The 1967-70 Cadillac Eldorado Was a Design Masterpiece - Learn about its Design Development

Learn more about the 1967-70 Cadillac Eldorado, including an interview with a member of the 1967 Eldorado's design team--and eventual Cadillac studio chief from 1974-88--Wayne Kady.
Time codes:
0:00 - 1967-70 Eldorado Introduction
5:20 - Wayne Kady's Background
10:08 - 1967-70 Eldorado Design Discussion

[@troyp9485]

Fascinating! Would love to see more discussion about other models. This is history that doesn’t get shared much.

[@michaelnault5905]

The distinctive styling of those cars can be instantly recognized from any distance or angle. An amazing achievement, and timeless design.

[@solemandd67]

I found my '67 in Hemmings back in '02. Just a per chance glance in the classifieds. It was Marina Blue Poly w/ Dalmatian cloth and vinyl Strato-Bench seat. A December '66 production model sold new to a VP of Texas Instruments from Sewell Village Cadillac, Dallas TX. The seller's best friend bought it when the original owner could no longer drive. The original owner installed dual exhausts. Although I really wanted Sable Black Firemist with the bucket seat and console option, when I saw how clean it was, and that everything worked, I was smitten. Just under 87k on the odo and under $4,000.00. I had my mothers '79 Pottery Gold Firemist Seville to park next to it and a '98 Volvo S70 for work. It didn't have Twilight Sentinel, but it had AM-FM Stereo w/working pwr antenna and the front disc brake option. I'd never been interviewed by a seller before, but I understood why and answered the man's questions. We sat in his enclosed back porch drinking Cokes. Why that car? What cars had I previously owned? What Cars did I currently own besides my Volvo? I knew Motor Trends "Eldorado Switches From Push To Pull" review by heart. Collectible Automobile tidbits too. Design approval; May '64. Engineering proposals; V-12, self starting. Weak point; brakes. I told him of my mother's '69 GP which cemented my love of personal luxury cars. I remember the twinkle in his eye and his first smile. Then he said, "When you come next Saturday to pick it up, I'll give you an accordion folder with all of its papers, both sets of keys, the custom car cover and a tank of R-12." He was frail and it almost made me cry. He called me a few times to check on it. We'd talk and forget the time. During our last conversation he said his daughter was moving him into her home. We lost contact after that. I moved and had to sell my Eldo. I had space for two cars so one had to go. I made sure it went to a good home too. Thank you Adam for posting this outstanding retrospective look at such a magnificent machine and one of the iconic men behind it, Mr. Wayne Kady 👏🏾

[@christopherkraft1327]

These Cadillac Eldorado's are so elegant & stunning!!! I especially like the hidden headlights!!! Thanks Adam for sharing this fascinating story!!! 👍👍

[@solemandd67]

I'm a huge hidden headlights fan too and miss that exciting design and engineering feature, yet am thankful I grew up to see them when new as a boy and have been blessed to own several in adulthood. Currently there are kits available to make the feature fully electric instead of vacuum dependent in many classic cars. It was ingenious that Cadillac engineers made the headlamp covers retract under the units instead of retracting above them.

[@chriscadillac8448]

I'm a sucker for concealed headlamps, too. It's ironic, the "67-68 Eldorados were the only regular production Cadillacs to have them... they were far more likely seen on Lincoln-Mercury jobs and occasionally, on Chryslers.

[@lindaeasley5606]

@@solemandd67 They added a touch of cool The reasoning behind banning them was lame

[@adamsneidelmann8976]

I own a 67. Beautiful, great styling, powerful, plan ahead on stopping 😂, love that car.

[@rogersmith7396]

My 70 stops OK. Convert yours to discs.

[@rjkoeller4444]

I understand exactly what you're saying , I had both a 67 and a 68 the disk brakes on the 68 makes the car stop much better .

[@paulpeterson4311]

The 67 Eldo is one of the most beautiful cars EVER built. Great video!!!

[@8dogsbarking]

Just wow! The stories he could tell gives me chills. I couldn’t imagine being part of a design team for something as iconic as the El Dorado. Great interview!

