1978 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1977 Lincoln Mark V | Classic Cars

Private owner here who has owned these two girls for the past 4 years. The Lincoln has 15,000+miles while the Caddy has 22,000+miles. I have logged roughly 1,200 miles on each car since taking ownership. Any problems that have arisen over the past 4 years with either car has immediately been addressed. They are definitely show car ready. When last shown in September of 2017 the Lincoln scored 96.51 out of 100 possible points taking 1st place while the Caddy scored 96.31 taking 2nd place in a year spread class of 1974 through 1978. I have paperwork and crystal trophies from Showcase Classics who judged this event. Would consider selling both cars or trade. I am interested in classic or muscle cars only in a trade. Of interesting note is the Biarritz is fully loaded with the exception of a moonroof while the Mark V with its Dove Grey and Blue Luxury option is also known as a Spring Feature Car for 1977. I have the build sheet for the Lincoln. Google 1977 Lincoln Spring Feature car and enlighten yourself about something that not too many people know about this car. Thanks for your time and I hope that you enjoyed the video. Contact by e-mail only initially, [e-mail]

[@cadillacsam1084]

Private owner here who has owned these two girls for the past 4 years. The Lincoln has 15,000+miles while the Caddy has 22,000+miles. I have logged roughly 1,200 miles on each car since taking ownership. Any problems that have arisen over the past 4 years with either car has immediately been addressed. They are definitely show car ready. When last shown in September of 2017 the Lincoln scored 96.51 out of 100 possible points taking 1st place while the Caddy scored 96.31 taking 2nd place in a year spread class of 1974 through 1978. I have paperwork and crystal trophies from Showcase Classics who judged this event. Would consider selling both cars or trade. I am interested in classic or muscle cars only in a trade. Of interesting note is the Biarritz is fully loaded with the exception of a moonroof while the Mark V with its Dove Grey and Blue Luxury option is also known as a Spring Feature Car for 1977. I have the build sheet for the Lincoln. Google 1977 Lincoln Spring Feature car and enlighten yourself about something that not too many people know about this car. Thanks for your time and I hope that you enjoyed the video. Contact by e-mail only initially, [e-mail]

[@Samuelfish2k]

Girls? The Cadillac Eldorado ain’t no bitch car..

[@whenwhen2284]

@@Samuelfish2k The Eldorado is a car owned by a dude, but that part of the paragraph makes sense as whoever owns that car is probably married to it

[@Samuelfish2k]

@@whenwhen2284 Ain’t nobody marry their car.

[@parker7785]

@@Samuelfish2k both cars look amazing ! love the paint choices and options on both / salute people that drove/drive and maintain such quality automotive vehicles !!!! ignore the critics and same game plan as the last 32 + years/? thanks_

[@kobra6660]

When cadillac and lincoln had a strong rivalry for making the best american luxury car possible

[@ddoyle11]

Impossible choice! There are so many wonderful things about both of them, I could never decide which is my favorite.

[@professoradonis8246]

Yea but pick one for me

[@a.a.p3254]

I was in Love with both of them I was just 14 at the time. I use to tag along with my Dad to the dealership on the weekends. They sure as Hell don't make beauties like that anymore. Cheers

[@cadillacsam1084]

So far it seems as though all you wonderful folks enjoy each of my babies equally. Anyone who has never driven a true land yacht just can't imagine what's it like to take one of these girls out for a stroll. The ride is totally different from todays cars and can't be explained until you get behind the wheel. It pleases me so much to see other's appreciation of these magnificent floats. The smiles, thumbs up, picture taking that they get makes me wonder if I can ever get rid of them. Thanks for enjoying again!!!

[@adesorcuppy4225]

Do NOT get rid of them!

[@derrickjackson6737]

U got 2 nice personal lURUXY cars please please don't sell those period timeless classic worth a lot of 💰

[@clemmahabir]

I own two modern Lincoln Town Cars both L bodies a 2008 and 2010 former LIMO and private car. I drive the former LIMO daily and it runs on propane/gas. I prefer a big car since I drive on the highway more and these Lincolns are the last from 2011 built full frame panther platform car. A joy to drive and experience these true land yachts but your classic boats you should keep!! 😎👍

[@atlmuscleman]

I've never been a big fan of Fords, But the interior in that Lincoln is absolutely beautiful!

