The 1971 Cadillac Eldorado was "Longer, Lower, & Wider" Exemplified and a Beveled Masterpiece

[@giggiddy]

Adam its not easy interviewing people. You want to keep it moving and interesting yet you don't want to step on anything they say. You do an incredible job. You let them speak and you ask the right questions. Its not easy. Thank you for these. This fella probably thought nobody remembers or cares about what he did. Now he knows that we definitely do.

[@patrickflohe7427]

Well-said. -And we definitely do….

[@peter455sd]

Wayne Kady,it took me almost 60 years to discover who was responsible for such awesomeness. Thanks sir for making the world more beautiful.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Adam, I am grateful to Wayne for taking the time to speak with us.

[@davidrupprecht2774]

These interviews with the design leaders are great!

[@michaelpfaff6009]

These interviews are absolutely priceless. As we lose these important individuals who designed such works of art, you are capturing such hidden gems that otherwise would be lost to history. Thank you for such important interviews.

[@ThisCarChannel]

The '71 Eldorado was the quintessential car design impression of my childhood growing up in Switzerland. The seminal experience when seeing these as a kid was, that something could actually look as awesome in reality as in imagination. Which is not often the case. The front design was just so iconic and imposing. We had an '81 Seville (ran super) and often got the comment that the front of it was especially beautiful. Now I know both designs were from Mr. Kady. Awesome! There were quite a few of these Eldorados around in the 80s. I remember blue, white and golden ones mainly.

[@fenatic7484]

The 67-70 were the best Ellis/ Rivs/ and the Toronado.

[@alanblanes2876]

@@fenatic7484 There is something terrific about the 1973 Riviera.

[@ciseaux]

Can only relate to you...I saw one of these (Eldorado Biaritz) of 1974-5(?), parked in our street! Ivory white, maching interrior, it was like a vision from a dream! A year eralier, with Swiss Nr.plate, I saw my dreamNo.2., it was a Lincoln Continental MarkIV(5?), with the scales on the aide, black vinil top, watergreenish-blueish metallic, can not erase the memory!

[@marko7843]

@@ciseaux If you are referring to the 'scales' between the doors and the front wheel wells (louvers?) then that would definitely be the Mark V... It was a slightly more "loud" version of the smooth-sided Mark IV.

[@marko7843]

Hi, did your '81 have the V8-6-4, the V-6 or the Diesel?

[@vinmarz]

Superfly and Willie D thank you for your contributions.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Gotta love Willie D. We come from two different walks of life, but I like the guy personally. That black album with the 4 mugshots is off the chain. So good.

[@jetsons101]

Still feel the 1967 was the best, the up-coming bumper laws didn't help styling either. This seems to be the start where GM cars were starting to look alike. Thanks to Adam and Wayne for their time, you two make a great team.

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

These interviews with design titans are gold! Best content of any car channel.

[@UberLummox]

'67s are a masterpiece, but '71/2s are slick as hell. Especially without a vinyl roof. Job well done, Wayne!

[@hattree]

These are great! He seems like such a nice guy and has some great stories. You're great with these older guys.

[@billnasburg1361]

A friend of mine had a 67 Eldorado and I still think it was the most beautiful looking car that was ever made. I had a 73 Eldorado and I really liked that car and especially the 500 engine. I liked everything about that 73 Eldorado and luckily it was a fully loaded model and it was a pleasure to drive and I really wish I still had that car

[@MSX98FMDnB]

love these eldorados the most despite the build quality issues and low output v8s

[@hawk00055]

These interviews are just golden! Please keep doing them.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

As I've said before, I LOVE the 71-72 Eldorado! Those concept sketches are really amazing. A V16 Cadillac would've been super cool. I really do think this car was extremely well designed and managed to look quite a bit better than the other '71 Cadillacs.

[@rockguitarist931]

There was definitely room for a few extra cylinders!

