ClassyEldo

Thought you guys might like seeing my 1971 Eldorado Convertible (restored). Here are a few pics taken at local Car Shows:

Well said! GM seems too busy "reinventing" its brand/model image! What a shame--all this name recognition wasted--and the loss of but another nicely sized Coupe. I hear the sucking sound of more dollars going across the Ocean as many of the hold-out loyalists throw-in the towel and purchase imports! GM just doesn't get it!

The Good: Next-generation CTS (correct proportions from every angle, quite stylish, even on the interior!), and the 2007 DTS (necessarily carries forward the real qualities associated with Cadillac--'in your face' Cadillac styling cues--egg-crate grill, vertical tail lamps, creased trunk, smoooooth ride, full-sized luxury, lots of gadgets & gizmos). Average: 2007 SRX (a bit too 'flat' on the sides, but nicely contemporary with recognizable Cadillac styling cues), 2007 XLR (nice 'Arts & Science' design cues, needs the thinner tail lamps of the Evoq Show Car, proportions between the front door and front wheel opening and back of door and rear wheel opening are too short--needs a parcel shelf behind the front seats--more length would help this car immensely, but still a very stylish ride!) The Bad: 2008 STS (the 2005 to 2008 STS are just losers! The styling is too bland, too typical GM--especially near the B and C pillars--it would have benefited greatly if the designers added "haunches" near the C-Pillar area, a la 2007 Charger-esque), BLS (another obvious re-badge, a la Cimarron--will Caddy ever learn?), the Escalades (resemble the other GM full-size SUV's too closely, and should only built if Caddy must have a big SUV). Just my 0.02 cents.

Some of us get tired of the "same old, same old. . . " It is alot more in keeping with the lineage of Cadillac to offer unique and different, trend-setting colors. Especially those combinations that in and of themselves are "flashy." Even Aston Martin and Bentley offer the "Mulberry" [brite raspberry] shade of leather interiors. I would love to see a selection of Firemist colors return to the Cadillac exterior color selections, also!

In my opinion, the "Alphabet Soup" names stink! Where is creativity? Sport model versions can certainly join in the letter monikers, but there need to be some recognizable names--consumers relate to those and associate them too much with Cadillac's lineage and image. Well, this subject has been beat to death, but I'm still not giving up, and I'm registering a "vote" as a consumer as someone who prefers real names, e.g. Escalade!

In my opinion, Ebony only applies to the interior color (similar to black leather). The highly photographed prototypes doing the Auto Show Circuit are Red with Cashmere Leather Interior, and Silver with Light Gray Leather Interior, and I have not seen any photos of the Ebony (Black) Leather Interior, as indicated is the third interior color offered on the GM Ordering Site. There are both "wood" and "non-wood" interiors, just as in the current generation CTS. Also, someone questioned the ignition key slot in certain photos. It is my understanding that depending upon the option/option packages selected, certain next-generation CTS's will have Keyless/Pushbutton Ignition/Start. In my opinion, it is disappointing that a rear bumper view video camera is not included with the Navigation package. The new Acura RL and Lexus models feature availability of this. Right now, I'm forgetting which manufacturer I saw featuring its monitor located near the windshield rearview mirror, but that was really great! Then, the pop-up Navigation screen would not have to "pop-up" every time the driver only wanted to monitor the Reverse pathway situation. I hope they introduce those cameras on the Cadillac models soon! It was very slick in the Lexus and Acura demonstrations.

Has anyone seen the "Linen" color of Leather Interior? The previous pictures of the "Platinum" edition DTS were written as Linen and Cocoa Leather, but did not look any different than the "Cashmere" shade in the photos. I am hoping it will resemble the previous (i.e. 2001 and 2002 MY's) "Oatmeal" leather. The DTS looks great with the very light leather interiors (i.e. Blue Chip or Crimson Pearl with Oatmeal Leather were a classic combinations)!

It was reported that "Mulberry" leather would be optional, in the Tuscany grade leather? Maybe it will be a late model year offering? The report said it was a Red color, similar to the 2007 STS "V-Series" Red Interior? It would be great to have White Diamond with the Mulberry Leather, but I guess that is not possible.