[@johnathanleonardo912]

Well Cadillac was different then chevys back in the day. Today they're rebadged chevys that is a more expensive version of a GMC Denali. Lincoln has better interiors today

[@mariop4237]

LINCOLN MARK V 👍

[@edlugo4224]

Lincoln always excelled on real luxury cars

[@baxterstocksandbondsman6321]

Beautiful collection!. I'm going to go Mark V

[@karmveer240]

Umm eldrado for me

[@JoeFlash1]

Nice cars. The Lincoln is nice. But I love the big Eldorados. Enjoy them.

[@stevedeleon8775]

My neighbor has a 1966 Blue Caddy Eldorado..WHAT A BEAST!..White & Blue Leather interior..With all the bells & whistles too..

[@fob1xxl]

I've owned two Cadillacs, both Sevilles and two Lincolns, a Continental Signature Series and a Mark VII . I always felt the Lincolns were a notch up in Luxury and class. Since then, I've owned three Mercedes. An S-Class 500 , an SL 500 Roadster and presently an S-Class 550 AMG Sedan. All great cars.

[@camaro69green31]

Caddy Eldorado all the way.... GM's most Original car for so many years. Lincoln resembles to many of their other offerings of the time period. Both are amazing and I own an Eldorado currently.

[@user-yi4tm6pg9i]

I'm from South korea. I heard that my grandfather had lincon mark V in 1970s but I haven't knew how nice mark V is but after I see this video, it make me respect him.

[@henryhendriks9499]

These both cars are the reason why i love american cars from my childhood days. They are the most relaxing cars to drive of that area. We over here in europe had nothing to compete with these cars price, performance and quality wise. The prices were very competitie too. My grand father had a funeral car business wich was the only in Holland to sell and service these american icons. Will never forget the sound and the smell of these magnifcant cars. The dont make these cars with character and soul anymore. Nothing is stronger than detroit steel. There is no substitution for cubic inches. See the world the American way. Buy American, hire American, making America great again. Very much enjoyed this stunnung video. Greetings from Henry from Arnhem in Holland Europe.

[@cadillacsam1084]

Thanks for the pleasant reply Henry.

[@nikopneilyohara]

Growing up with these cars as a kid was fabulous !!!! My aunt had the mark Cartier edition. Uncle same Eldorado as this one !,, both fabulous cars.

[@sfdennis1]

Both are sweet rides but the Mark V is my fave...my parents had one when i was a kid....Black over Black with Burgundy pinstripe and Burgundy leather with the rare glass moonroof. That car was SLEEK ;-> Love the long, clean linear look of the Lincoln. The Barritz package is nice but I always thought the late 70's Eldo was just a bit 'overdone', and lacked the design cohesion of the Mark V.

[@arkhsm]

My thoughts exactly Dennis !!

[@gmpny3945]

The last of true American luxury. Unlike cars today, you knew it was a Lincoln or a Cadillac from a mile away.

[@RSTBKT]

I think Lincoln is trying to gather back what it once was, Cadillac kinda, their sedans are unique, not so much their SUVs

[@The-fs5wn]

Lincoln has been on a home run derby for the past 5 years. The late 2010’s redesigns of the Aviator, Continental, and Navigator instantly put Lincoln back on the map, with their incredible seating, pillowy ride, and high quality interiors getting some pretty great reviews on every site not named Car and Driver/Edmunds. They are probably closer to what they were in the 60s-70s golden age than any other luxury brand today.

[@jerry-st7rc]

Cadillac has the grill and lincoln has the shape.

[@karmveer240]

Umm Cadillac with the right interior colour could eat your brain

[@peterstanford5535]

Automobiles from heaven, nowhere else in the world can match these

[@frankcolumbo9615]

And that’s why Toyota is the worlds largest vehicle manufacturer and owns the USA market.

[@gtpcruiser02]

@@frankcolumbo9615 40 years ago when these magnificent engineering master pieces were built what kind of CRAP was Toyota kiddie cars building?

[@mr.boobania]

My grandfather had a 77 Lincoln Continental. Beautiful car! One of the last of the behemoth Lincolns. Shortly after, the Big 3 started to reduce the size and weight of their lineups.

[@enerrivers4392]

2 of AMERICA'S MASTERPIECES 🇺🇸 I recall 1 of the car magazines would do a "King of the Hill" comparison with exactly these 2 land yachts. Nice video, great cars.