[@mr.blackhawk142]

Just...B0W.......W0W!

[@bmac1205]

Great that you're interviewing these people!👍

[@howarddavis1307]

Another great video Adam the 1967 too 1970 eldorado was and still is one off the most beautiful cars too ever come out off Cadillac my uncle owned a 1970 eldorado back in 1970 it was turquoise with full white vinyl top and white interior with the flying lady hood ornament.I can still remember him telling me if I didn’t stop writing on the dust on his car he write on my butt 😆 onwned it several years and had paisley mod top added along with the diamond back window which was a popular customizing they did too those cars back then I remember that well it was rare too see an eldorado that wasn’t dressed up with wide white tires and the rabbit ear antenna mounted on the small side vent window.and the chrome grill cover .I owned a 1972 eldorado back in the 1990,s I bought it from a coworker didn’t care for it much it was running and driving car had too repair exhaust manifold leak .my wife hated and did like too be seen in it said was too big and long I sold it after a few months and the ride was strange it was floaty but kind off clunky .I guess due too it being front wheel drive .i owned several Lincoln mark iv back then and the ride was totally different it was just hard too beat the fords on ride back in the 1970 full-size cars .thanks again Adam for keeping the great cars off the 1960,s and 1970 alive which get overshadowed by the muscle cars .👍✌🏿

[@steveoh9838]

Another spectacular interview that adds to the historical archives of this generation of american automobiles..bravo Adam!

[@groovy1937]

What a great conversation! I love hearing this history first hand!

[@paulchappell]

Loved that interview, and the artwork ! Thank you, thank you.

[@huntermalone3482]

Wayne is true gentleman - very talented and enjoyable to hear a conversation between you both. Thanks Adam!

[@joesinkovits6591]

What a treat this interview is! Thanks, Adam!

[@jamesharris2615]

That is one damn gorgeous automobile.

[@garrettbenson7743]

Wow! Huge name in the design world. Literally the guy who set the standard! And 1965 is my favorite caddy of all time. Owned several. Have a 40k original mile original paint and interior turquoise on turquoise Calais.

[@aaronrogers7692]

Superb! I miss Automobile Magazine and Robert Cumberford's design analysis. You are bringing it to life in video form. Thank you, Adam!

[@RareClassicCars]

Wow. Thank you!

[@tiduffield]

Good grief, what an amazing interview. Insider with insider, and all of the respect and empathy due... paid... with a gentle tweak here and there. Astonishing - historically significant - stuff Adam and Wayne. :)

[@RareClassicCars]

Thank you!

[@judgegixxer]

This was a pleasant surprise!. The designers and engineers from that era are like rock stars to me. The cars are as iconic as the music was. A music equivalent of this would be an interview with Jimmy Page on how he came up with his guitar licks or certian sounds/tones/moods. Thanks Adam great video.

[@smoothoperator7023]

Or Jimi breaking down his psychadelic interpretation of the Star Spangled Banner💥🇺🇸🫡💥

[@Primus54]

Really enjoying these chats with the men who created many of the cars you own, Adam. Sadly so much of our contemporary designs are mandated to be function over form for fuel economy and safety standards. During my growing up days, if you were interested at all in cars, at a distance you could recognize not only the make and model, but also the year and trim level. Not so today. Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@diogocatalano9557]

Since the 80s car designs sucks in my opinion.

[@ronforeman2556]

The 1965 Cadillac was simply the most gorgeous iteration of the Standard of the World ever designed. The distinctive Eldorado, introduced in 1967, deserved to be its own mark.

[@MarinCipollina]

It was that.. You're not suggesting it should have been an entire GM division, are you?. The 1965 looked kind of plain externally.. I preferred the 1964 and the 1967 over the '65 & '66..

[@2packs4sure]

As a car crazy kid 7 year old kid I remember seeing my 1st Eldorado that said 8 Litres on it.. I had heard about the 500 cube Eldorado and there it was !! I was riding with my mom in her 62' Falcon Deluxe Tudor at the time.. I remember the exact location.. lol

[@jeffrobodine8579]

8.2 LITRE

[@2packs4sure]

@@jeffrobodine8579 Damn I'm gettin old,,,,, that's a mistake I never would have made 20 years ago.......

