1972 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Walkaround & Design History with Chief Designer Wayne Kady

[@josephschiavo9416]

He gave the world of Cadillac lovers a classic body style that will stand the test of time

[@louisxiiii]

This interview is pure gold.

[@fourdoorglory]

This discussion with Wayne really made this generation Eldo come to life. Pulling back the design curtain is fascinating. Keep these coming Adam.

[@antonsimic1413]

Its a little disappointing that Adam didn't discuss the controversy about the boot lid lourves of a 1971 and the elimination of the feature on the 1972.

[@RareClassicCars]

@@antonsimic1413 there’s another video posted on that

[@OBC-radio]

You just can’t find get these stories and conversations anywhere else. These first hand conversations with GM design videos are among my absolute favorite KZbin content. Every car, even the most mundane 1980s/90s GM sedan has a story to tell and a person behind the design and engineering of every detail. A very unique niche!

[@BrianJuntunen]

Thanks to Wayne. I appreciate this.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

As far as I'm concerned, this is the best styled car of the 1970s. So nice. It really did a great job of bridging the gap between the baroque, landau brougham designs that would later rise to prominence, while still incorporating many of the more tailored and muscular looks of the 60s. The fact that it shares so much with the other division b bodies, and looks nothing like them, is a real accomplishment. These cars are even better in person than they are in photos or videos. This example is truly stunning on film! Thank you to Mr Kady and all the others who made this beautiful brute happen. Wally seems like quite the guy to help make it happen! Absolute artistry and great business sense to bring the design to fruition, in spite of being in the GM machine.

[@wincrasher2007]

GM should have learned from this example - instead, they eventually just stamped the very same car with different logos, instead of differentiating their models more distinctly. If they had, there would still be a Pontiac and an Oldsmobile with their own unique designs and personalities.

[@dermotthompson2115]

Can’t agree. It’s too baroque.

[@matthenderson]

This has been a wonderful series with Wayne Kady. I’ve really enjoyed this in depth look with the designer.

[@RivieraByBuick]

How epic is that. One of the creators of the car talking about his creature half a century later !

[@eth39232]

I admire Mr. Kady's brilliance and humility.

[@bsquared4604]

Thanks for bringing Mr Kady to us.

[@ellisonhamilton3322]

He had to fight for his design at Fisher. Must make it all the more gratifying to own one. And it's a beauty.

[@greggc8088]

Body lines like that Eldorado's beats an egg any day. Thanks for the video and interview Adam.

[@smiddysmidton8313]

Absolutely!

[@ivorwm2291]

This is the first time that I really studied the design. I appreciate the 71&72 even more

[@loveisall5520]

I worked in college for a physician in the early 70's who had a powder blue Eldorado coupe, a 1973. He used to send me on errands driving that car, so I spent quite a lot of time monthly in it in Houston traffic. Like Doug deMuro has said, it is like piloting a boat. As I owned a VW Super Beetle at the time, that car was not only massive, but dead quiet and very, very smooth. Young men like me didn't drive these Cadillacs so I got a lot of interesting looks in it. He replaced it with the new Seville when it came out and had nothing but trouble with it dying in traffic, switched over to a Lincoln Mk V. These are great videos, and thanks!

[@vwgolf6487]

I have a much better appreciation for this era of Eldorado. Being shown and described all of the details has allowed them to shine. Most all of the ones I see today are white, and as such, so much of the detail is lost. I thank Mr. Kady for his appearance!

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

As Spock would say, "Fascinating." A beautiful car designed by a gentleman with foresight and diplomacy as well as artistic vision. His praise for and appreciation of the people who brought this rolling masterpiece to fruition speaks volumes about his character and the corporate subculture that managed to accomplish so much despite the constraints imposed from on high. Also, I must admit to a severe case of envy that you know these incredible people; however, I am very grateful you get them to share their stories. Outstanding job, Adam!

