In 1966, Cadillac enjoyed its best ever sales and production year despite a general downturn in new car sales, remaining perched at the summit of the American luxury car market. In its final model year as a rear-wheel drive automobile, the Eldorado was offered only in convertible form and continued to display the crisp and elegantly restrained overall styling theme that was introduced in 1965.
Mechanically, the Eldorado benefited from Cadillac’s traditional engineering excellence, with a 340-horsepower 429 cubic inch V8 engine teamed with the excellent Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission that first appeared in 1964. Noise, vibration and harshness were reduced greatly as well, thanks to a newly patented ultra-quiet exhaust system as well as the improved box-perimeter frame, four-link rear suspension and revised engine placement of 1965. Just 2,250 examples of the Eldorado Convertible were ultimately built for 1966, and with their comprehensive standard features, great driving dynamics and open-air style, they are rapidly gaining the attention of astute collectors and enthusiasts today.
