Cadillacbuilt a record 266,798 cars for calendar 1969, enough to grab ninth place in the industry rankings. For the model year, though, it was still 11th at a little over 223,000, up some 3000 units from ’68.
Eldorado was much the same as before, except that headlights were no longer hidden behind flip-up grille panels. Standards were restyled fore and aft, the major change being a return to horizontal headlamps. Parking lights wrapped around the front fenders and flanked a taller grille, still prominently vee’d. A somewhat unpopular change was the elimination of front vent windows. Per Washington edict, no-cost equipment now included front headrests, energy-absorbing steering column, pushbutton seatbelt buckles, ignition-key warning buzzer, and anti-theft steering column/transmission lock. Prices ran from just above $5400 for a Calais to well over $10,000 for the 75 limousine.
1969 Cadillac
Though hardly the innovator it had been in years past (the Eldorado notwithstanding), Cadillac made all the right moves during the Sixties. Offering its renowned combination of luxury, performance, and style, the company managed to defend its title as “Standard of the World” — or at least of America. While its return to more conservative styling actually lagged behind the rest of the industry, it seems only proper that the company responsible for giving birth to the tailfin should also be the last to abandon it.
I. D. NUMBERS
Vehicle identification numbers were stamped on the top of the instrument panel this year and were visible through the windshield
The original engine serial number was the same as the vehicle identification number
The first symbol was a number “6” to indicate “Cadillac”
The second and third symbol represented the series code number
“82” for Calais
“83” for DeVille
“93” for Eldorado
“80” for Fleetwood 60 Special
“81” for Fleetwood 60 Brougham
“97” for Fleetwood 75 Limousine
“98” for Commercial chassis
The fourth and fifth symbol represented the Fisher Body Division Code
23 = 4-dr luxury sedan
33 = 4-dr limo sedan
47 = 2-dr hardtop coupe
49 = 4-dr hardtop sedan
67 = 2-dr convertible
69 = 4-dr sedan
90 = commerical chassis
The sixth symbol was a number “9” for 1969 model year
The seventh symbol was a letter to represent the assembly plant
Q = Detroit, Michigan
E = Linden, New Jersey
The next six numbers beginning with 100001 at each assembly plant was the sequential serial number
Dealer introduction for 1969 Cadillacs and Eldorados was held September 26, 1968.
Production of the Eldorado body for 1969 was transferred from the Fleetwood plant in Detroit to the Fisher Body plant in Euclid, Ohio.
Cadillac enjoyed its fifth consecutive record sales year and built over 250,000 units for the first time in company history. (Calendar year figures).
Strikes again affected the 1969 model run and production of cars built to 1969 specifications peaked at 223,267 units, of which 199,934 were regular Cadillacs.
Total production fell 2.9 percent over the 1968 model run.
Cadillac features a sealed cooling system with an overflow tank
Calvin J. Werner was general manager until July
George R. Elges became general manager in July
Carl A. Rasmussen was chief engineer
Stanley Wilen was chief designer (Cadillac Studio)
F. T. Hopkins was general sales manager
Cadillac production figures
Calais12,425 (decreased 5,765)
Sedan de Ville80,848 (decreased 1,664)
Coupe de Ville65,755 (increased 1,820)
de Ville convertible16,445 (decreased 1,580)
Eldorado23,333 (decreased 1,195)
Series 6019,845 (increased 1,245)
Series 754,586 (increased 373)
1969 Automotive Notes
Mercury introduces Marauder
Pontiac introduces Grand Prix
AMC introduces SC/Rambler
Pontiac introduces Firebird Trans Am
Dodge introduces Charger Daytona
Mercury introduces Cyclone Spoiler and Cyclone CJ
Ford introduces the Maverick and Torino Cobra
Mustang adds Mach 1 fastback, Boss 302 and Boss 429
Last year for Rambler American which is called just “Rambler”
Last year for Corvair
U.S. government requires front head rests on new cars
Warranty set to 1-year/12,000 miles for the entire car and 5/40,00 for the drivetrain
GM introduces “tell-tale” odometers to reveal tampering
Federal “Truth-in-Lending” law requires auto dealers to state costs, terms, and conditions in a uniform manner
The Tunderbird and Continental offers optional rear-wheel skid-control braking system actuated by a miniature computer
Chrysler and Ford follow GM’s lead and adopt concealed wipers
Safety door beams installed on most GM cars
Dodge introduces a grille-mounted Super-Lite
Pontiac’s Grand Prix’s radio antenna is imbedded in the windshield
Chevrolet offers Liquid Tire Chain which sprays blended resin on tires to boost traction
Corvette features headlight washers like some European cars
Chrysler wagons feature rear located roof-mounted air spoilers
Avanti II and Checker use the Chevrolet 350-cid V-8 (5.7 litre)
Full-size Fords ride on 121-inch wheelbase
Full-size Mercurys ride on 124-inch wheelbase
Pontiac adds “The Judge” to the GTO lineup
Stutz Motor Car Co., of America introduces Bearcat replica