Yet only a year later, the division evidently felt it had sufficiently made that point. It was time for a new kind of Eldorado, one that could be sold in significant numbers and thus turn a substantial profit. Accordingly, the 1954 model was of a different breed -- and it sold for a different price: $5738, more than $2000 less than the '53.

Cadillac styling was heavier and more massive for '54. The new models outweighed their 1953 counterparts by something like 140 pounds, due in part to three-inch longer wheelbases across the line. Whether their more slab-sided appearance made them better-looking may be open to question, but they were nevertheless well received. Power was still supplied by the division's milestone 331-cubic-inch overhead-valve V-8 that had first appeared for 1949. Though rated horsepower now rose from 210 to 230, there were no engine changes from the previous year. In fact, the '53 figure had been deliberately understated in order to facilitate this corporate sleight of hand. The Eldorado still carried the basic Cadillac engine and its predecessor's impressive list of standard features, but it now used the exact same bodyshell as the Series 62 convertible, with no sheetmetal modifications as on the '53. Although the '54 could be readily identified by ribbed bright metal on the lower rear fenders and gold Cadillac crests on the door uppers, it was much less distinctive than the original. Still, the price was right, even if it was now "only" $1300 higher than the 62's. Despite a somewhat abbreviated model year, the Eldorado found 2150 buyers, a dramatic four-fold increase.

The Eldorado had golden identifying crests centered directly behind the air-slot fenderbreaks and wide, fluted beauty panels to decorate the lower rear body sides. These panels were made of extruded aluminum and also appeared on a unique, one-of-a-kind Eldorado coupe built for the president of the Reynolds Aluminum Co. Also included on the production convertible were monogram plates on the doors, wire wheels, and custom interior trimmings with the Cadillac crest embossed on the seat bolsters. The body style was designated: 6267SX

ENGINE

• V-8 Overhead valves.
• Cast iron block.
• Displacement: 331 cubic inches.
• Bore and stroke: 3-13/16 x 3-5/8 inches.
• Compression ratio: 8.25:1.
• Brake horsepower: 230 at 4400 rpm
• Five main bearings.
• Hydraulic valve lifters.
• Carburetors: Carter WCFB four-barrel Models 2143S, 2109S and 2110S - also - Rochester 4GC four-barrel (with Aire) Model 7006963; (without Aire) Model 7006962.

CHASSIS

Model	Wheelbase	Overall Length	Front Tread	Rear Tread	Tires
Series 62 Eldorado	129 inches	223.4 inches	60 inches	63.1 inches	8.20 x 15 whitewalls
Exhaust	Dual exhaust system standard
Rear axle ratio	(Standard) 3.07: 1; (Standard with air conditioning; optional without) 3.36:1

POWER TRAIN OPTIONS

• None available

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

• Hydra-Matic drive on Series 75 ($186).
• Power brakes ($48).
• Radio ($120).
• Heater ($129).
• Air-conditioning ($620).
• Power ol>erated window and seat ($124).
• Chrome wire wheels ($325).
• White sidewall tires ($49 exchange).
• E-Z-Eye tinted glass.
• Autronic Eye automatic headlamp dimmer.
• Vertical front seat adjuster.
• Horizontal front seat adjuster (standard on Eldorado)
• Other standard GM options and accessories.

HISTORICAL

• Assembly of 1954 models began January 4, 1954 after a 25 day halt for changeover to new production specifications.
• Fiberglass-bodied Cadillac show cars appearing at the GM Motorama this year included the Park Avenue four-door sedan, El Camino coupe, and La Espada convertible.

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