[@chrisarthur3577]

Mark V for me. Have a 70 Mark 3, beautiful car.

[@whenwhen2284]

I absolutely love both cars, but im going with the Cadillac

[@greathornedowl3917]

Thanks, beautiful cars. Always had a soft spot for land yachts. When I began driving (1980) the only

[@jacquesrichard3835]

Love the front of the caddy and the back of the lincoln..😎

[@constantinenikitin5397]

Same here

[@MS-wb5mf]

My parents had both of them , then later a 1981 Imperial Coupe ; no complaints about any of those cars.

[@Akasnacker]

Both are pretty awesome cars! I like the 1980 to 83 Lincoln Continental Mark 6 the chrome trim on the bottom of the fenders and doors really made that really nice!

[@1983jblack]

I'm taking the Lincoln - their soft ride is like riding on a cloud and no one ever made it softer and more comfortable. Plus, I just like its styling - seems more restrained and classy. Always thought these Eldos were trying to be flashy. By '79, they also seemed more dignified and classy like Lincoln

[@simpleinverso8628]

Whichever car you pick no matter how expensive, Citröen's hydropneumatic suspension will be more comfortable and practical. Too bad those weren't sold in North America...

[@josepv]

Both are massive luxury yachts! The pillow seats in the Biarritz are the most comfortable seats ever, only to be topped by the optional cloth seats in the Mark V. The backseat of the Mark V with cloth is the most impressive, comfortable seat I have ever experienced. When driving, the hood of the Mark V goes on forever. Both cars in my opinion are classic but I prefer the sleekness of the Mark V, but enjoyed driving both.

[@guccionmycuchi1360]

i miss the 70s and i was born in 2005

[@patrickjerzak2685]

Just my opinion Performance wise the Linc. I had one with the 3.00 rear ended 460 dual exhaust moved out very nicely I surprised quite a few cars up on the top end. My Favorite Cad is the one and only 70 Eldo that car is a beast 400 Hp 500 hundy cubes, the ass end on it is one of the nicest in all of motoring just saying, nice video bro.

[@enerrivers4392]

I recalled how AWESOME they both were. For '77 Eldo came with a smaller engine 425 4Bbl. as opposed to the 500 in '76. The Mark had a 400 2V, standard optional 460 4V. gr8 cars. Miss em

[@elainewhitmire792]

Definitely the Cadillac. I love the BIG car.

[@nikopneilyohara]

Growing up w these cars. And riding in them as a kid was fabulous. Aunt had the Cartier editions mark. The Eldorado was my uncles. Both cool

[@animestarlord9021]

Both cars are awesome. Hard to pick between the two.

[@8corymix8]

Almost impossible choice. But I'll stick with the Lincoln. I have 2 in my collection so im partial, but Lincoln built stunning & reliable cars. Into the 80s & 90s Lincoln was definitely preferred & had much better engines. And they were stunning to look at.

[@briandavis8064]

Two very different approaches to personal luxury. Both are unique and very desirable. The Continental Mark V has a very distinct look and is more of a driver's car. It glides on the highway without being floaty and feels massive. The Eldorado is much more of a floating ride and actually doesn't handle as well despite feeling lighter. The Mark's 460 V-8 definitely set the standard for smooth, linear acceleration back in the day, but was a far cry from the Continental Mark III in straight line acceleration. The Eldorado was definitely more of a boulevard cruiser, in no hurry to get anywhere. I like both of them for very different reasons. The Lincoln is more of a highway car, the Cadillac a car about town.

[@TheColosiss]

Gorgeous specimens. Thank you

[@maddywendall2980]

2 great styles and the epitome of America's great car heritage of the time. If I had to choose one that defines the 70's American height of luxury and style for that time, I would pick the Mark.🙄

[@sauluribe7082]

Such a pity by 1977 the Eldo's had ceased the convertible production.

[@bmdbigfeet1031]

I'll have to give my vote for the Lincoln if this was a contest. Both cars have their own true character but the Lincoln just has a more eye appealing interior . particularly the dash. I an STS-V owner. Love my caddies.

[@cadillacsam1084]

The STS-V is a performer. A Caddy that does 0-60 in 5 sec. definitely commands respect.

