Cadillac Eldorado Models & History 1961
Along with a reduction in horsepower from 345 to a still ample 325 bhp, 1961 brought a substantial reduction in the Eldorado’s price. At $6477, this year’s Biarritz was $924 cheaper than its 1960 counterpart, though that, still represented a premium of more than $1000 above the less prestigious Series 62 convertible. One almost had to look for the nameplate to distinguish the Biarritz from other Cadillacs. Yet even if it had lost much of its former distinction, this remained a top-quality automobile characterized by such luxury touches as a premium interior lined with ostrich-grain leather. Production rose slightly, presumably in response to the reduced price, but the ’61 was hardly cause for excitement.
STYLE
| Model Number | Style Number | Body Type | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61-63E | 6367E |  Biarritz Convertible |
6 | 6477 | 4805 | 1,450 |
ELDORADO ENGINE
| Type | V-8 – Overhead valves |
| Block | Cast iron block. |
| Displacement | 390 cubic inches. |
| Bore and stroke | 4.00 x 3-8/8 inches. |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1. |
| Brake horsepower | 325 @ 4800 rpm |
| Bearings | Five main bearings. |
| Valve Lifters | Hydraulic valve lifters. |
| Carburetion | Rochester four-barrel Model 701930. |
CHASSIS
| Model | Wheelbase | Overall Length | Front Tread | Rear Tread | Tires | Exhaust |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eldorado | 129.5″ | 222″ | – | – | 8.20 x 15 | Single |
POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
| None available. |
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
| Air conditioning | $474 |
| Autronic Eye | $46. |
| Cruise Control | $97. |
| Door guards on two-door | $4 |
| Electric door locks on two-door | $46 |
| E-Z-Eye Glass | $52. |
| Pair of fog lamps | $43 |
| License plate frame | $6 |
| Six-way power seat | $85-113 |
| Power windows | $85 |
| Power vent windows | $73 |
| Radio with rear speaker | $16 |
| Radio with remote control | $247 |
| Remote control trunk lock | $59 |
| Five white sidewall tire size 8.20 x 15 four-ply | standard. |
| Permanent anti-freeze -20° | $8 |
| Permanent anti-freeze -40° | $9. |
| Accessory groups A and B included mostly the same features as 1960 at the combined total of individual prices listed above | |
HISTORICAL NOTES
- Total model year output for all 1961 cars amounted to 138,379 units.
- A limited slip differential was optional at $53.70.