[@ChrisACiufo]

Just gorgeous. Such a treat to hear from the car’s “father”. Mr Kady, you’ve created something that will live forever, long after the last one (hopefully) ends up in a museum. Thanks for sharing your personal history with us. I’m very impressed and feel a connection with this one, as I owned a 72 Coupe de Ville that I adored. Same exact interior, but white leather. (I wished it had a split bench, though!)

[@davebarron5939]

Gorgeous, you just cant beat these 70's GM personal luxury cars. Thanks to you both for these presentations, and especially Wayne for sharing his personal rides.

[@antalsolyom]

Its so nice to have the original designer telling the stories about the car. So touching! Thanks for sharing !

[@Monaghan]

My dad has a 1971 Cadillac Eldorado that he has owned since 1990. I E gotta show him this cool video. Thanks for doing this interview.

[@ericheld4382]

Great to hear the stories of these cars from the men that actually designed and engineered them.

[@geyser3445]

Beautiful color combination. Always liked the fender skirts.

[@BenneWill]

It's just amazing to hear this stories about the amount of bold design and risk that went into cars during this era. "We can't make this", until one guy says "what if we use a binder". The amount of effort and creative thought that went into making these bold designs is astonishing, something we almost take for granted in car design today.

[@2001rams]

Been a long time since I have looked close at a 71-72 Eldorado. I learned a lot from this interview on these cars and there were some real challenging contours on this car I took for granted. Mr. Kady you have a very nice car. Thanks to you and Adam for this episode.

[@Fritter70]

Wayne is a total gentleman. Great job Adam. All one hears about nowadays is that these cars were horrible gas guzzling barges. These videos you are creating show that these were well thought out cars of their time created by highly talented individuals like Wayne. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Erik_Swiger]

Dad had a '72 Eldorado, in a bluish-silver paint, with a dark blue interior, and the 500 c.i. engine. It was my favorite car that my parents ever owned. Maybe someday I'll have one for myself. Lovely car, thanks for sharing, and the video.

[@Erik_Swiger]

Our home burned in 1974, and we moved from Michigan to Wyoming, in the Eldorado. I remember staying in hotels; long, long uneventful road trips; and the smell of restaurant breakfasts with bacon and coffee and maple syrup in the air.

[@tapper701]

1972 Cadillac Eldorado = gorgeous vehicle ! Even better with Wayne Kady giving his expertise in design ! Slainte' ! Cheers ! My two favorite "classic Cadillacs: Fleetwood Brougham & Seville ! Least favorite Cadillacs : Catera & Cimmeron ... Slainte' ! Cheers !

[@donk499]

What a beautiful car, and a great wife! If anyone should own this car it is Mr. Kady for sure. I have learned so much, could listen to this man for days and never lose interest. My buddy still has his parents 74 red Eldo convertible, I even got to drive it once, what a thrill that was.

[@fleetwin1]

Yeah, I remember using Ying's convertible in our college homecoming parade in the height of the "animal house era". Was so cool when the dean actually said: "I hate you guys". Ying's parents were so trusting to let us use the car, not sure we were worthy of that trust... Thank God nothing happened to it.

[@donk499]

@@fleetwin1 Love that word: "tumblehome"!

[@Rush-gu3ij]

All of your content is top notch, but the interviews with former execs are the best.

[@jeffscomp]

Beautiful Eldorado. Those were always the best looking Cadillacs

[@brianhdueck3372]

What a cool guy, Wayne Kady is. A true gentleman. Fascinating interviews he has given. Thank you Adam.

[@aaronnute9693]

These are just fantastic, truly automotive history. Thank you for all these, you have such a great rapport with Wayne.

[@joshuagibson2520]

I'm a 70s Camaro and Firebird guy, but I love all the 70s cars. Even Fords. Lol.

[@jeffwhaley2233]

I cannot fully express how interesting these interviews are. Thank you.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Yes! More die work discussions please!

[@alantrimble2881]

I agree. I've never been remotely involved with die making, but it's fascinating to me.