[@cdstoc]

These are great! I love hearing Waynes recollection of these cars. I was 12 in 1971 and thought all the Eldos to that time were so beautiful. I used to draw my own versions of these cars when I was bored in class. Once the 1973's came out I hated how the bumpers ruined the designs of all cars, so the 1971-1972 cars seemed even more beautiful.

[@joesinkovits6591]

I had a ‘72 convertible and loved it. I still miss it.

[@OLDS98]

Thank you for sharing this series. I thought I was the only one who thought that sketch looked like a 1971-1972 Oldsmobile Toronado front end. It does. I was glad to hear it discussed.

[@AlexanderWaylon]

Incredible 20 years ago as a common motorist you wouldn’t have found out who did these masterpieces if you paid GM this is important historical documentation.

[@alantrimble2881]

I disagree. People like Wayne Kady, Bill Mitchell, Virgil Exner, Larry Shinoda, Raymond Loewy, Tom Kellogg, and many other designers were rock stars in their field. All of the automotive press of the era knew their names, and they were often mentioned in newspaper and magazine articles when these cars made their debut. I do agree with you regarding 20 year old cars. Nobody really cares who designed the 2002 Lexus ES300 (ES330?) or the 2001 Chevy Lumina. From a design standpoint, those cars are about as exciting as a 1978 Amana Radar Range microwave oven.

[@Samuelfish2k]

@@alantrimble2881 Who cares about a Lexus, period? We’re talking about Cadillacs.

[@AlexanderWaylon]

@@alantrimble2881 if you recall you couldn’t give away a 1980 anything in 2003

[@robertdragoff6909]

@@AlexanderWaylon Why?

[@wildcat64100]

Fascinating insider information. I have been trying to convince friends that the Eldorado and de Ville shared the same front bumper center bar, but everyone said, “No way!” Now I’m vindicated! The outer bars are different to conform to the different headlight/fender profiles, but the center bar is the same. There’s even a seam where the two different shapes are bolted on. Another great interview, thank you!

[@braddietzmusic2429]

I don’t particularly care for the Cadillacs beyond 1973 almost until 1990, but Wayne is a good guy doing his job as best he could in an era of many challenges, as many designers do, and I respect that, and the great interviews. Thank you.

[@eddstarr2185]

I wanted a 1971 Eldorado that carried forward the knife-edged, open-wheeled, athletic/sporty elegance of the 1967 to 1970 design. Instead, the 1971 Eldorado looked like a bloated homage to the 1953 Eldorado. This gave Lincoln the perfect opportunity to score a runaway sales hit with the 1972 Continental Mark IV - a car that became an icon of the 70's. Cadillac responded with the 1975 open-wheeled Eldorado refresh, but it was too late. The overwhelming success of the Mark IV/Mark V remains a hallmark of the 1970's, even to this day!

[@greendryerlint]

I agree with you, but the Caddies handled better and were quicker. I suppose amenities were about the same, though the Lincolns looked a bit more elegant perhaps. The concept of a "driver's car" in 1971 was pretty far-fetched for most American cars, but the Cadillacs were a bit closer than the floaty offerings from Ford in the luxury car market.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

Those Continentals were beauties as well!

[@michaelbenardo5695]

@@greendryerlint The 71 Eldorado was the fastest. 400 horsepower!

[@eldo59]

'71, '72 still looked good to me. As a kid growing up in the '90s I really loved the black convertible Patrick Swayze drove in movie Fatherhood. The evil green '72 coupe in low budget movie Highwaymen.

[@troyp9485]

Another amazing episode!! So delightful to learn this history from somebody that was responsible for these designs. Priceless.

[@MrYAMAHA32177]

Oh the good ole days, I was the king back then in my new Eldorado Biarritz with the stainless steel roof, thanks for the great memories guys@!

[@vanzzini]

You achieved something unique that puts you on another level from all classic cars channels here in youtube. One observation, you were lucky using that type of microphone and getting decent but low audio. I bet you saved it on post. Next time use lavaliers, wired for easy set up. Do a test before taping. This is car history at its core. Having perfect audio its a must.

