84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website

84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website

84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website

84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website84 & 85 Eldorado Convertible Registry And Information website
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Add my Special Eldorado to the history books

1985 Special Commemorative Edition

1985 Eldorado Commemorative Edition in Cotillion White with White and blue interior.

The 1985 Eldorado Commemorative Edition

A final salute to the classic E-body 

(and how to spot one)


Origins

By the mid-1980s, Cadillac’s sharp-edged Eldorado—introduced for 1979—was approaching the end of its run. A downsized, front-drive successor was slated for 1986, so Cadillac marked the occasion with a tasteful farewell package for 1985: the Commemorative Edition. Rather than chasing performance, the CE leaned into craftsmanship and presentation, celebrating the outgoing body style with unique trim, curated color combinations, and subtle gold accents.

When it happened

The Commemorative Edition appeared during the 1985 model year as a late-run package and ended with the close of 1985 Eldorado production. It did not carry forward to 1986. Think of it as a capstone—produced only within that final model-year window.

What made it different

The CE wasn’t a mechanical special; its distinction was visual and interior-focused. Typical cues included:

  • Gold-tone scripts and emblems (including wheel cover centers) that read more “celebration” than flash.
  • A sail-panel medallion identifying the edition.
  • A steering-wheel/horn-pad crest specific to the package.
  • Curated colorways, most often seen in Cotillion White or Commodore Blue exteriors with blue and/or white leather cabins, dark blue carpets/dash, and coordinated striping.

Most Commemorative Editions were built on the upscale Biarritz trim, so you’ll often see the stainless-steel roof band and plush interior appointments that defined that name.

The convertible story 1985

They were sold new through Cadillac dealers and carry VIN/label clues to their provenance. For 1985, a small number of CE-themed convertibles were produced alongside the more common CE coupes. Exact counts are not documented publicly; collectors generally agree the CE convertible is significantly rarer than the CE coupe.

Production context 

Cadillac wasn’t saying goodbye to Eldorado—only to that long-running body. The Commemorative Edition signaled respect for an era that had been both successful and instantly recognizable: a crisp profile, dignified proportions, and the kind of interior luxury that buyers expected from a flagship personal coupe. The CE gave loyal customers a way to purchase a “last-of-the-line” Eldorado that looked and felt special without changing its mechanical formula.

Legacy

Today, the 1985 Commemorative Edition serves as a time capsule from the final chapter of the classic E-body Eldorado. CE coupes are the most visible, while CE convertibles sit near the top of many collectors’ wish lists due to their scarcity and the visual drama of the open roof combined with the gold-accent details. For enthusiasts building registries or documenting cars, the CE’s specific trim tells a clear story: an elegant bow on a beloved design.

Quick identifiers 

  • Badging: “Commemorative” sail-panel medallion; unique horn-pad crest.
  • Trim: Gold-tone Cadillac scripts/emblems; gold-background wheel cover centers.
  • Colors: Most commonly Cotillion White or Commodore Blue; interiors in dark blue, white, or blue/white two-tone with dark blue dash and carpet.
  • Convertible note: 1985 CE convertibles exist but in very small numbers; they are ASC conversions sold through Cadillac dealers.

Myths & realities

  • “It’s a performance model.”
    No—Commemorative Edition changes were cosmetic/trim-focused, not mechanical.
  • “Every 1985 Eldorado with gold emblems is a CE.”
    Not necessarily. Verify sail-panel and horn-pad identifiers and interior/paint combinations.
  • “There were thousands of CE convertibles.”
    Unlikely. CE convertibles are understood to be rare; precise figures haven’t been published.
  • “The CE continued into 1986.”
    It did not. The package closed with the 1985 body style. 
  • “Vinyl or landau top .”
    NO 1985 Commemorative Eldorados or Sevilles had a Landau or Vinyl top. They all came from the factory with no Landau or Carriage tops.

We created this registry to document these cars and how they were built

Add Your 1985 Eldorado CE to the Registry 

We’re building the story of the 1985 Eldorado Commemorative Edition—together. Because Cadillac never released a neat, tidy list, your car’s details help fill in the puzzle. A few minutes from you = better history for everyone.

Why register?

  • Keep the legend alive. Your colors, trim, and options help us map what was really built.
  • Help fellow owners. Good info makes it easier to verify and restore these cars.
  • Boost your car’s story. A simple listing adds provenance for shows, insurance, and future value.

What we’ll ask for (quick + easy)

  • Coupe or ASC convertible
  • Exterior & interior colors, notable options/RPOs
  • VIN (will not be puplic)
  • A few photos (badge, horn pad, wheels, and a nice overall shot)
  • Any docs you’re comfortable sharing (window sticker, invoice, etc.)

Your privacy matters 

We never post your full VIN or personal info. You choose what’s public. Want changes later? Just ask—we’ll update or remove anytime.

