The 1967 Cadillac Eldorado represented a huge break from tradition, and its front-wheel drive foreshadowed Cadillacs of the future. Mechanically it was directly descended from the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado, but refined with unmistakable Cadillac design cues and carrying significant mechanical differences. The project realized Bill Mitchell’s desire to get Cadillac into the burgeoning personal luxury car market, and it took direct aim at the Ford Thunderbird. Built on its own separate production line, the 1967 Eldorado design would continue through 1970, and Ford would scramble to reply with the Lincoln Continental Mk III.

Featuring elegant razor-edge styling, a long-hood, short trunk, formal roofline, and hidden headlights, the Eldorado was a hit from the outset. The engine was Cadillac’s base 340 bhp 429 cid V-8, with a split transmission. The torque converter and 3-speed automatic transmission were beside the engine and separated by a chain drive, which was strong and simple. Suspension was by torsion bars in front and leaf springs at the rear. The Eldorado offered variable ratio power steering and automatic rear leveling as standard equipment.

Handling characteristics were reported to be neutral, and second-year improvements in the Toronado front suspension were adopted. Base price was $6277 and 17,930 found buyers in the first year. All 1967 Cadillacs offered an energy absorbing steering column, padded dash and recessed switches along with a red warning light for the dual circuit braking system. The Eldorado was the only Cadillac to offer front disc brakes.

The Eldorado was available with leather bucket seats or a bench seat with folding center armrest. Options included air conditioning, tilt steering column, remote trunk release, AM/FM radio, vinyl roof, power seat, power door locks, front disc brakes, cruise control, and tinted glass ($50.55). The Eldorado was available in 21 exterior colors and nine interior colors.

Magazine road tests revealed the Eldorado could manage 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds and a quarter-mile in 17 seconds at 81 mph, not that most Eldo owners pushed their car that hard.