[@scottleyva8656]

Love the history and sketches. Wayne and yourself are classy people. There's nothing like looking out over the hood of a Cadillac and seeing that ornament!

[@eth39232]

I understand Mr. Kady designed the 1992 Skylark and Roadmaster, and it would be interesting to hear him discuss these. The 1992 N cars came out the same year Toyota brought out the third generation Camry which made it the leader of the mid-sized market. The story of the Roadmaster would be interesting because I understand both Stempel and Reuss were committed to FWD and were against the updated B body, but those cars came out anyway.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

Instantly loved the 92 Roadmaster. It was a sales hit, too! It would have continued selling, but Buick pulled the plug on advertising for 93, so sales fell. You can't sell what people think doesn't exist. Now I know why advertising stopped - Stempel and Reuss.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Thank you for sharing Mr. Kady. Your work means so much more to us than you may know.

[@giggiddy]

Joshua, More often than not, I curse the internet for what it's done to humanity. But in cases like this. We never would have met, known or heard of these fine folks if we waited on mainstream to bring them to us. I agree.. It means so very much. Cheers

[@richgallagher725]

it’s astounding how much better the ‘71 iteration of of the 9th generation Eldo looked (@2:00) with the slimmer, lower profile bumpers.

[@maxhenry1977]

It would be interesting to hear Mr. Kady’s thoughts on the art and science era of cadillac, and the current state of cadillac design.

[@jedchevalier2364]

One of the best car videos I’ve watched on KZbin. It would be amazing to get a book or website of Wayne Kady’s drawings and stories.I wonder about the story of the 66-70 DeVille as there isn’t great information about those. Particularly the 69-70 when they went back to the side by side headlights.

[@danieljennings7769]

Wayne Kady is an awesome guy to listen to. More videos please!!

[@KO-pk7df]

Very fun and informative interview, these cars are still in our dreams to own.

[@thejock8580]

I'm 18, a 1971 Cadillac Eldorado was my first car and I still drive it. Only regret that decision whenever it breaks down. Love it to death and I never plan on selling it.

[@AERIXX3]

This was the first Cadillac of many that we've had over the years. Our '71 was Almond Firemist with a cream-colored top. Beautiful car. What a treat to hear about its origins from the guy who designed it!

[@truckenbxr998]

Just bought a 1971 El Dorado convertible because I thought it looked pretty. Now I know why it does. Thank you.

[@aaron.hudacky]

Wayne Kady is someone I've read about and whose work I've admired for over 25 years, and having a chance to hear him explain the design process and considerations given to both the 71 and 67 Eldorados is really great. Thank you, Adam, for taking the time to interview Mr. Kady. If there were a list of 1,000 topics I could wish to pick from, this interview would be in the top five. Interviews with Stan Parker, Virgil Exner, Elwood Engel, and Raymond Loewy would round out the top five.

[@maxr4448]

The 1971-1976 Eldorado convertibles...........with that top down.............left RollsRoyce, and Bentleys>crying. TO THIS DAY! Thank You Wayne Kady. Please sir give come back and give STYLE back to GM!!!!! For the first time I bought my first Cadillac model car when I was a kid, 14. The 1971 ELDORADO! I never, ever thought about Cadillac before. Yes the '67.... but this Cadillac. I love.

[@mikeyveloster7615]

Thank you for interviewing Wayne and getting his story on the Eldorado, what a great experience

[@jrodnj]

Really great content. Over the past few months on your channel I’ve grown a whole new knowledge and respect for the cars of the 60s and 70s.

[@fenatic7484]

It blows me away how big these behemoths got! ‘The Black Marias!”!

[@johnnyace1954]

Great interview. Nice to see the original designer sketches. The Eldorado is my favorite Cadillac line. 1967-70 is the best.

