The biggest obvious change to the 1969 Cadillac Eldorado was a return to four open headlights instead of the vacuum-operated hidden headlights on earlier versions. The redesigned grille was a finer cross-hatch design, separating the headlights, but the body was little changed from the previous year. A “halo roof” now surrounded any vinyl top with a strip of body color paint.

Inside, the dashboard was redesigned to bring all the gauges and controls in front of the driver. Mindful of the Eldorado’s market, most power assists were now standard, including brakes, variable-ratio steering, windows (even rear vent windows), and door locks. An optional sophisticated new climate control system measured temperatures in the car at several different points, and increased airflow by 19 percent. A dizzying list of upholstery colors and styles offered 91 combinations in cloth and 95 in leather, even more than in the bespoke 1930s, when the customer’s imagination was the only limit.

Cadillac sales dropped slightly overall in 1969 but Eldorado sales held steady at 23,333 units for the year. Eldorado prices started at $6711, but most cars were heavily optioned. Cadillac’s only engine remained the 375 bhp 472 cubic-inch V-8 with a 3-speed Turbo-Hydra-Matic transmission, still split in the Eldorado’s case with the gearbox on the left hand side of the engine and connected by a sophisticated chain. Suspension was still torsion bars up front with leaf springs at the rear, and self-leveling rear suspension.

The Eldorado was again available with leather bucket seats as an option or a bench seat with folding center armrest. Popular options included air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering column, remote trunk release, rear window defogger, AM/FM radio, vinyl roof, power seat, power door locks, front disc brakes, cruise control, tinted glass, heated front seats, and automatic headlight dimmer.

Cadillac sold its 4-millionth car in June 1969 but faced a sales decline in part due to a strike. However, the division retained the 11th spot in the U.S. auto market, selling almost four times as many cars as 12th place Lincoln.