1961 CADILLAC ELDORADO
Along with a reduction in horsepower from 345 to a still ample 325 bhp,
1961 brought a substantial reduction in the Eldorado's price. At $6477, this
year's Biarritz was $924 cheaper than its 1960 counterpart, though that, still
represented a premium of more than $1000 above the less prestigious
Series 62 convertible. One almost had to look for the nameplate to
distinguish the Biarritz from other Cadillacs. Yet even if it had lost much
of its former distinction, this remained a top-quality automobile
characterized by such luxury touches as a premium interior lined with
ostrich-grain leather. Production rose slightly, presumably in response to
the reduced price, but the '61 was hardly cause for excitement.
STYLE
| Model Number | Style Number | Body Type | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
|---|
| 61-63E | 6367E | Biarritz Convertible
 | 6 | 6477 | 4805 | 1,450 |
|---|
ELDORADO ENGINE
| Type | V-8 - Overhead valves |
| Block | Cast iron block. |
| Displacement | 390 cubic inches. |
| Bore and stroke | 4.00 x 3-8/8 inches. |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1. |
| Brake horsepower | 325 @ 4800 rpm |
| Bearings | Five main bearings. |
| Valve Lifters | Hydraulic valve lifters. |
| Carburetion | Rochester four-barrel Model 701930. |
CHASSIS
| Model | Wheelbase | Overall Length | Front Tread | Rear
Tread | Tires | Exhaust |
|---|
| Eldorado | 129.5" | 222" | - | - | 8.20 x
15 | Single |
|---|
POWERTRAIN OPTIONS
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
| Air conditioning | $474 |
| Autronic Eye | $46. |
| Cruise Control | $97. |
| Door guards on two-door | $4 |
| Electric door locks on two-door | $46 |
| E-Z-Eye Glass | $52. |
| Pair of fog lamps | $43 |
| License plate frame | $6 |
| Six-way power seat | $85-113 |
| Power windows | $85 |
| Power vent windows | $73 |
| Radio with rear speaker | $16 |
| Radio with remote control | $247 |
| Remote control trunk lock | $59 |
| Five white sidewall tire size 8.20 x 15 four-ply | standard. |
| Permanent anti-freeze -20° | $8 |
| Permanent anti-freeze -40° | $9. |
| Accessory groups A and B included mostly the same features as 1960 at the combined total of individual
prices listed above |
HISTORICAL NOTES
- Total model year output for all 1961 cars amounted to 138,379 units.
- A limited slip differential was optional at $53.70.
