The last of 1,596 Collector Series 2002 Eldorados built to commemorate this event and to pay homage to the Eldorado's place in automotive lore, rolls off the assembly line today at the Lansing Craft Centre, in Lansing, Mich. While production of the famous nameplate has ceased, the Eldorado name will forever be a part of Cadillac's storied past-and perhaps its future as well.
The 2002 Collector Series, available in two of the Eldorado's original colors (Alpine White and Aztec Red), was built in limited numbers to reflect three batches of the original 532 Eldorados built back in 1953.
For nearly half-a-century, the exclusive attributes of the Cadillac Eldorado have helped distinguish GM's luxury division from its competition. Long considered to be the ultimate in prestige, the Eldorado nameplate has also served as GM's technological showcase over the years, consistently debuting groundbreaking innovations and designs. The first Eldorado produced in 1953 was created be a truly American sports car that took power and luxury to a new level. The early Eldorados also featured one of the most famous and uniquely American design cues: the tail fin. Inspired by the Lockheed's P-38 Lightening Aircraft, this design cue reached its pinnacle with the 1959 Eldorado Biarritz and will forever be part of American popular culture.