[@Rush-gu3ij]

Adam, thanks for another great video, I spent my 27 years and GM/Delphi/GM working in Material / Production control, another “necessary evil” on the production side of the business. The videos showing what happens before the metal starts to be stamped into existence shows the complexity of the auto industry. Keep up the good work.

[@29madmangaud29]

That era of Cadillac was my favorite, 71-76, last of the "BIG ONES"

[@MrBanacek]

Another great interview and Super Thanks for your efforts. Keep up your great work!

[@robarchpdx]

THANK YOU Adam! I just absolutely love your videos... and your approach and take to things. Thanks so much! Please keep them coming!

[@giggiddy]

I'll watch this a dozen times over the next week. Love these chats with the insiders..

[@billyjoejimbob56]

I remember seeing the 71 Eldo for the first time and was readily apparent that key dimensions were shared with the high volume B-body large cars. And as convertibles were becoming less popular every year, GM had decided to drop the body style from longer C-body cars (Electra, Ninety-eight, DeVille), and offer only B-body convertibles. Sharing key dimensions and a full perimeter frame with the high volume B platform made the Eldorado convertible a very affordable substitute. Another interesting subject to explore in a future video... The clamshell station wagon era!

[@v.p.b.2807]

Fascinating to hear insights from the original designers. It really is a rare and precious opportunity.

[@DSP1968]

Another great interview! I always wondered why this car look so bloated -- interesting (but not terribly surprising) to learn that the chassis was thrust upon the designers. Thank you!

[@keithstudly6071]

Something that came to mind when the "Four Fendered Farcus" drawings were shown was a car which was an inspiration to Gordon Miller Buehrig who designed the Auburn Speedster and the 910 Cord. That car was the Stutz Blackhawk LSR car. I wish I could post a photo of that 1927 car. It looked very evocative of the Four Fender fastback car in the drawing Wayne Kady showed.

[@markdc1145]

Although the previous gen Eldo is my favorite, this car was truly the last of an era. I always preferred the open rear wheel arch of the later cars even though they were less pure than the ‘71 car. Wayne Kady’s recollections are priceless!

[@johs9000]

Great videos, great work. I always wondered about who were behind the metal we see on the roads, everyday and everywhere.

[@chrism.4544]

I would like him to sketch how he would scale down the '67 Eldorado using the same styling but according to 2022 standards of dimensions, weight, and materials. Like a modern-day version of the '67, including a shifter in the console and modern bucket seats..

[@johnanderson2432]

I would be interested in Wayne's opinion as to the current cadillac design, and how cadillac lost their way from being the 'standard of the world'

[@blackmamba7838]

Fantastic interview! Find more of these guys who are still with us to get this history before it's too late! Thank you Mr Kady.

[@christopherkraft1327]

For me the 67 to 70 El Dorado was much more elegant than the 71 although the 71 was still very nice!!! Thanks again Adam, for sharing this interesting video!!! 👍👍🙂

[@HowardLewis2]

I find it fascinating the constraints put upon the designers and engineers to share parts and platforms. I get that GM shared platforms back to the late twenties and onward but it just seems from ‘59 forward it become more onerous on the design team to make it work. Also, my Dad’s first Caddy was a ‘76 Eldorado and if you told him it shared parts with other GM B bodies he’d say “go to he-ll! This is a Cadillac!” Anyway, my 80 Dad and 78 year old mother are buying their 21st Cadillac today and they have an Escalade on order too. I have always been found of Buicks but Cadillacs will always hold a special place in my heart. The Kady interview was highly interesting. Thanks for the piece.

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

Thank you so much for this interview and showing the original design ideas. Now I will say you are the man.

