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.
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
V-8 - Overhead valves
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
Five main bearings.
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 OPTION
None available.
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
Air conditioning ($474)
Autronic Eye ($46).
Cruise Control ($97).
Door guards on two-door ($4); on four-door ($7).
Electric door locks on two-door ($46); on four-door ($70)
E-Z-Eye Glass ($52).
Pair of fog lamps ($43)
Automatic heating system on Series 62 ($129)
License plate frame ($6)
Six-way power seat ($85-113)
Power windows ($85)
Power vent windows ($73)
Radio with rear speaker ($16); 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); -40° ($9).
Accessory groups A and B included mostly the same features as 1960 at the combined total of individual
prices listed
above.
HISTORICAL
Total model year output for all 1961 cars amounted to 138,379 units.
A limited slip differential was optional at $53.70.
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.
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