1978 Cadillac Eldorado
The last year of this iteration of Eldorado, touted by Cadillac as the world's most elegant personal car, was 1978. The 1971-1978 Eldorado was competition for the Lincoln Division and its Continental and Mark IV and later Mark V personal luxury cars. Shared General Motors corporate platform cousins included the front-wheel-drive Oldsmobile Toronado and rear-wheel-drive Buick Riviera.
For consignment GM's last gasp for the large Caddy. Front wheel drive, and a padded landau top, large straight steel panels, and 425 cubes have these 2 owners 56,272 original mile car on stage here at Classic Auto Mall.
Exterior
Lights! Camera! Action! Turning the lights on in our studio we see Cotillion White large straight steel panels minding their gaps fairly well. The original owner enjoyed this car until the ripe old age of 96 so there are a few garage scars on this car. A padded maroon landau top in elk grain pattern shows in nice condition covers the rear third of the roof, and sports opera windows for the rear passengers to watch the world go by as they are whisked around the countryside. Chrome trim and badging all are in nice condition with good shine and no pitting. In the driver's side view mirror is a pop out thermometer which is kinda nifty. Standard Caddy wheel covers are on all 4 corners, as are thin white sidewall tires.
Interior
Cut! Clean white luxuriously padded vinyl along with wood appliqu and a hint of red carpeting house power windows, locks and a mirror toggle on the large doors. As we pan to the seats, we see clean white leather big buckets with a 60/40 setup, and all power operated. In the back is a large overstuffed bench also in white leather, very clean. These float in a sea of nice maroon carpet and are accented by maroon seat belts. The original dash shows no fading or cracking and is loaded with all the spoils of conveniences like climate control, cruise control, power antenna, and an AM/FM/8 track player. An original steering wheel fronts the dash, and a tight white headliner floats above.
Drivetrain
Speed.... Rolling! The original unrestored 425 cubes of V8 are under the massive hood. A TH425 3-speed automatic transmission is driven by this power plant, and is aided by a single 4-barrel carburetor atop. 2.73 is the final drive. All working together to provide silent power.
Undercarriage
A touch of surface rust here and there on the usual suspects, but certainly structurally sound, a solid frame un-marred floorpans and buttoned up rockers. Independent coil springs upfront, and coil springs on the rear provide the ride, and power disc brakes are on all 4's.
Drive-Ability
The first thing you'll notice is the lack of a center hump, due to the front wheel drive. A turn of the key, and she purrs like a kitten. I threw her into gear and my cruise began in earnest. Smooth ride, plenty of quiet power, good handling with no creaking or squeaking, and an overall pleasurable experience. All quiet on this set.
Well cared for by an older gent, then passing it on to his nephew who had his folly with it, a recent respray, new bumper fillers, new brakes and tires, and we have an Oscar winning classic.
VIN Decode
6L47S8Q106708
6-Cadillac
L-Eldorado
47-2 Door Hardtop Coupe
S-425ci V8 180hp
8-1978
Q-Detroit Assy Plant
106708-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
ST 78 6EL47-1978 Eldorado Hardtop Coupe
BDY FWD001543-Fleetwood Body #
TR 112R-White Leather, Red Carpet
PNT 11 74T-Cotillion White, Mulberry Vinyl Top
01D-4th Week January Build
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.