[@terry3193]

Well Adam, you've done it again.....well done episode. I could listen to these conversations and discussions all day long. I love the auto industry but I am also a history nut so to have this combined is like I died and went to heaven......absolutely love it. Now, personally, the '71-'74 Eldorados were not my favorite design....I still loved them but just thought they were too "chunky" looking and not very sleek. The fender skirts, beveled hoods/trunks and fenders I thought made it too chunky and very wide slabs. I thought the '75 was much more sleek and leaner. I really liked the '77 and '78 Biarritz models. I have an original newspaper advertising clipping of a loaded Eldorado at the Rickenbaugh Cadillac dealership in Denver, and it was advertised for approximately $12K, which was a lot of money then as a brand new '77 Ford LTD Landau had an average window sticker of between $7.5-8K. In any event, looking forward to the next interview episode with Wayne.

[@davebarron5939]

These presentations are thoroughly enjoyable. So glad you have access to all these amazing men who were THERE when it happened, and who are willing to share their stories with all of us. Thanks

[@kiheisun]

Fascinating interview with the chief designer! Love hearing what went on behind the scenes to develop these memorable designs.

[@onlyhereonce7290]

I was really hoping you would be back with the designer for another episode. This is so very informative. And unique. So cool. And thank you!

[@michaelwitas9482]

Another pleasant interview with Mr. Kady. Keep up the good work!

[@cde1968]

Wow. This man is a wealth of knowledge. So cool to be able to learn this stuff. I love the knife-edge 67-70 models, but the 71's are also beautiful works of art.

[@brianhdueck3372]

These interviews are so interesting! I am grateful to you Adam for giving us the faces behind these cars. I recall being somewhat disappointed when these cars came out as opposed to the previous models. Something in the look did not seem proportioned quite “on”. The portly width was the bee in my bonnet. Nonetheless they were still a significant presence wherever they were. Thanks Adam!

[@fourdoorglory]

So much interesting and historic background information on this era at Cadillac/GM design. Still waiting for the details around how he saved money on the hood-maybe I missed it. Kept starting and stopping the video to go look at pics. on the Internet of things like the ‘71 Tornado. Like you Adam, when I saw that original ‘71 Eldo. front end sketch I immediately thought of the Tornado. The way he downplayed any similarity tells me he really doesn’t feel anyone “borrowed” his design. Sure looks like he influenced someone over at Oldsmobile.

[@corgiowner436]

The tail lights on the fastback sketch remind me of the ‘75 Grand Prix.

[@WhittyPics]

I always like the Tornados of that era too.

[@slicksnewonenow]

Mr. Kady ought to be extremely proud of his contributions on the 71 Eldorado... I think it's the most elegant one of the 71 to 74 "skirted" Eldos. Mom and Dad had two. Mom's was a triple black car, Dad's was Firethorn Red and had a few Les Dunham chrome parts on it... AND a really crazy tonneau cover, ala the 1962 Thunderbird Sports Roadster. WOW... Was that ever a car! As far as Ralph Nader is concerned... He always struck me as the kind of guy who would have been the Killjoy at any party... The kind of guy who starches his socks and underwear.

[@tomdelisle8955]

Great that you do these interviews. It gives a new appreciation of the work that went into the design.

[@francoisgirard2306]

Best classic cars & automotive channel on youtube! Great work!

[@tommcmillan3143]

Nice job Adam! Thanks!

[@thinktonka]

Priceless interview!

[@machpodfan]

Excellent interview subject! His wry deadpan style is delicious, and the cars and sketches are total gold...

[@CAPRICELOVER]

Hi Adam…..I’m a proud owner of a 1972 Eldo coupe…..a gretting from Spain

[@markjohnston2675]

Adam you are crushing it...I appreciate you listening and letting the man tell his story, it seems these days the interviewer want's to be the star and talks over the interviewee and not listen...I really enjoy the channel and your style.

[@Sedonalegendhelenfrye]

Wonderful overview, especially from a former owner of a 1969 Eldorado, and a 64 Riviera.

[@cclarke6]

Great interview. Thank you Wayne for sharing the history.

[@kroge007]

Adam, these are great videos and it’s nice to have the designers tell their stories. I grew up in the 60-70 car era.