[@Sea_Wolf-uv2xk]

Love the Blue Lincoln! The Eldorado is a wonderfully built car as well. I own a 1981 Lincoln Town car and its been amazingly comfortable, reliable, easy to service and just plain classy no matter where you are. Thank you for showcasing these beauties for us to enjoy. Very cool cars! Ahoy from Barrett in Port Townsend WA. P.S. what is that music? I love it, very crisp and clean sounding number.

[@cadillacsam1084]

Thanks for the reply Barrett. Your "81" Town Car is definitely one great looking and reliable ride. You should post it up so everyone can enjoy it. Cadillac Sam

[@DavidLS1]

Back when cars were cars. But the 1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, with the same sized engine, had nearly three times the horsepower of the Eldorado. (325 vs. 120)

[@Tatortot318]

Mark V hands down!...My mother had one like this....

[@cadillacsam1084]

Same color, inside and out????

[@johnathanleonardo912]

Lincoln is more luxurious than Cadillac now because Ford actually let them do their own thing

[@enerrivers4392]

Back in the day, an automobile magazine would have a contest with these very same cars. They would name it, "King of the Hill". B4 I got my Jr.license.

[@cadillacsam1084]

Hemmings classic car magazine did a nice article about them in 2010. Back in the day when they were new I always admired them and wanted one in the worst way. Unfortunately, I had just gotten married and had to settle for a new 1978 4 cylinder Pontiac Sunbird. I still think about that Sunbird when I'm driving one of my girls. LOL. The Sunbird reminds me of my ex-wife and a song "Thank God and Greyhound she's gone"

[@enerrivers4392]

@@cadillacsam1084 Sam, I also read that both Caddy Eldorado & Chevy Corvette was GM TOP DOGS when it came to new innovations. It was introduced 1st on the 2 models b4 the other divisions. Imagine with today's technology?

[@edwardpate6128]

Both nice but the Cadillac is the car for me!

[@ronwhittaker6317]

this is enough to make me cry ima grown man' it makes me want my dad

[@stripervince1]

These weren't cars, they were land yachts. Incredible, had friends with both. One nicer than the other. The good old days

[@lindaeasley4336]

I like the looks of the Lincoln better than the Caddy The 1970s was the decade Lincoln styling really stepped up

[@freddyhoyt1849]

Nice cars my mom an dad had both mom drove the Cadillac and dad drove the Lincoln

[@brandonblatcher8205]

1978 CADAILLAC ELDORADO IS MY DREAM CAR, SUCH LUXURY MY GOODNESS.

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

Give me the Cadillac’s exterior design with the Lincoln’s interior design and you have perfection!

[@MS-wb5mf]

My parents had both of them. You wouldn't get in either of these and want to get out, I can assure you.

[@bobp1016]

The Lincoln wins. Both the exterior and interior look classier then the Cadillac.

[@Fall-off-currencies]

Cadillac can't be beat in the 60s 70s models because well it's a Cadillac. But anyways the lincoln is nice. Cadillac just has the prestige for being the best american car and back in the day it would beat every other luxury car even rolls royce. It's just that good. It's a shame cadillac doesn't build good cars anymore.

[@euphrates556]

Amen!

[@lincolnmarkviii96]

Lincoln Mark V has my vote as i have keys to one. My 1979 Lincoln Mark V Collector's Series

[@cadillacsam1084]

The Mark V is definitely one crowd drawing car. You definitely feel like the "King of the road" driving one of these bad boys !!

[@johnstephens1447]

Love both cars and how comfortable do those seats look ? I wonder how many people fell asleep in these cars while driving ?

[@brettb8825]

Back in the days when you could double the price of a car with individually selected options.

[@plumbingstuffinoregon2471]

And both of these two door cars are larger than most sedans!

[@og-greenmachine8623]

El Dorado has a CONVERTIBLE😎 There was a year Cadillac made ONLY El Dorado convertibles. That’s the GOLD STANDARD of Cadillac. Compare a LINCOLN to a Cadillac roadster🇺🇸

[@trainships1795]

The Lincoln is More Elegant and Refined as The Cadillac is more in your face. Basically it comes down to Cadillac New Money vs Lincoln Old Money.

[@JxT1957]

i'll take the eldorado over the mark v anyday, the eldorado interior looks more luxurious too.

[@RSTBKT]

that Lincoln...mouth watering..

[@my1vice]

Pimps drive the Mark. Gangsters drive the Caddy. I love them both.