[@joshuagibson2520]

@@alantrimble2881 I have a fair amount of experience, but nothing this big. These are likely all stampings, but if you want to see something really interesting look into draw dies! Cool stuff.

[@MasterMalrubius]

Thanks!

[@peter455sd]

Damn,i remember the first time i've saw a 1971 Eldorado,my father had a cousin that owned a high end car importer in Brazil,i was 7 or 8 and it was an Eldorado coupe,black on black,no vinyl roof,very,very shiny. It was like looking at the Pieta',a spaceship created by Michelangelo and i thought " that is what a car is supposed to be",i believe that then and i still believe that now. Thanks Adam to bringing to light the geniuses behind these masterpieces and thanks Mr. Kady for making this world beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ddellwo]

What a treat to hear from one the actual designers of the vehicle! This generation of stylists and engineers will fade into history and their insights will be lost forever if we don’t capture them now for posterity’s sake!

[@BenneWill]

16:18. Look at that side shot. Just immaculate.

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Adam, Wayne is fascinating to listen to, he has such interesting first hand stories!!! His Eldorado convertible is gorgeous!! Back in the Seventies my boss had a 75 Eldorado convertible & it was a real attention getter!!! Thanks for sharing another exciting video!!! 👍👍🙂

[@Ontariosound]

The 75 had the waterfall grille. Beautiful.

[@jasonhunt007]

Such an imposing car, both parked and on the road. Many memories of these behemoths pulling into my dad's Shell station for a fill up at full service during the 70's and 80's. Just looking at the video, the fit and finish of the example is world class quality. Nothing like it ever again. A bygone era.

[@DSP1968]

Again, what a true treat to have an actual designer of the car provide background on it's creation and execution. Thank you!

[@grantsherman2292]

Beautiful car.

[@MNBluestater]

Amazing. I always remembered this as a stylish automobile but never really noticed the beveled surfaces. Just unique and gorgeous. A work of art-too bad we are such a throwaway society or we’d have many of these to appreciate.

[@rwg520]

As the founder of Emblemagic (which has since been sold to a California outfit) I was excited to see Wayne's discussion of the Cadillac crest. He has all of the details quite correct. What is interesting is that D.L. Auld the Columbus Ohio vendor that showed him the new technique for making emblems that looked like cloisonne, but was far cheaper and more uniform in production, also provided the Automotive cloisonne emblems going back to the early years of the 20th century. Even today Utica Metals is still producing cloisonne emblems, (Mostly huge tractor trailer badges now). For more than 25 yrs. I used to restore these original cloisonne emblems, using the same processes by which they were originally made. So I was well aware of the exact problems Wayne mentions with them. In fact, Other than a scant few situations, almost all cloisonné work is now done in the far east mostly due to costs. Another problem facing US cloisonne producers was that the EPA outlawed the lead-bearing enamels in the 70s that were needed to get those deep rich translucent colors (like the gold used behind the merlettes). Today those lead-bearing enamels can still be obtained from outside the USA. As always, it nevers fails to be profitable to watch these videos, even when the car discussed is not necessarily ones favorite.

[@elmonteslim3711]

Wow what a legend Wayne is...

[@stevehill5997]

This is fascinating. The first hand history that Wayne provided is priceless.

[@MG-sj1em]

1968 and 72, best looking Eldos ever. IMO....They were incredible. Great video!

[@davehutchins2820]

I've ridden many times, years ago, in a sister white Eldorado convertible with the same red interior. Loved it then. Love it now. As true a classic as any Cord, Packard or LaSalle and probably the number one automotive symbol of luxury for the early 70's era. Thank you Wayne for sharing. Just been overwhelmed by nostalgia. All I've got to do now is get to where you live (they won't let me in I imagine) and talk you into taking me for a drive on a sunny spring day. 👍

[@RSMMD]

As a classic Cadillac enthusiast and owner of a pristine 1976 Eldorado Convertible, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this inciteful video. Thank you!!!

