Themost significant Cadillac of the decade arrived for 1967: an all-new Eldorado with front-wheel drive. Based on the previous year’s new Oldsmobile Toronado, it was a daring concept for the luxury field, with six years of careful planning and research behind it. Front drive gave it outstanding roadability; Bill Mitchell gave it magnificent styling.
1967 Cadillac
It had originated in 1959 with the XP-727 program, which underwent several design alterations through early 1962. Management then settled on front-wheel drive, and further prototypes evolved with that in mind. For awhile, Cadillac considered calling it LaSalle, but ultimately chose Eldorado as a more current name with greater public recognition. Clay model XP-825, with razor-edge lines and a formal roofline, led directly to the production of the ’67 coupe.
Unlike Toronado, this new Eldorado was announced in very low-key fashion. That was typical of Cadillac, as was using a one-year delay to improve on a sister division’s work. The Eldo thus rode better than the Toronado, yet handled at least as well despite the same basic suspension: torsion bars, A-arms, and telescopic shocks in front; a beam axle on semi-elliptic leaf springs with four shock absorbers (two horizontal, two vertical) at the rear. Self-leveling control and radially vented front disc brakes were also featured.
On its own relatively compact 3048mm wheelbase, the front-drive Eldorado was announced at $6277 and targeted for 10 percent of Cadillac’s total 1967 model-year production — about 20,000 units. The final figure was 17,930. For 1968-70, sales ran 23,000-28,000. A technological tour de force, it quickly established itself as the ultimate Cadillac. And unlike the old Fifties Brougham, it made money from day one.
Cadillac’s 1967 “standards” were treated to an extensive restyle, with forward-angled headlamps and a prominent hump over the rear wheels. Line-wide features included printed mylar instrument-panel circuits, automatic level control (standard on Fleetwoods), cruise control, and tilt steering wheel. Bolstered by the new Eldorado, also part of the Fleetwood series, Cadillac built precisely 200,000 cars for the model year.
I. D. NUMBERS
Vehicle identification numbers were now located on the left center pillar post
The original engine serial number was the same as the vehicle identification number
The first symbol was a letter (see Body Style Number suffixes) indicating series and body style
The second symbol was a number designating the model year (i.e., “7” for 1967)
The following six numbers designated the sequential production code and started with 100001 and up
Body Style Numbers reflected the pattern adopted in 1965
The five digit codes began with
“69” for Fleetwood Seventy-Five and Fleetwood Eldorado
“68” for all other models
The third number indicates the model
“2” for Calais
“3” for DeVille
“3” for Eldorado
“0” for Fleetwood 60 Special
“1” for Fleetwood 60 Brougham
“7” for Fleetwood 75 Limousine
“8” for Commercial chassis
The final two symbols corresponded to Fisher Body Division Style Number codes
23 = 4-dr luxury sedan
33 = 4-dr limo sedan
39 = 4-dr hardtop sedan
47 = 2-dr hardtop coupe
57 = 2-dr hardtop coupe
67 = 2-dr convertible
69 = 4-dr sedan
90 = commerical chassis
The five digit numbers were found on the vehicle data plate, affixed to engine side of the firewall, and may have been followed by a letter suffix corresponding to those on the individual model charts
Dealer introduction date for 1967 Cadillacs and Eldorados was October 6, 1966.
The Eldorado featured concealed, horizontally mounted headlamps.
A new assembly line was setup at the Detroit factory to build Eldorados.
A third successive year of record production and sales was marked by Cadillac Division in 1967.
Based on the Eldorado’s popularity, Cadillac sales for a single month passed the 20,000 unit level for the first time in the company’s history, setting an all-time high of 22,072 cars in October, 1966.
A year later, 23,408 cars conforming to 1968 specifications were built in October, 1967.
Calvin J. Werner was general manager
Carl A. Rasmussen was chief engineer
Stanley Parker was chief designer (Cadillac Studio)
F. T. Hopkins was general sales manager
W. J. Knight was public relations director
Cadillac production figures
Calais21,830 (decreased 6,850)
Sedan de Ville61,702 (decreased 10,708)
Coupe de Ville52,905 (increased 2,325)
de Ville convertible18,200 (decreased 1,000)
Eldorado17,930 (increased 15,680)
Series 6016,300 (decreased 2,785)
Series 754,133 (decreased 347)
1967 Automotive Notes
Cadillac introduces the front-drive Eldorado
Chevrolet introduces the Camaro
Chevrolet introduces the Chevelle Concours
Dodge introduces the Coronet R/T
Mercury introduces the Cougar, an upscale Mustang with hide-away headlight
Mercury introduces the Marquis and Marquis Brougham
Pontiac introduces the Firebird
Shelby introduces the GT-500
Air conditioning found on 38% of new cars
Underbodies of most cars made with corrosion-resistant galvanized steel
Dual-braking system installed on all new cars
Collapsible steering columns are introduced
Pontiac is first to feature concealed wipers
Firebirds have a deflated mini-spare tire
GM cars have a buzzer that sounds if keys are left in the ignition when the engine is shut off and the door is opened
GM, Ford, and AMC introduce the 5-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty
Corvair drops the turbocharger feature
Last year for Lincoln’s 4-door convertible
Toronado gets optional front disc brakes and radial tires
James M. Roche was president of GM until November when he was replaced by Edward N. Cole
Frederic G. Donner was chairman of the board at GM until November when James M. Roche replaced him