[@rscamarolover]

Very nice cars,thanks for posting the video.

[@generaldissaray4109]

you have a custom continental and an eldorado too? do you also have a 32 gun in your pocket for fun and a razor in your shoe?

[@cadillacsam1084]

Actually it's a .38 in my pocket with no razor in my shoe, LOL

[@blakedawson2129]

Eldos got that motor. But the conni is so pretty and so smooth on the road.

[@sebashtonwarren1125]

I Like Both

[@joegartner7736]

The lincoln is by far my favorite

[@stingray481]

The Cadillac says "I'm on my way". The Lincoln say's "I have arrived".

[@michaelparadisis4076]

Well said

[@frankcolumbo9615]

Toyota says to GM & Ford: do u prefer Burial or Cremation?

[@rosendodominguez4576]

2 CHANPEANS I HAD THE 2.I LOVE THAM.

[@chriskearns7472]

Not only are they amazing piece of machinery but there are also amazing good era in time! ( modern cars they look like electric shavers )

[@user-kf2lq8oq9m]

Not a single car has soft seats like these

[@happyfree5845]

Where is the New Yorker in this comparison

[@TheFrog767]

Lincoln is the best that interior slams it .

[@lukesm5747]

Lincoln all the way,all day and everyday!

[@Phonejag1]

Nice cars, both of them! Cadillacs always had the market share though, way more than Lincoln or Imperial!

[@briandavis8064]

Actually the Mark IV clobbered the Eldorado in sales.

[@Phonejag1]

@@briandavis8064 Read what I said.. I said CADILLAC (the Make, the Brand) always had the market share though (which it did) way more than the Lincoln or Imperial. True statement. I did not say that the Mark IV did not ever outsell the Eldorado model. It DID, in several model years. (although “clobbered” might be rather a strong word,) You are not talking “Make” as I am... you are talking Models. Eldorado and Mark IV, are models of the Make, Cadillac and Lincoln respectively. Mark IV was a good car, and a good seller for the Lincoln Brand. But I don’t believe they ever outsold Cadillac in any year, that I am aware, except possibly 1998, which was a low production year for Cadillac. Do you have data that shows to the contrary that shows that the make Lincoln outsold the make Cadillac in any year of their over 100 history? And how many times did they do that? .

[@jamesshoemaker684]

Who says big girls can't be sexy.😍

[@uriahstephen5469]

I have a 78 Cadillac coupe DeVille and a 78 Lincoln Continental and I'll tell you what they're both beautiful cars

[@cadillacsam1084]

Yeah, they sure are beautiful and great cars to drive.

[@manthony225]

Lincoln for me.

[@telleyvestal3351]

I don't have a favorite I love both of them ❤️👍😎

[@cadillacsam1084]

Feel like you do, I enjoy them both very much

[@anthonycbrown1952]

Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz for the win. It made the Mark V seem like a lightweight. When you turned the key to start the car, there was utter silence and no sound to indicate the car had started (other than the automatic HVAC). Stepping on the accelerator was magical (there was no road below you as the car wafted along in silence). GM knew how to make a luxury vehicle,

[@cadillacsam1084]

Thanks for spreading your knowledge of a bygone time Anthony.

[@johnallen7367]

My father loved old gm products. I own a mkV. Ford/ Lincoln always beat caddy in the quiet stakes. All the comparison tests of the 70's named lincoln the quietest of the big cars.

[@Fall-off-currencies]

Which is your favorite and more luxurious, comfortable?

[@cadillacsam1084]

That's one tough question to answer. Love them equally, but would say that the Eldo has a little bit more of a cloud-like ride.The Eldo is 224 inches long while the Mark is 230.5 inches long. The Eldo is 79.8 inches wide while the Mark is is 79.7 inches wide. I believe the Eldo has a little more of a comfortable ride to it due to its longer wheel base which is 126.3 inches versus 120.4 inches for the Mark. They both attract much attention on the street and would rate them evenly in the luxury area. How's your "77" doing?

[@Fall-off-currencies]

@@cadillacsam1084 Great to hear from you. Yeah a Cadillac should be the best although that's what everyone says. but both are fantastic luxury cars. My 77 Eldorado is doing a great job. It drives absolutely wonderful, looking forward to the Lincoln Continental Mark V. Thanks! and have a great day

[@briandavis8064]

The Cadillac is definitely more floaty while the Lincoln glides. Both are very different but great at what they do.