[@70sleftover]

What a contrast - Falcon vs. Eldorado.

[@2packs4sure]

@@70sleftover Yeah,, we didn't get fancy about anything.... lol

[@kevinmaiberger3349]

Very interesting. Cadillac at its best. Thank you, Wayne. Thank you, Adam.

[@Oldgunguy62]

Excellent discussion Wayne is a talented guy.

[@eldo59]

Awesome interview! Love to hear from the designers that witnessed the development of these epic classics.

[@maniacjack3700]

Perfect interview!

[@Samuelfish2k]

Love it when you do Cadillac videos👍🏽

[@wilsixone]

Awesome. Thanks so much for the opportunity to visit with Mr. Kady. All the Cadillac models/years I like MOST are the ones he had his hand in the design!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Thank you Adam, this interview is priceless.Getting to listen to the person who was responsible for such a beautiful car is such a treat. I love this video. Great!

[@fourdoorglory5945]

Great interview with Wayne. Looking forward to his walk around.

[@paralyzes]

Awesome presentation!

[@chuckselvage3157]

One of the best looking cars to come from Detroit.

[@hattree]

I love when you get these guys

[@deanstevenson6527]

I love it when the craft sledges the financial side. The GM Matrix. Love the Eldorado, and thanks for interviewing such a great designer.

[@SD-ol9os]

Great interview! Thank you!

[@bradhoward9055]

Wow, what a fabulous interview! Absolutely fascinating to hear the inner workings of the design teams working under Mr. Bill Mitchel. The designs he was able to put into production are the best ever in my opinion. Thank you very much for this!

[@robertdragoff6909]

I.E. the Chevy Camaro….

[@jefferysmith3930]

That 76 Regal was a beautiful car. My dad brought home a red on red Regal coupe with chrome Rally wheels ...and t-tops...as a demo.! I was 7 years old at the time and that still stands out as one of the most striking cars I’ve ever seen. Fascinating talk. Thanks for the video, Adam.

[@rbyledbal]

What a great interview. I just love this kind of stuff. Thank you for all of the work that you do Adam.

[@arnepianocanada]

So true! First designs often the best, created of-a-piece prior to tack-on changes being applied. A fine discussion, with cherry on top the gentle razzing between you design and finance people.

[@scottleyva8656]

Great discussion and history of one of the most beautiful cars ever.

[@OnkelPHMagee]

Adam, this one was truly rich. I believe that you and WK are particularly good at drawing out one another-same passion but different backgrounds and knowledge bases.

[@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K]

I find these stories truly fascinating. I'm nearly 70 and grew up in a small industrial city in regional Australia. A friend's father subscribed to National Geographic magazine which in the l1960s, advertised stunning pictures of huge American cars, the likes of which we would never be seen on our streets. At that time, Australian roads were dominated by small British and locally produced cars but I do clearly remember going on a family holiday to Sydney where I saw a 1965 Buick Riviera. I thought it has come from Outer Space. It was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen so I'm pleased that even today, that car still looks as timeless as it did in 1965.

[@markdc1145]

Such an iconic American car and thank you for the great interview with Wayne Kady. 👏 This is what makes your channel the best! 👏

[@PeteLenz]

Pure gold Adam! Several of those designs would look fantastic if built today!

[@rosewhite---]

gorgeous! from when detroit employed stylists!

[@jcdevotee]

WOW! Wayne Kady! What an honor and treat to hear from him.... Automotive legend

[@halhenryg]

Adam, Thanks for this! 67-70 Eldorado was and is one of the best-looking personal designs vehicles made. I have always lusted of this era of Cadillac's; my favorite is the 69 Eldorado it has more refinements and just is outstanding.

[@sooverit5529]

Wayne is so right on the special "tuxedo" look of hidden headlamps on the 67, and that the first year is usually the best year design-wise.

