: $376 |
| Locking wire wheel covers | $262-$320 |
| Puncture-sealing tires | $105 |
Books about Cadillac |
History of LaSalle |
Books on other automobiles |
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