Your son did a fine job--quite a well written story, and nice photos. It's great to see stories of the loyalty people have to Cadillac--as was said, the imports can't come close to Cadillac for 'owner loyalty.' GM must keep Cadillac as 'something special' in the automotive world (i.e. exclusive colors, styling leadership, etc.) :AH-HA_wink:

The Press Release says, "With overall dimensions increased . . . " How so? The dimensions appear the same in their released photos. The changes are nice, but they lack a harmonious integration (i.e. There is now a turn indicator, a 'GM' badge and an air extractor, all on the front quarter panel. The mirrors do not appear to blend-in well, and the wheels look too 'busy.' The interior changes did not go far enough, when compared to the interior of the SLS for the China market). I'll stick to choosing an '08 CTS over this. It's too bad this is the end-product of the designers' efforts, as the STS foundation has alot of potential. Now, I'm really anxious to see the production Coupe version of the CTS!

If the Sedan did not sell well, why waste the money on the "Estate" version? The detail of the Sedan's C-pillar area, one of its few strong points, is missing--to the detriment of this car. The roof rails are nicely done. Although he is not one of my favorite automotive pundits, this link takes you to a thought-provoking article that sums up why this added model was a complete waste for General Motors: http://www.forbes.com/columnists/2006/11/1..._1114flint.html

I agree 100%! This car needs some colors with a little "bling" factor! These subdued colors, with limited selections, hurt sales, yet the DTS remains exceedingly popular--imagine the even better sales if it had a full selection of colors (i.e. 21, with several optional "Firemist" ones). The interiors also need more color selections--at least the Next Generation CTS has been announced to have available "Tuscany Leather in Mulberry." This reminds me of Cadillac saying the Eldorado was not selling well, so they dropped it--yet the car had not been significantly updated in 11 model years--yet sales were quite respectable. Here, their alienating even some loyalists, because of only offering limited color selections. All Cadillac needs to do is to resurrect some of their neat colors from the past, or variations of them. If done selectively, those would be very popular. It's too bad they just "don't seem to get it," the DTS has followers because of its traditional luxury touches and styling cues.

In my opinion, this article shows more evidence that if Cadillac Motor Car Division is going to drop either the STS or the DTS, it ought to definitely be the STS! The DTS represents what Cadillac is best known for---large luxurious cars! The '08 CTS is completely gorgeous, and next it will need the various models (V-Series and Coupe and Convertible, possibly a Wagon, especially for the overseas markets); however, it is too close to the specs and appearance of the STS, even the STS-L. The DTS is simply "plush" and unabashadly pure Cadillac. The upgrades to the styling were nicely done, and they have been well-received by the automotive press and buyers, and it was really only a minor re-fresh. Cadillac needs to re-design a next-generation DTS, keeping many of the well recognized design cues. If they do that, a large Coupe would be great, too. They need to do marketing analysis to determine whether it should be RWD with an AWD option (probably), or remain FWD--the buyers who buy it simply expect the engineering to be excellent, and they would accept either iteration as long as it remains true to its heritage, full-sized, ride-isolating, plush luxury. It may upset the performance enthusiasts, but they should be steered towards the CTS vehicles, XLR's and possibly, a performance equipped DTS. (Just my 0.02 cents!--from a tried and true Cadillac enthusiast!)

Consider dropping the STS--it is much more redundant in the line-up than the DTS. Plan a redesigned DTS, with at least two trim variations--a more performance oriented package and a more traditional package. Keep the car large, thus no need to "extend" the STS platform. Plenty of room for opulent accomodations. Great as a platform for limousine makers (keep the presence and continue to dominate in that market niche i.e. Presidential Limousine--always superb PR value!). Cadillac tradition has always been to have the finest large/full-sized vehicle--stick to what they've always done best. Keep traditional (must be recognizable as a Cadillac from afar), but updated, styling elements (similar to the '06 DTS re-freshening), but more smoothly integrated than the current car--especially roofline/C-pillar areas. Continue to develop the CTS line-up fully--(Sedan), Coupe, Convertible and Station Wagon variants. At present, the most blandly styled Cadillac is the STS, and it is too close to the CTS in size and appearance and features. Most average people have trouble discerning the difference between the CTS and the STS, but certainly not a CTS and a DTS. When the new CTS offers AWD, that eliminates another reason for the STS' existence (reportedly, first generation CTS' could not accommodate an AWD variation). With the money saved, really send the materials and luxury feature upward on the next-generation CTS and DTS.