[@archndesign]

Yes but if you really look at detailing and proportions between the ‘67 and ‘68, I contend the ‘68 is the best. The ‘67 had funny little rectangular vents on tge inside of rear fins closer to the base of the roof line. I think they were flow through exit points. Gone after ‘67. Best rear “blade” tail lamp design ‘68. The big one that I’ve looked at since I was 7 in 1968 was the front turn indicator/running lamps fitting into the forward edge cap of the ‘67! That seam was already there in ‘67! I never could understand why they made the place for those lamps and not use it until ‘68. They make for a very handsome book ending to the massive egg crate grill & hidden headlights.

[@danielulz1640]

@@archndesign I agree. I never liked the fender tip filler panels on the 67. To me, they looked cheap, like they were covering up something missing, like the blanking plate on a radio delete car.

[@Rush-gu3ij]

Thanks Adam. Your interviews with former auto executives add a lot of insight to the history of the industry.

[@RareClassicCars]

Thank you!

[@larrygall5831]

It's great seeing Adam the "bean-counter" have such a respect for the designers and engineers as he does. It gives such a great perspective. I love this channel.

[@klwthe3rd]

I would love to talk to him about the downsized E & K body styles of the Seville and Eldorado from 1986-1991.

[@RareClassicCars]

We will get there

[@RareClassicCars]

Wayne was the chief designer for that one too.

[@sergioleone3583]

@@RareClassicCars Looking forward to those to come!!!!

[@klwthe3rd]

@@RareClassicCars I know most hated them but the slightly restyled 1988 model(which I owned) was very elegant.

[@jimzone8153]

Great interview. That generation of Eldorado is my favorite.

[@michaelbrown5601]

Wow. I am amazed at your dedication to automotive history, and the brilliant people involved. Well done, again.

[@patrickflohe7427]

I agree. -And without these videos & interviews I think so many things would be forgotten, so yes, I’m grateful.

[@victorceicys7140]

An outstanding interview with a GM styling Icon. Thank you to both of you. Cheers.

[@tyler4093]

The best Eldorado generation

[@rogersmith7396]

Easily.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

When GM and Cadillac were on the top of their game, they were the top of the world. Mr Kady was a part of the amazing talent that helped create the golden era of GM design. I have immense respect and appreciation for many of the cars he helped bring to fruition.

[@aaron.hudacky]

Adam, this video is great. Thank you for making it. I've known who Wayne Kady is since I was a teenager in the mid 1990s, and I always admired his work, specifically his 60s and 70s Cadillac designs.

[@cezar7740]

Sweet, another awesome video with the Chief designer going over the making of the Eldorado 🤩

[@charlesvaughan6063]

Thanks to Wayne for sharing his stories and fantastic artwork!

[@angrycatowner]

great to see Wayne Kady speak about the design from a first hand perspective!

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

1967 Eldorado was beautiful from every angle. The mid 60's was the high point for design at GM. It was all downhill after that as GM design fell off a cliff when the large battering ram bumpers were introduced and every GM product looked like it was designed by Checker Taxi.

[@troyp9485]

Unfortunately there wasn’t much GM could do except put battering ram bumpers on everything as it was government mandate.

[@jamesengland7461]

I disagree. Corvette had the absolute best-styled crash bumpers on the planet, hands down. That continues to this day.

[@MarinCipollina]

@@jamesengland7461 Firebird and Camaro did a reasonable job with those bumper mandates as well.

[@MarinCipollina]

I think we can all agree that the mid to late 1960s was the high water mark for General Motors.. Bloat set in during the 1970s.

[@matrox]

GM had some beautiful cars in the early-mid 70s too before being forced to downsize over night to meet Govt mandates on fuel economy after the fake gas crises. GM had cool 50s classics too.

[@stevebyrne4235]

Thanks, another great review and guest; hope there are more of this nature in the pipeline.

[@jeffreysproul9110]

Wow Adam you continue to top yourself on this site. Great interview with Wayne Kady and the 67 Eldorado is one of the most timeless and classiest cars of all times up there the the 56 Continental Mark II albeit that the Eldorado was more successful and GM gave it a chance unlike Ford axing the Mark II before it had a chance to succeed.