[@desertmodern7638]

Fantastic, instructive interview. The 1967-70 Eldorados were a nearly impossible act to follow, and I wasn't really attracted to the model again until 1975, when they were cleaned up considerably and gained the perfectly rendered angled opera window. And then only in base form. The Biarritz was a caricature, albeit one with about the most comfortable, nap-inducing seats I've ever experienced.

[@stangslayerws6]

PLEASE have a episode similar to this with Wayne on the 75-76 full size Buicks. Hopefully with sketches like this episode!

[@tyler2610]

Very interesting to hear from the point of view from a man that helped bring this car to fruition. In my opinion this would have been one of the best times to be a car designer. By the mid-70’s power was gone so style and luxury reigned king. Some of the most beautiful cars with such presence came out of this era! I would love to hear more about his time at Buick.

[@bigjoe330]

Trying to improve on perfection with the '67-'70 Eldorado was a hard job to have, because it was impossible.

[@JeffKing310]

This is a fascinating interview - I could watch this for hours. Thanks Adam!

[@jeffrobodine8579]

Bullhorns looked much better on the hood of the 1971-78 Eldorado than the previous generation.

[@Chris_Troxler]

That slant-back would have been hot if it went into production. 😍😍

[@roberthoffhines5419]

What a delightful interview! So many Fascinating and funny insights! My dad got an aftermarket wreath and crest for our '72 Brougham (brittany blue). had the hood-badge crest removed and filled which I still have. He showed me that spring mounted feature, he said is was to prevent car washes from snapping off a brittle exposed doodad. He showed me how you'd twist is sideways before going into a car wash to prevent that.

[@tigre7739]

Fascinating history! Love the style of that generation of the El Dorado.

[@cliffmourning2957]

Wonderful! Luv ❤️ these stories!

[@dave1956]

I have always thought that the 1971-1974 Eldorado looks like two different cars welded together at the rear of the doors. When they took the fender skirts off in 1975 it no longer had that look. In my opinion there was no way to improve on the original!

[@eartha911]

Just like the 53

[@dave1956]

@@eartha911 I agree. The’53 has the same look.

[@michaelbenardo5695]

I always loved the 71 - 72, and, almost as much, the 74 Eldorado. Was in High School when the 71 debuted, and thought it was the most fantastic car ever. The 73, though, was a disappointment. It had a plastic grille that looked like nothing but plastic. They fixed that with the 74.

[@dave1956]

@@michaelbenardo5695 I never cared for the 1973 Cadillac’s period. The grilles and rear ends weren’t the most attractive.

[@erichite4871]

I'm really enjoying these! I love to hear about these little intricacies in design! Looking forward to more!

[@maniacjack3700]

Awesome iconic car and his father! Iconic 70s car, and last one from the biggest! Biggest engine ever. Big and no compromise body. Plenty of chrome and long baroque lines.. Perfect car for me.

[@tomp2497]

Adam, these are great interviews you are hosting, please continue with these interviews, there is a great amount of interest from your viewers in revealing the history behind these iconic automotive designs. I would be personally interested in learning about the genesis of the downsized 77' C-bodied cars, specifically the Cadillacs and GM's 1 billion dollar investment towards recreating the American luxury car for a changing market.

[@markharkey3279]

Adam, I really enjoyed this video. I also liked the 67 Eldorado video. Great job!

[@ericwhitehead6451]

Glad to see you interviewing the designers and heads of industry on your channel Adam. Great the see the inside knowledge from these men.

[@waggitnshaggit6592]

Thanks Adam, so nice to get inside story and Kady he’s the bomb!

[@mrdood740]

Adam you are getting some AWESOME interviews! I'm eating this up!

[@MNBluestater]

I always felt the ‘71 rear quarter and taillight treatment, particularly the slanted design, bore a resemblance to the quarter and rear treatment of the ‘56 Chryslers (Windsor, New Yorker). It would be interesting to know if he was inspired in any way from that design. Both were beautiful.