Looks great! Glad to see there still appears to be visible body creases--an evolution of the edgy design of the CTS. The grill looks really nicely done for a luxury car, and the lights look cool. The grill emblem is a perfect size and an attractive design. Imagine the side vents between the front wheel and the front door--similar to those on the Escalade, the well-designed interior with upgraded materials, and a spectacular rear body design/lighting, improved performance features--and these details will make a spectacular, class-leading automobile! I hope there will not be much lag until the introduction of the Coupe model--it will most certainly be a stand-out. Overall, the portion of car revealed or described, to date. appears superb!

It's been said on another blog that the special SLS interior consoles were a "must" for the Chinese market. They were required because there had to be more ashtrays and lighters, (similar to the older Cadillacs), as China is a nation of smokers (among the highest percentages of any nation). To even be considered by luxury car buyers in that market, the designers had to incorporate more ergonomic ashtrays and lighters into the luxurious environment. The designers have done well, and hopefully it will please the Chinese consumers. :AH-HA_wink:

The statement says the STS Platinum offers either the Ebony Interior or a Cocoa over Cashmere Interior--but check-out the following live photos: http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/la-auto...latinum-series/ The STS Platinum shown has an all Cashmere Interior--what is the accurate information? In my opinion, the Cocoa over Cashmere combination looks bad--it is a commendable idea (i.e. a two-toned interior) but is executed poorly--the two-tone leathers of the Collector Series Eldorados of 2002 were much more nicely done. The Glacier Gold exterior color looks nice, but it lacks creativity in naming the color--Cadillac already offers a Glacier White color! I sure hope the all Cashmere color interior is also offered on the DTS Platinum, and I hope plans are undeway for the next generation CTS to offer a Platinum Edition!

Sorry, I just saw that this is a re-post from the 2007 Auto Shows! Mea culpa!!!

GM officially announced that the 2008 CTS will be launched at the January 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit: http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet...=74&docid=30242 Looking forward (along with the rest of you) to seeing it! Even more anxious to see the Coupe version!

Moments was a superior delivery of the message that the brand is 100+ years old. It represents that Cadillacs have always been aspirational, and they have always appeared in important situations (i.e. heads of state throughout the world, Hollywood, parades of victory, Wall Street, etc.). It reminded me of the old print ad, "Wherever important people meet, the overwhelming car of choice is Cadillac. . . " I think that appeared in the early sixties. However, in the 'new' ads by Modernista, the choice of Cadillacs was very good, in my opinion (i.e. including the '85 Seville, although I would select the '80 Elegante in Desert Sand/Canyon Rock colors as the nicest example of those bustle-backed Sevilles, the '93 Allante, and if something newer, perhaps an '00 Eldorado, as they were known for 'styling' as well as engineering). I hope the new ads are an indication that better things, that include the past, are yet to come. Hopefully, the new sales brochures will also feature some historical shots of past models, too.

Funny you mention the "Rolls like lines." Remember, in its day, this car shared roadways like Worth Avenue and Rodeo Drive with the Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible, and for thousands of dollars less money. Notice that owners could personalize these models, making them one of few truly "Coachbuilt" vehicles of the modern car era, yet available at authorized Cadillac dealers. This particular Sable Black car with Saddle Leather Interior (standard Cadillac colors for 1978) has special front lights, interior with excessive leather appointments, and wood, and unique bodywork details, but each one I've seen is so very well executed, in my opinion. All of them featured the horizontal Eldorado Tail Lamp design, some in single row, some in double row. Sure wish I could add this one to my collection!

Another search turned up the following gorgeous Seville San Remo conversion, to demonstrate what I meant by saying it was how a conversion of the Sedan into a Coupe Convertible model should be carried out--it is a "must see:" http://www.theautocollections.com/index.cf...s&tab=inventory That car exudes Class!

Here is the link to the 2006 DTS Convertible--it looks even better: http://www.coachbuildersltd.com/2006dts-tu.html A new DTS Convertible would look even better if it were converted to a two-door, with appropriate structural reenforcements--similar to the first generation Seville 'San Remo' Convertibles and Coupes (they featured a full-sized rear seat, were full length models, but had longer coupe-type doors, integrated into the bodystyle)--and had the longer doors. The only one I'm finding a link to now is shown here: http://mclellansautomotive.com/photos/B28487.jpg When the original Seville "San Remos" turn up for re-sale, they fetch a high price, as they were very well-constructed, hand-built, nicely done conversions. I think most were done from '77 through '79 models, not on the '76 versions. (The chopped two-seater conversions looked terrible.) The new DTS conversions are also offered by Newport Convertible Conversions, out of California. Full-sized Cadillac Convertibles have always been great!