Cadillac history 1983

1983 CADILLAC ELDORADO

Like other Caddies, Eldorado saw no major changes in its body this year, though the automatic transmission and cruise control were recalibrated to boost performance. Standard engine was the HT-4100 4.1-liter V-8 with its complex (yet reliable) fuel injection system; optional, a 5.7-liter diesel. Prices began at $19,334 (suggested retail), which included plenty of standard equipment. The grille was similar to DeVille/Fleetwood, with Cadillac script at the driver's side in the center row. Front fender tips held no lights, so the quad rectangular headlamps and horizontal-style parking/signal lamps had a recessed look. Cornering lamps were in horizontal housings back on the front fenders. Heather cloth upholstery with Rocaille cloth inserts came in four colors; or buyers could choose from ten leather choices. Options included a digital instrument cluster with readouts for fuel level, speed and fuel range (English or metric).

1983 Eldorado

Eldorado's convertible had been gone for some time, but the optional full cabriolet roof simulated a convertible top, with canvas-look fabric, roof bows and waited seams. It came in black, dark blue, dark briar brown, and white. Eldorados had a new optional premium sound system, as well as available aluminum wheels. Two special editions were offered again: the Touring Coupe and Biarritz. Touring Coupes had (no surprise) a touring suspension, large-diameter stabilizer bars, larger P225/70R15 steel-belted radial tires, and special cloisonne hood medallion. Only two body colors were available: Sonora Saddle Firemist (light brown) and Sable Black. Reclining saddle leather-faced front bucket seats offered lumbar and lateral support, and included a console. Eldorado's Biarritz "dream machine" included a brushed stainless steel roof cap, wire wheel covers, opera lamps, and "Biarritz" script on the sail panels. Tufted pillow-style seats came in Sierra Grain leather in six colors; so did the steering wheel.

1983 Eldorado

Model	Series Number	Body/Style Number	Body Type	Seating	Factory Price	Shipping Weight	Production Total
Eldorado (V-8)	6E	L57	2-dr Coupe	6 P	$19,334	3748 lb	67,416

ENGINE

Feature	Basic Gas Engine	Optional Diesel Engine
Type	90-degree, overhead-valve V-8. Iron/aluminum alloy block; cast iron head.	90-degree, overhead valve V-8. Cast iron block and head.
Displacement	249 cu. in. (4.1 liters)	350 cu. in. (5.7 liters)
Bore & stroke	3.47 x 3.31 in.	4.057 x 3.385 in.
Compression ratio	8.5:1	22.5:1
Brake horsepower	135 at 4400 R.P.M.	105 at 3200 R.P.M.
Torque	200 lbs.-ft. at 2200 R.P.M.	200 lbs.-ft. at 1600 R.P.M.
Main bearings	Five	Five
Valve lifters	Hydraulic	Hydraulic
Fuel supply	Digital fuel injection	Fuel Injection
Manufacturer	Cadillac HT-4100	Oldsmobile
VIN Code	8	N

CHASSIS

Wheelbase: 114.0 in.
Overall length: 204.5 in.
Height: 54.3 in.
Width: 71.5 in. max.
Front Tread: 59.3 in.
Rear Tread: 60.6 in.
Standard Tires: P205/75R15 SBR wide WSW

TECHNICAL

Transmission: Four-speed overdrive automatic
Gear ratios: (1st) 2.74:1; (2nd) 1.57: 1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (4th) 0.67:1; (Rev) 2.07:1
Standard final drive ratio: 3.15:1 except with diesel 2.93:1
Steering: recirculating ball; power assist
Front suspension: torsion bar and link stabilizer bar
Rear suspension: independent trailing arm, coil springs, electronic level control
Brakes: four-wheel disc
Fuel tank: 20.3 gal. except with diesel, 22.8 gal.

DRIVETRAIN OPTIONS

5.7-liter diesel V-8 engine (NC) N/A limousine or Cimarron.
California emission equipment ($75) except diesel ($215)
Engine block heater: limousine ($27) Cimarron ($18)
Heavy-duty battery: Cimarron ($25)
100-amp alternator ($50) except Cimarron.
H.D. radiator: Cimarron ($40)
Three-speed automatic trans.: Cimarron ($320)
Electronic level control: DeVille/Brougham ($203)
Heavy-duty ride pkg.: DeVille/Brougham ($319)
FE2 touring suspension: Eldorado/Seville ($115)

OPTION PACKAGES

Seville Elegante ($3879)
Brougham d'Elegance: cloth seating ($1250) leather ($1800)
DeVille d'Elegance ($1150)
Cabriolet roof: DeVille/Eldorado coupe ($415)
Full cabriolet roof: Eldorado/Seville ($995)
Eldorado Biarritz ($3395)
Eldorado Touring Coupe ($1975)

CONVENIENCE/APPEARANCE OPTIONS

Astroroof ($1225)
Electronic cruise control ($185)
Rear defogger with heated outside mirrors ($160-$210)
Automatic door locks ($157)
Remote-locking fuel filler door ($59)
Garage door opener ($140)
Illuminated entry system ($76)
Digital instrument cluster: ($238)
Memory driver's seat ($185)
Six-way power passenger seat: ($210)
Power driver's seat recliner ($155)
Power passenger seat recliner with six-way power seat: ($365)
Leather-trimmed steering wheel ($99)
Tilt/telescope steering wheel ($179)
Theft deterrent system ($185)
Twilight Sentinel ($79)
Guidematic headlamp control ($93)
Opera lamps: ($88)
Trumpet horn ($38)
Electric remote-control outside mirrors ($99)
Twin lighted vanity mirrors ($140)
Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with 8-track or cassette tape player ($299)
Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and CB ($577)
Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and Bose symphony sound system, ($895)
Extended-range rear speakers ($25) with standard radio
Triband antenna ($50)
Two-tone paint: ($345)
Firemist two-tone paint, ($465)
Firemist paint ($235)
Bodyside molding: Eldorado Touring coupe ($64)
Door edge guards ($19-$29)
License frames, each ($14)
Leather seating area ($515-$680)
Carpeted rubber floor mats: front ($43-$45) rear ($25)
Trunk mat ($21)
Aluminum wheels: ($429)
Turbine vaned wheel covers: ($389)
Locking wire wheel covers ($310-$389)
White-letter tires: Eldorado touring coupe ($100)
Puncture-sealing tires ($135-$180)

PREVIOUS: History of the 1982 Cadillac NEXT: History of the 1983 Cadillac Cimarron NEXT: History of the 1983 Cadillac Seville NEXT: History of the 1983 Cadillac DeVille NEXT: History of the 1983 Cadillac Eldorado NEXT: History of the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood NEXT: History of the 1983 Cadillac Overview NEXT: History of the 1984 Cadillac

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May 11, 2000; March 8/03