1983 Eldorado
Like other Caddies, Eldorado saw no major changes in its body this year, though the automatic transmission and cruise control were recalibrated to boost performance. Standard engine was the HT-4100 4.1-liter V-8 with its complex (yet reliable) fuel injection system; optional, a 5.7-liter diesel.
Prices began at $19,334 (suggested retail), which included plenty of standard equipment. The grille was similar to DeVille/Fleetwood, with Cadillac script at the driver's side in the center row. Front fender tips held no lights, so the quad rectangular headlamps and horizontal-style parking/signal lamps had a recessed look. Cornering lamps were in horizontal housings back on the front fenders. Heather cloth upholstery with Rocaille cloth inserts came in four colors; or buyers could choose from ten leather choices. Options included a digital instrument cluster with readouts for fuel level, speed and fuel range (English or metric).
1983 Eldorado
Eldorado's convertible had been gone for some time, but the optional full cabriolet roof simulated a convertible top, with canvas-look fabric, roof bows and waited seams. It came in black, dark blue, dark briar brown, and white. Eldorados had a new optional premium sound system, as well as available aluminum wheels. Two special editions were offered again: the Touring Coupe and Biarritz. Touring Coupes had (no surprise) a touring suspension, large-diameter stabilizer bars, larger P225/70R15 steel-belted radial tires, and special cloisonne hood medallion. Only two body colors were available: Sonora Saddle Firemist (light brown) and Sable Black. Reclining saddle leather-faced front bucket seats offered lumbar and lateral support, and included a console. Eldorado's Biarritz "dream machine" included a brushed stainless steel roof cap, wire wheel covers, opera lamps, and "Biarritz" script on the sail panels. Tufted pillow-style seats came in Sierra Grain leather in six colors; so did the steering wheel.
Model | Series Number | Body/Style Number | Body Type | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
Eldorado (V-8) | 6E | L57 | 2-dr Coupe | 6 P | $19,334 | 3748 lb | 67,416 |
Feature | Basic Gas Engine | Optional Diesel Engine |
Type | 90-degree, overhead-valve V-8. Iron/aluminum alloy block; cast iron head. | 90-degree, overhead valve V-8. Cast iron block and head. |
Displacement | 249 cu. in. (4.1 liters) | 350 cu. in. (5.7 liters) |
Bore & stroke | 3.47 x 3.31 in. | 4.057 x 3.385 in. |
Compression ratio | 8.5:1 | 22.5:1 |
Brake horsepower | 135 at 4400 R.P.M. | 105 at 3200 R.P.M. |
Torque | 200 lbs.-ft. at 2200 R.P.M. | 200 lbs.-ft. at 1600 R.P.M. |
Main bearings | Five | Five |
Valve lifters | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
Fuel supply | Digital fuel injection | Fuel Injection |
Manufacturer | Cadillac HT-4100 | Oldsmobile |
VIN Code | 8 | N |
Wheelbase | 114.0 in. |
Overall length | 204.5 in. |
Height | 54.3 in. |
Width | 71.5 in. max. |
Front Tread | 59.3 in. |
Rear Tread | 60.6 in. |
Standard Tires | P205/75R15 SBR wide WSW |
Transmission | Four-speed overdrive automatic |
Gear ratios | (1st) 2.74:1; (2nd) 1.57: 1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (4th) 0.67:1; (Rev) 2.07:1 |
Standard final drive ratio | 3.15:1 except with diesel 2.93:1 |
Steering | recirculating ball; power assist |
Front suspension | torsion bar and link stabilizer bar |
Rear suspension | independent trailing arm, coil springs, electronic level control |
Brakes | four-wheel disc |
Fuel tank | 20.3 gal. except with diesel, 22.8 gal. |