Cadillac 1970–1979, An Era of American Automotive Opulence
by Robert S. Newbrough
Fifty years ago in 1974, Roy Schneider’s self-published Sixteen Cylinder Motor Cars, An Illustrated History appeared. The quarto-sized hardcover book was immediately recognized for the landmark magnum opus it was, as it so very nicely filled what had theretofore been a glaring lack of detailed information in a single volume on what can justifiably be described as the first “supercars.” It was a high-quality production, chock-full of finely reproduced large historical photographs showing the cars as they appeared new, along with modern-era professional photography produced specifically for that book. The format was portrait which was popular for such premium works at the time. Its success proved to be inspirational, as Schneider’s Cadillacs of the Forties, in the same format, followed in 1976. Cadillacs of the Fifties arrived in 1978 and was revised in 1989. Do you see a trend developing here? The long-anticipated Cadillacs of the Sixties appeared in 1995, but alas, this was to be the last of Roy Schneider’s significant, detailed contributions to the documentation of Cadillac history. Thirteen years ago Robert Newbrough decided to take up the gauntlet to continue the saga through the 1970s.
Pre-publication publicity stated this new book is intended to be the continuation of Schneider’s work, with some significant changes. That same publicity describes the finished product as a coffee table book. While the book’s dimensions (12 x 9″) fall into that category, what with its full 24-inch span when opened, to describe it as a coffee table book is in my mind an injustice, bordering on, if not quite being, an insult. Coffee table book-size it may be, but this is a very serious, highly detailed reference book that is clearly fully capable of being an argument arbitrator. Too often, coffee table books are intended to be low-cost eye-candy for inconsequential browsing to keep waiting room clients, customers, and patients quietly occupied and not much more. So let’s recognize this highly detailed photo-filled reference book for what it is and henceforth not call it a coffee table book.
In regards to the changes from Schneider’s series, the main one is in format, with a shift from portrait to landscape. This more suitably allows for the inclusion of full-profile photos of the cars without having to spill over the gutter. The other is the extensive use of color.
This is largely a photographic work, and as such, it is one of the, if not the best I have ever seen. Full-color photos abound, compellingly composed and sharply focused. What few monochromatic images that are included are copies of monochromatic originals, typically contemporary documents or pages from manuals. All car portraits and detail shots are in full color. The exposure of the original photos is spot-on in every case—highlights are not flared out and details are not lost in shadows. This is consistent throughout the book and is the best I have ever seen in a book of this type. The exactly correct use of fill-flash in photos taken at twilight, especially of dark-colored cars, is especially noteworthy as this skill is more an art than science and one that is mastered only through the School of Repeated Attempts Until Success Is Achieved. The use of premium heavy-weight glossy paper contributes substantially to this noteworthy accomplishment. After all, the best results are typically obtained through the use of the best materials.
Each year of the decade has its own chapter. Details unique to that model year are dealt with first. We are shown paint and upholstery samples, wheel cover options, optional equipment choices, etc. before we see that year’s models and what differentiates them from their predecessors. In this section of each chapter there are numerous lavender-background sidebars that show specifications for each model and body style, annual sales figures, production numbers etc. As a general rule human interest items that apply to that calendar year and that year’s models are brief and presented as sidebars to the main text. The cars themselves are then presented in breathtaking color photographs, many of which are full-page. A great many of them are low-mileage originals that have been maintained in showroom condition or are rare examples that have been painstakingly and correctly restored. Any variation from stock specs, such as the fairly common substitution of wheel covers from a different model year are pointed out in the photo captions.
Text within each of the annual chapters consists of a highly detailed description of that year’s models differences from the previous year’s models, new features for the model year, special seasonal and regional models, as well as options and accessories that were common across the board. Following that is a model-by-model breakdown of items unique to each model in the order Eldorado, Brougham and Fleetwood Brougham, deVille, and after 1975, Seville, culminating with the Series 75 Fleetwood Limousine and Eight Passenger sedan. Excerpts from showroom catalogs and other factory literature items are frequently used to illustrate features, and once again, color reproduction is first-rate. As this is a reference book, the text is almost devoid of human drama, but author Newbrough has inserted personal anecdotes from time to time that add a welcome element of human interest into what otherwise could be, despite his best and frequently successful efforts to the contrary, a rather dry recitation of facts and figures. In fact, the text is highly and easily readable. Newbrough is to be especially commended for his painstaking efforts in this regard.
At $99.95 (plus shipping) the book represents a genuine value. Books of this quality are often significantly more expensive. Currently it is available only from the publisher, the Cadillac and LaSalle Club, at bit.ly/clcstore.
As this volume represents a thirteen-year marathon effort from initial research to finished book in your hands, we probably shouldn’t be holding our breath waiting for Cadillac 1980–1989, but if Newbrough feels so inclined, we should all be as encouraging and helpful as we can to assist him in making that happen by making this most worthy tome an addition to your Cadillac library, especially so if you have a ‘70s Cadillac in the garage.
Copyright 2024, Mark Dwyer (speedreaders.info)
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