[@archndesign]

A personal account of a triple black ‘68: I grew up in Pasadena, Ca. One block over, in a large home lived the Ed Parker family. Parker was a well known karate expert who owned karate studios around LA, etc. in high school I would see Ed Parker Jr. drive to school sometimes with his younger sister Yvonne, in the triple black Eldorado that was his fathers car. (This was 1976-1979) Elvis was personal friends with Parker Sr. And my understanding is that he gifted the car to E.P. Sr., as Elvis was known to do so many times. By then the car was about 10 years old and not tip top condition. I always wanted that car! One difference about this car was that in looking the car over in the school parking lot I saw a script somewhere (maybe toward the rear of the front fenders-?) that read “Fleetwood”. Much later I saw another online. Apparently Cadillac used two coach builders for the eldorado at this time. It seems most are Fisher bodies but there were some done by Fleetwood! There are a couple small details that the Fleetwood versions have I believe. One detail is a small lidded storage compartment on the passenger door panel or arm rest-? I can’t recall exactly. It appears small enough to just hold a pair if glasses, pens or lip stick. Actually it was the late ‘60’s…perhaps it was to hold a tube or three of mascara for that Dusty Springfield Smokey eye look that was the rage!!!

[@patrickflohe7427]

I never knew about Fleetwood doing some of these, either. I’d love to hear Adam talk about this.

[@kayeninetwo3585]

These auto industry people Adam is interviewing are national treasures. I'm surprised that they're still in such good shape. It's like they were garage kept and never driven in the snow or rain! Fantastic video! What's amazing to me is that late 60's Eldorado's can be surprisingly affordable, given their iconic status. The 1967 models may be high priced nowadays, but I still see '68-'70 cars in presentable, solid and reliable condition in the mid to even low teens.

[@paulparoma]

What really amazes me is how well-preserved he and Bob Lutz are. They were active since the 60s and are still in fine shape today. Those corporate lunches must have been pretty healthful.

[@bwsescal]

Impossible to overstate the Awesomness of this KZbin video series!! I have Loved Cadillacs since I was about 4 years old in 1964!

[@gordonborsboom7460]

Woo-hoo. Thank you Adam. Lovely design.

[@CalTxDude]

This was such a treat! I have been a long time admirer of Mr. Kady! I could probably sit and talk car design and industry stories with him all day! Thanks for asking so many of the questions that I have been curious about for years!!

[@sergioleone3583]

Definitely one of the most beautiful cars ever. I can see how it influenced the "Art & Design" look. I had an XLR for a while, and I'd look at the a taillights and rear end sometimes and fantasize it was a 67 Eldorado. I'm a huge fan of vintage Italian sports cars, and I'd rate the 67 Eldorado up there with some of the best of the Italian designs from the 50s and 60s.

[@SMH24.7]

OMG...! He worked at a Shell Station at 3rd and Western in LA back in the mid-1950's (8:10). It's still a Shell Station there at the northeast corner..! My goodness, my goodness. Thank you so much for sharing all the details, Mr. Kady. It's truly a joy to listen to you.

[@DannyKoKo]

What a great guest! Thanks

[@HoosierDaddy_]

One of the all time greats! Man these are good looking. When I was a teenager, I used to visit my aunt in Vegas all the time. She had a 1975 Eldorado convertible. I felt cooler than ice driving that thing around Nevada!

[@undertakerfire7810]

I thought I was the crazy one for loving these years of Eldo, I think they are so unappreciated and an amazing classic!:)...

[@gregdelagrange8573]

Great video! I've always loved the 67 to 70 Eldorado. It's always great when you can meet and talk with the original designers. Keep up the good work.

[@DSP1968]

Anoyher great interview -- thank you, Adam. I really enjoyed hearing about the design of the '67 Eldorado and related activities. Hopefully there is a part two with Wayne Kady.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

I love the tailights no pedestrian safety nonsense here just styling. Really cool to hear the designer himself, I've seen some of his drawings at Dean's Garage.

[@wattheheck6010]

Terrific interview! What a gifted artist and storyteller you are, Mr Kady. Thank you for sharing your contributions with us.