[@bbrenddon]

Looking at the interiors the Lincoln really had a step above Cadillac. Kinda like if you look at the interiors of a 2003 Lincoln Navigator and a 2003 Cadillac Escalade.

[@Onlythetruth88]

There is not a single car in the universe that can compete with the Cadillac automobile.

[@bigtuna9529]

If that V had a white top along with the the plush interior instead of the leather, that would be perfect imo! They r both beautiful tho. Do you still have both & are you still looking to sell?

[@cadillacsam1084]

Still have them and they are both available. Since posting I probably have put on about 450 miles on each car.

[@MG-sw9qy]

The clear winner is the Lincoln Mark V and it's not because I own one a 1979 Lincoln Mark V Collector's Series

[@hamadmirza7325]

Thank u very much for making video of these 2 lovely old American classic luxury cars so im wondering as per ur experience in driving both these two cars Caddy and Lincoln so which one of them have most comfortable soft cushion seating and softest power steering?

[@cadillacsam1084]

Thanks for wondering about them. They both have very soft steering that can be operated with your little pinkie. The steering also is the opposite of our modern close ratio steering. It takes more turns of the steering wheel to make the car do what you want it to do versus a newer car. As far as interior comfort, all I can say is SOFT. Not what we have on our newer cars. The ride is a different world away also from what we're used to in newer cars. They seem to float. A prime example would be driving over railroad tracks which feel almost non-existent. Then there is the WOW factor. They are truly head turners. If your not a social person they're not for you, as people always want to take pictures of them and talk your ear off about them. You sort of have of have to re-educate yourself to get used to driving them. Hope I answered your questions.

[@hamadmirza7325]

@@cadillacsam1084 of course im very social and i like to meet new peoples from different nationalities and cultures. im wondering in terms of costs of maintenance and spare parts for both cars are expensive or cheap?

[@cadillacsam1084]

@@hamadmirza7325 Once you have a classic car that is up to your standards the main thing is to fix any issue that should arise due to age. As I write this I am looking at a new power antennae switch in front of me which is going to be installed by my mechanic. The existing switch works intermittently and in my book, must work all the time. To give you a more direct answer, maintenance is no more expensive then a late model car while some parts may seem to be a little pricey due to their scarcity.

[@socalltd]

I would take the Mark V with the Eldo's color with the creme interior and turbine wheels.

[@derrickjackson6737]

Both personal lURUXY at it's best

[@Barbarapape]

The Lincoln MkV wins by a mile, the exterior and interior of the caddy are not in the same league. As a Lincoln owner i admit to being biased. These land yachts are a challange to drive, the 460 engine option is a must, the 400 is underpowered. Only problem these days is the price of petrol (Gas) living in the UK with £2 a litre and rising my sample is staying in the garage.

[@cadillacsam1084]

Yes, gas is out of control. I recently filled them both up and they each came out to about $130US for a complete fill up. Glad they are not my work cars !!!!!!

[@tangchiprathomo819]

Hard choice. Both are great cars.

[@craigpennington1251]

I'll take the Lincoln any time over the Caddy.

[@rsgrsg1361]

I have both 76 Eldorado 78 Lincoln. Lincoln is a better car. Love them both

[@thoughtfinder]

I like both luxury cars but the Lincoln excels above Cadillac in style and beauty

[@tucko11]

What car did Sam Rothstein drive in Casino the coupe or el

[@cadillacsam1084]

It was a 1981 Eldorado Biarritz.

[@vitodesimone8120]

Both gorgeous cars but leaning toward Lincoln.

[@cadillacsam1084]

Thank you !! You're definitely a car guy

[@FEGIII-sm1gu]

Beautiful and truly American luxury coupes, as only Americans could do them. Gorgeous! I’ve always dreamt of having one of these, fitted with a Kansas cow-catcher, to clear slow, moronic drivers from the left lane.

[@feg3akatrey144]

@• Sorry - it is a big metal fixture that is attached to the frame of the car, that juts out from the front fascia/bumper, that protects the front end from sustaining damage if the car hits something relatively small, or if the driver needs to push something out of the way (you'll often see them on the fronts of police cars). Just always called them cow-catchers. Oxford Dictionary defines it thusly... "A metal frame at the front of a locomotive for pushing aside cattle or other obstacles on the line."