Ready?

It’s about 4–6 minutes. Grab a couple photos and click below: Proceed to the registry form below ,Have your Vin #,your Build date from the sticker in the drivers side door, and a picture of your RPO codes from the sticker on the trunk lid to reference

Register Your Commemorative Edition

The Exclusive Two-Tone Interior

Distinctive Two-Tone Leather Seating

The defining feature of the 1985 Eldorado Commemorative Edition is this exclusive interior scheme. Unlike the standard production models which typically came in solid colors, the CE featured a unique Two-Tone Leathercombination. The seats are finished in White leather with contrasting Dark Blue (Commodore Blue) piping and trim. This plush, button-tufted "pillow style" design was specific to this limited run and is the primary indicator of a genuine Commemorative Edition.

Rear Cabin Luxury & Continuity

The custom color palette extends seamlessly to the rear of the cabin. Notice how the Dark Blue carpeting and seat belts contrast against the White leather of the rear bench. On a standard 1985 Eldorado Biarritz, these areas would typically be a single color. Because these interiors were hand-fitted during the conversion process, preserving the condition of this specific blue-and-white leather is critical for the vehicle's value, as correct replacement hides are becoming increasingly difficult to source.

Gold-Accented Driver Controls

The "Commemorative" distinction is all about the jewelry. While the dashboard layout retains the classic digital or analog configuration of the 1985 Eldorado, the steering wheel hub features a special Gold-Accented Emblem rather than the standard silver or colored crest. This gold detailing was designed to match the gold-plated keys and the exterior gold badging, serving as a subtle reminder to the driver that they are behind the wheel of the ultimate collector's edition.

Exterior

The Signature Sail Panel Medallion

This is the definitive signature of the car. Located on the C-pillar (sail panel) behind the rear quarter windows, this distinct cloisonné-style medallion features the classic Cadillac crest surrounded by a gold border reading "COMMEMORATIVE EDITION." It serves as the ultimate exterior seal of authenticity, proudly announcing that this vehicle is one of the final special editions of the classic E-body era.

The Rare Convertible-Specific Patch

While the Coupes wore a metal medallion, the Commemorative Edition Convertible required a unique solution for its canvas roof. Exclusive to these open-top models, a specific embroidered patch was stitched directly onto the sail panel. Because canvas tops are often replaced over forty years, finding an example with this original embroidered crest intact is exceptional. It remains the most difficult detail to replicate and the ultimate "fingerprint" of a genuine CE Convertible

The Complete Exterior Gold Badge Suite

The gold package wraps the entire car. This collage highlights the specific brightwork that separates a Commemorative Edition from a standard Biarritz. Beyond the gold grille script and hood ornament, look for the unique gold "Eldorado" script on the trunk lid corner. A critical detail often overlooked is the miniature gold crest embedded directly into the taillight lens, ensuring the "Commemorative" status is visible even from behind

Exclusive Gold-Center Wheel Hardware

Even the rolling stock received special treatment. While the wire wheel covers may look similar to standard Eldorado Biarritz models at a glance, the Commemorative Edition featured unique center caps. These caps display the Cadillac crest against a special gold background, replacing the standard red background found on regular production models. These wheels were typically paired with the correct style 1.5-inch whitewall tires to complete the classic look

RPO V4U: The Ultimate Proof

Badges and gold trim can be added to any 1985 Eldorado, but the Service Parts Identification sticker in the trunk does not lie. This label lists every option installed at the factory. To authenticate a genuine Commemorative Edition, you must find the code V4U. This is the specific factory order code for the Commemorative package. If "V4U" is missing from this sticker, the car is not a factory-original Commemorative Edition, regardless of what badges it wears.

(Note: The VIN in this image has been intentionally blocked to protect the owner's privacy. We treat all owner information in our registry with this same level of security.)

An early advertising piece

1985 eldorado commemorative edition

This Image was provided by the GM Heritage Archives.

Learn more about the GM Heritage Archives

Links to photo galleries of Commemorative Edition cars

once you register your car , forward us a Glamour shot
Gallery of registered cars Gallery

1985 Commemorative Edition Eldorado in Cotillion white

George Philips of Elite Motor Cars in Peabody mass is one of the experts on these cars, George takes us on a walk around of one of his favorite cars a 1985 Commemorative 

1985 Commemorative Edition Eldorado in commodore Blue

George Philips of Elite Motor Cars in Peabody mass takes us on another walk thru on a Commodore Blue paint, two-tone interior, and special badges. that his customer entrust him to maintain 

1985 Commemorative Edition Seville in commodore Blue

George Philips of Elite Motor Cars in Peabody mass takes us on another walk thru on a Commodore Blue Seville , with a two-tone interior, and special badges. 

A link to Elite Motor cars Facebook page

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