[@MrYAMAHA32177]

What a treat to watch, brings back memories of my Grandfather as he was a big Cadillac man, thanks Adam and Wayne for bringing this bit of history to us.

[@DannyKoKo]

A living treasure of info. Would love to see him revisit GM design today

[@MyClutteredGarage]

What a gem to document these historical conversations. Thank you! -Ed

[@davidrupprecht2774]

Wonderful interviews with Wayne. He has two beauties from Cadillac in his collection. WOW.

[@MasterMalrubius]

Wow. Another great overview and interview. I’m not a big fan of the large cars but I can appreciate the effort in design and construction. And the story is amazing. I really enjoyed the video.

[@johnhaller7017]

An unparalleled and informative view of a classic Cadillac including information from one of it's creators. A fabulous presentation of a memorable 1972 Cadillac Eldorado.

[@cardo1111]

Excellent content, talk about an inside look. Mr.Kady, obviously a very talented man created an automotive masterpiece. During an era when Cadillac was the Cadillac. I love the nuances like how he convinced Fisher Body to stamp the multi-faceted deck lid. We are going back over 50+ years his memory is impressive 👍🏽

[@ericvardek4108]

Truly remarkable. It's only guys like Wayne and the entire GM team that made fabulous cars like this possible. Where have all the cowboys gone?

[@HereForAStorm]

If google is correct, this man looks fantastic for 84 years of age!

[@wincrasher2007]

Love to hear these industry insiders tell their stories of behind the scenes. Wayne, for what must be an advanced age, seems to remember those events from 50 years ago very well!

[@leroyybrown]

Wayne has a lovely voice. Very relaxing to hear him describe the car.

[@fhwolthuis]

I love this, Wayne is really sharp at his age, great that you documented this, Adam!

[@pontiaccrest]

I really love the designer videos! The 71-72 Eldorado’s are beautiful!

[@philipsuriano7619]

Definitely one of my favorites particularly the convertibles I think my absolute favorite is 1960 but my uncle had this 1972 exactly the way depicted here with the red interior it. Magnificent. And one of my favorite programs as well. Thank you.

[@martinliehs2513]

Surprised to learn that this FWD Eldo shared so much with the other division's B body models, which were all RWD. Mr Kady seems like such a soft spoken and knowledgeable designer. Very interesting presentation.

[@sableminer8133]

How fantastic to have a show talk about all the complex design elements et al that gives background on how the industry worked! It's a testament to the designers and engineering to have gotten these babies to production. Absolutely love, love the old stories of Wayne's, man he's in such great shape and a snazzy dresser! Loved that his home looks modest and elegant suburban scene very similar to where I live now, not overly pretentious like you'd think a former Cadillac man would be? So now we know the crest was not ducks, but the manufacturing method to make them was a jewel tidbit! Also, the beltline scoop was such an obvious tribute to the fifties. I had read Bill Mitchell wanted it that way? Wow, thanks again, and more to come of these episodes one can hope!

[@terry3193]

Another great episode with an automotive "giant" I dare say.....I can't tell you how much I enjoy watching these interviews. It's just so informative and historic. People like Wayne are so articulate and I am so impressed at his memory of the smallest of details, which is such a testament to his skills and career that helped make these cars so great. I was raised in a "car" family and studied the industry, market, business models, marketing concepts, success and failures my entire life. Every college business presentation of mine, always used examples from the auto industry. This history that you bring and the interviews is what really makes this channel so incredibly unique and fascinating to those of us that are consumed by the auto industry and not just "car fanatics". I can't tell you how much I enjoy your channel because of this level of detail and historic reference and knowledge. Absolutely fascinating. Thank you so much for doing this and sharing. Keep them coming!!

[@giggiddy]

Your background is interesting as well. Im glad that there are still those out there that studied automobiles holistically like you did. It seems, to me at least, like the younger folks' interest in all aspects of internal combustion powered cars has dropped to almost nill. And I'm not sure the enthusiasm we feel will ever return to the levels that we feel. Be well my friend.

