1987 Cadillac Eldorado for sale in Spokane WA

Eleventh generation (1986–1991)
Eleventh generation

Overview
Production 1986–1991
Assembly Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly, Hamtramck, Michigan, U.S.
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
Layout Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive
Platform E-body
Related Buick Riviera
Oldsmobile Toronado
Powertrain
Engine
4.1 L HT-4100 V8 (1986–1987)
4.5 L 4.5 V8 (1988–1990)
4.9 L L26 V8 (1991)
Transmission 4-speed THM440-T4 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 108.0 in (2,743 mm)
Length 191.4 in (4,862 mm) (1989–1991)
191.2 in (4,856 mm) (1986–88)
Width 72.4 in (1,839 mm) (1989–1991)
71.7 in (1,821 mm) (1986–88)
Height 53.2 in (1,351 mm) (1989–1991)
53.7 in (1,364 mm) (1986–88)

1988 Cadillac Eldorado Front Grille

1988 Cadillac Eldorado Rear with Tire kit
Based on a consultant's prediction that by 1986 gasoline in the U.S. would reach $3 per gallon and that smaller luxury cars would be in demand,[64] the 11th generation Eldorado was substantially downsized — by 16 inches (410 mm) in length and 350 pounds (160 kg) in weight — along with GM's badge engineered variants, the Oldsmobile Toronado, Buick Riviera, as well as the four-door Cadillac Seville.

The predicted higher fuel prices did not materialize, and with the 11th generation carrying a base price of $24,251, nearly 16% higher than the 1985 model, annual sales of the Eldorado dropped 72% from the final year of the previous generation.[60] One automotive observer noted the 11th generation Eldorado was too small for Cadillac's traditional customers, yet unable to attract buyers from the targeted competitors, e.g., BMW and Mercedes-Benz.[64]

Buick and Oldsmobile's variants carried Buick's 3.8 liter V6 engine, while the Eldorado continued with the 4.1 liter V8.[64] A single fiberglass transverse leaf spring was used for its fully independent rear suspension. Four wheel disc brakes were standard, as was electronic leveling control.[65] The completely redesigned instrument panel featured a fully digital display. The shift lever was moved from the steering column to the center console. New redesigned bucket seats had lumbar support. The Biarritz option featured an upgraded interior with genuine walnut trim on the instrument panel, center console and door panels.[65]

1985's convertible body style was dropped to make way for the forthcoming Cadillac Allanté roadster. For the first time, the Eldorado no longer featured a hardtop body style, instead using framed door glass. Despite its much smaller exterior size, the Eldorado's interior volume remained comparable to the previous generation.[64]

Model year changes
1987
Aside from a longer, 5 year/50,000 mile warranty, the Eldorado was virtually unchanged for 1987, though with a price drop, to $23,740 ($61,151 in 2022 dollars [10]). The standard suspension, with new taller 75 series (previously 70) tires and hydro-elastic engine mounts, was slightly retuned for a softer ride, while the optional ($155) "touring suspension" ($399 in 2022 dollars [10]), with deflected-disc strut valves and 15-inch alloy wheels, remained for those desiring a firmer ride. As part of a federal requirement to discourage "chop-shop" thieves, major body panels were etched with the VIN. Also new, a combination cashmere cloth with leather upholstery, and locking inertia seat belt reels for rear seat passengers, which allowed for child-seat installation in the outboard seating positions in back. The formal cabriolet roof was added this year. Available for $495 on the base Eldorado, it featured a padded covering over the rear half of the roof, and turned the rear side glass into smaller opera windows. One of the Eldorado's most expensive standalone options was the Motorola cellular telephone mounted inside the locking center arm rest. Priced at $2,850 ($7,341 in 2022 dollars [10]), it had been reworked this year for easier operation, and featured a microphone mounted between the sun visors for hands-free operation. Additionally, the telephone featured a radio mute control: a