All-new Eldorado and Seville models entered the lineup for 1986, loaded
with a diagnostic system and electronic instruments. Anti-lock braking was
a new option on Fleetwood and DeVille. All Cadillacs were now
front-wheel drive except the big Brougham, which hung on for another
year with a 5.0 liter V-8 under the hood.
Luxury touches promoted in the
full-line catalog ranged from golden ignition keys all the way to elegant
option packages, to deliver "the feeling of uncompromising excellence." In
keeping with that promise, diesel engines departed from the Cadillac option
list, victims of lack of interest and an unimpressive reliability record.
The HT 4100 V-8 added stainless steel exhaust manifolds. Door locks had new
rocker switches. Floor consoles contained an ashtray that opened at a
finger's touch. And to keep up with the times, a cellular telephone
("discreetly" positioned in a fold-down armrest) joined the option list. To
attract buyers who preferred good handling to a cushy ride, DeVilles could
also get a Touring Coupe or Touring Sedan option with stiffer suspension
and related extras.
Over 40 body colors were available, including nine
Firemist shades and two Pearlmist (black cherry or black emerald) that
changed character according to the angle and intensity of sunlight striking
the car's surface.
I. D. DATA
Cadillacs again had a 17-symbol Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), stamped
on a metal tag attached to the upper left surface of the cowl, visible through
the windshield. Coding changed to reflect the new front-drive models.
The first number is a "1" to indicate the manufacturing country (U.S.A.)
The second character is a "G" for General Motors
The third is a "6" for Cadillac Division
Symbol four is the car line (GM body):
"J" = Cimarron
"K" = Seville
"C" = Deville/Fleetwood
"D" = Brougham
"E" = Eldorado
Symbol five indicates series:
"G" = Cimarron
"S" = Seville
"D" = DeVille
"B" = Fleetwood
"H" = Fleetwood limousine
"W" = Fleetwood Brougham (rear drive)
"L" = Eldorado
Digits six and seven indicate body type:
"47" = 2-dr. coupe
"69" = 4-dr. sedan
"23" = eight passenger limousine
"33" = formal limousine
"57" = Eldorado coupe
Next is the engine code:
"P" = L4-121 TBI
"W" = V6-173 FI
"8" = V8-249 DFI
"Y" = V8-307 4Bbl.
The next symbol is a check digit.
Symbol ten indicates model year ("G" = 1986)
Next is a code for assembly plant:
"9" = Detroit
"E" = Linden, NJ
"J" = Janesville, WI.
Finally comes a six-digit production sequence number
starting with 000001 for Detroit built cars
400001 for Janesville
600001 for Linden (E-body)
800001 for Linden (K-body)
An identifying number is also on the engine, and a set of codes on a body
number plate.
HISTORICAL
Introduced: September 26, 1985 except Eldorado/Seville,
November 14, 1985; Fleetwood Brougham, February 13. 1986
Model year production: 281,296, including 3,628 with four-cylinder engine and 20,906
with V-6, for a 3.6 percent share of the industry total
Calendar year production: 319,031
Calendar year sales by U.S. dealers: 304,657
Model year sales by U.S. dealers: 300,053 for a 3.8 percent market share.
Cadillac sales dropped a bit for the second year in a
row, barely edging over 300,000, but that was enough to retain dominance
among makers of luxury cars
E-body Eldorado production began at the
new Hamtramck, Michigan plant in late 1985, but delays kept output below
peak levels
As a result, Eldorado and Seville sales dropped by half
The rear-drive Fleetwood Brougham enjoyed a comeback of sorts, due to low
gasoline prices and its upgraded V-8 engine
Front-drive DeVilles and
Fleetwoods also gained in sales for the second year
Cimarron rose as well,
but not by much
Cadillac clung to hopes that Cimarron would gain
strength against new imports, such as Acura Legend, despite complaints
that it was little more than a fancy Cavalier
At the upper end of the scale,
the future held a new ultra-luxurious two-seater Allante, due out for 1987
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