[@douglasthrelfall5318]

It’s such a great pleasure to hear from of original designer and the challenges of manufacturing the chosen design. Mr. Kady is a diplomat for Cadillac and General Motors. Incredibly interesting to hear the design & manufacturing background. I had no idea that the cowl/windshield/top stack was all shared with the B bodies. Now I’ll never look at a full size GM from that era the same again.

[@douggoding8431]

So enjoyable and educational. Thanks to you and Wayne!

[@johncarroll1403]

What a class act... the car and Mr. Kady. Thanks as always Adam. I always learn something... always enjoyable!

[@tommcmillan3143]

Great interview Adam and very thoughtful of you to capture the designer's perspective and share this meeting with the person responsible for this beautiful masterpiece. Wayne Kady is a true artist and gifted designer that must have been a wonderful person to work for! Thanks to both of you for sharing this video, this is one for the archives for future generations to know and learn from!

[@Leawoody]

Thouroughly enjoying these videos with Wayne Kady and the Eldorado designs as I do all your videos. Thanks for sharing Adam.

[@HypocriticYT]

These are the real Cadillacs! Ive enjoyed older Cadillacs for years and had very little issues with them, just normal wear. Drivetrains just kept going. This is great information and great to see the designer responsible for the cars I love. My 53 coupe had the side chrome vents, just amazing details along with all the polished stainless steel!!! Had a 74 sedan that was overheating so I pulled over but left it running. Opened the hood and flames were burning old oil on the valve covers. I closed the hood and drove it to the nearest garage, flames went out with the wind from driving. Once cooled a new fan belt was installed and a couple quarts of oil. The car lasted me several more years. Try that with a modern alloy engine!!

[@johnray7311]

Very interesting presentation. Thank you. My 72 Eldorado Convertible had the same interior as this one. Funny thing that when I got the machine, it was sort of a consolation prize for a TR-6 in Maryland that I missed by minutes (this is when folks put ads in the newspaper to sell their cars). I got it for $1,000.00 in 1979-a steal! The original owner had just bought a Rabbit GTI. In any event, it grew on me and I was very sorry when I crashed it. It would have been the perfect car for college.

[@markdc1145]

You hit another one out of the park, Adam! The stories about the body guys saying something couldn’t be done, and then it could, brought back so many memories. Hope to see more of Wayne Kady in your interview series.

[@tracystill2217]

Mr.Kady reminds me so much of my Dad (retired USAF) and his brother (retired from Ford). True gentlemen who loved their careers that didn't mix words, were educated and polite to all. I drew cars myself from a young age on. I had fleeting dreams of automotive design, should have pursued it. A fascinating job I would think.

[@markbehr88]

Great to have Wayne talk about his cars and good he has collected them too.

[@nhilltiger]

Thanks Adam for another very interesting interview with Wayne Kady, I am sure we are all grateful for his willingness to participate in this series, a credit to you - who knew a finance guy with excellent interpersonal skills!! Mr Kady has amazing recall of events that occurred over 50 years ago. Mrs Kady was right, her husband had to own one of his creations, and no bigger statement than the Eldorado. His comments at the end were informative, and were an insight to the designer's challenge - how to differentiate a Cadillac from a Chevrolet when using the same platform, and get the customer to pay more for basically the same car? Design it and then over to the marketing guys to sell the dream. Of course once the Germans entered the luxury market, that wheeze was up. I may be a Cadillac, just don't look underneath my skirts, otherwise you will see my agricultural underpinnings...

[@elplata7224]

These are growing on me now.

