Cadillac Eldorado Moels & History 1980
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.
| ENGINE |
|---|
| 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 |
| CHASSIS DATA |
|---|
- 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.
| TECHNICAL |
|---|
- 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.
- 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).
| DRIVETRAIN OPTIONS |
|---|
- 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).
| OPTION PACKAGES |
|---|
- Eldorado Cabriolet ($363)
- Eldorado Biarritz: leather seating ($2937); cloth ($2494)
| CONVENIENCE/APPEARANCE OPTIONS |
|---|
- 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); w/8-track and CB ($480); w/cassette ($225); w/CB ($380); w/cassette and CB ($510)
- Firemist paint ($201)
- Door edge guards ($16-$24)
- License frame: each ($1 1)
- Leather seating area ($435-$595)
- Carpeted rubber front floor mats ($35-$38); rear ($19)
- Trunk mat ($15)
- Cast aluminum wheels: Eldo ($376)
- Locking wire wheel covers ($262-$320)
- Puncture-sealing tires ($105)