[@davebarron5939]

Magnificent! One of my favorites of all time. My family had a 66 Toro. Damn, sure wish GM had gone with that V12, what a lineage it mite have spawned. Personal luxury cars, cant beat em. Great stuff, and thanks to Mr. Kady.

[@meathead585]

Greatly interesting interview. My opinion. 67 Eldo and 65-66 four doors remain best Caddy designs ever. And yes, original year designs, regardless of manufacturer almost always the best. LOL. I've always thought of Ford as messing things up the most after a great original idea.

[@corottolt1]

I just love these discussions with the people that were actually involved in the process.

[@ChrisACiufo]

Thanks, Adam. That was great. A neighbor has a brand new 67 Eldo in purple-straight from the factory. I was fascinated with that car. I note that the dash in your video used similar switchgear to my 72 Coupe de Ville in white leather.

[@hurricane8597]

It is so important to talk with these guys while you still can about the back story/behind-the-scenes of the cars back then. For example, the long nose on the Eldorado I love was intended to accommodate a V-12. It is little things like that I find fascinating. I applauded you for taking the time to interview the fellas as soon their memories will be lost forever.

[@shcbac]

Outstanding video. Thank you for bringing us one of the "Titans" of automobile design during a unique period of U.S. auto history.

[@ericmeckes3137]

Wow, great interview, this guy was obviously well dialed in.

[@jeffwhaley2233]

What a treat! '77 Regal has always been a favorite of the period.❤👍

[@greggc8088]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing Adam.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Adam, this is one of your best videos. The conversation with Wayne Katy is priceless. Thank you for this.

[@johnpezzullo9644]

WOW What a Great History of this Beautiful Cadillac Eldorado Adam and the Incredible Interview with Wayne. Man you are connected. !!! Good for you. !!!! Thanks...

[@bradmichael1373]

Wow, what an interesting conversation. As many have commented before me, the designers from this era are treasures. I’m so glad they are being interviewed for history. I could listen to this all day. TALENT! Thanks Adam. I feel like I’m amongst friends here. Always thought I was a little crazy with my love of cars. Glad I’m not alone.

[@bobeaseshop9389]

I am so impressed and stunned at these conversations bring out such detail. So informative. Thank You

[@jamestravis1037]

Amazing interview....Spectacular...Thanks

[@michaelsimko7694]

The 1967-70 Eldorado is my favorite generation. 3 other Eldorados I love are the 1975-78, 1979-85, and 1995-2002. I like how Cadillac refreshed the last generation in 1995. Without the rear skirts and equipped with the right wheels, the 70s Eldorado looks like a true boulevard cruiser and the perfect car to take to the beach, drive-in, and concert.

[@bigstuff52]

great interview and thanks for putting in the definitions ..Never heard it called sail panel..

[@sevinadrew3958]

fantastic interview Adam. I loved the Eldorado the moment I saw one in 1966! also the workmanship was exquisite, Totally agree the first design of new car is usually the Best! Thanks Adam

[@eddstarr2185]

The 1969 Eldorado has an outstanding place in my memory. The concealed headlamps of '67/'68 gave way to exposed headlamps, completely changing the "expression" of the Eldorado face. To my eyes, the Eldorado went from fast asleep to fully awake! To this day I continue to feel that the 1969 Eldorado has the most beautiful front face of any automobile. My friends and I could spot an Eldorado from a mile away - the closer it got, the happier we became. Thank you, Wayne Kady and Adam.

[@mammothscott1455]

At the head of my all time favorite cars list! Always wished to have had one, though I was only in seventh grade at the time.

[@bobsebring3377]

My parents had 70 Cadillac El dorado coup. It was gold and gold with a white top. This was during the gas shortage of the 70s that my dad had modified the gas to accept propane too. So when it ran out of gas we would just flick the switch over to propane.Yep, 500ci 400 HP front wheel drive. It was a great car. We took it camping with us while pulling a travel trailer though half the USA. The power was awesome. 400hp was more than enough to get out of any situation. A.lot of memories with that car. Thanks.

[@installwebercarburetorsona6159]

Thanks for capturing so much great history.

[@patrickflohe7427]

Love these videos! I love the opportunity to hear guys like Wayne Kady & Bob Lutz!