[@maverickracer442]

Thank you for bringing us yet another amazing video, Adam! I have a great amount of respect for Mr. Kady and his design team in creating such a masterpiece in this generation Eldorado, and this is coming from a classic Lincoln/Continental man. If I was alive in 1971 or 72 and had the money to buy an American personal luxury car, I would have a hard time choosing between the 71-72 Eldorado in convertible form or a 71 Mark III/72 Mark IV- and I want to emphasize this is especially high praise coming from a guy who thinks the 1972 Mark IV was one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Personally, I highly prefer the 1971-72 Eldorado design over the 1967-70- which, in its own right, was a stunning car as well. Thank you, Adam and Mr. Kady, for taking us behind the scenes on how this fine car came to be and revealing the small- yet important- details that make me appreciate the Eldorado of this era even more

[@jeffreydavis9783]

Adam this was absolutely fascinating! I don’t know how you’re able to sit down with these designers & pick their brains but it’s obvious they have a good deal of respect for you & love to discuss the challenges that accompanied many of my favorite design elements. Thanks for making these videos available. They truly bring a whole new level of admiration & respect - not only for the cars themselves, but the people who worked so hard to make them a reality.

[@onlyhereonce7290]

These videos are like nothing else on the internet. So so cool. We as subscribers are truly blessed !

[@jwrappuhn71]

Wayne's a cool guy, beautiful car.

[@noelanthony1204]

I love the Cadilac Eldorado's back in the early 70's -- beautiful and unique designs looked awesome -- would love to find a restored affordable Eldorado to own ..... I think the best Cadalic ever ...

[@patrickblasz3898]

Wayne's low keyed style and informative presentation gives new appreciation to these classic designs. This one is particularly interesting in the level of detail concerning how the complex shapes were made. Who knew that the 'blank' had to be found that would have sufficient material to achieve the beveled hood? I look forward to hearing more from Wayne about one of America's truly great cars.

[@cdstoc]

I love hearing Wayne talk about his cars and how he got them made. I like the appreciation he has for engineers that put his designs into metal.

[@mikelezcurra810]

Fantastic commentary and fantastic car.

[@tedlym.3390]

Superb interview, superb car, and thank you for the presentation.

[@johnhenrymcmahon6878]

This is such an awesome video, Adam. What a pleasure to see and hear from Mr. Kady showing his truly gorgeous Caddy. Awesome! :) JV Johnny ⚾

[@solemandd67]

I always learn something new watching your videos. I thought the birds in the Cadillac crests were ducks too...😄 The exceptional Eldorado from the second generation is the '73, in my opinion. Returning to a horizontal egg crate grill and smaller vertical tail lights made it look like a Cadillac again. Thanks for posting this interesting interview with Mr. Kady.

[@aaron.hudacky]

As usual with Wayne Kady's interviews, I loved this! Thank you again Adam for making this. I REALLY hope to hear Mr. Kady speak about involvement with other design programs via your channel.

[@howebrad4601]

Thanks for a very nice video, gentlemen. Appreciate Mr. Kady sharing his insider perspective and his great work.

[@coreyjones1518]

Thanks for the video Adam. It's great to know what the designers thought and what they did when these works of art were being built.

[@turdferguson4124]

What a tremendous source of pride it must be to own a major mass market product like a top of the line automobile that you, yourself designed. It’s a treat to hear these inside stories, related by a gentleman like Mr. Kady.

[@WaveAction777]

Fun learning the history of design and some struggles they went through

[@fps4506]

Just awesome, love this kind of content! Wayne contributed to an important part of automotive history.

[@JDGonzalezjr]

Love the part about 'using the binder'. Great video, Adam.

[@randybock82]

Gorgeous! The design was perfect.

[@johanbrand8601]

Wow! My favourite Eldorado. Thank you for this video. My dream is to find one one day.

[@joshuagibson2520]

They're out there. Just gotta come off the cash.

[@alantrimble2881]

@@joshuagibson2520 True, but they used to be fairly common and fairly cheap. That's no longer the case.

[@joshuagibson2520]

@@alantrimble2881 comparably speaking to camaros and chevelles they're quite cheap.

[@elderherrera2238]

Wayne and his car. I doesn't get better than this.