・The last of the American ‘land yachts’, presented in fantastic condition ・Exceptionally low mileage, well maintained example ・Original paint in excellent condition
The Background
The stand-out Cadillac model in the range, the iconic Eldorado defined the American ‘land yacht’ and, by the late 70’s when this particular car was produced, the it had reached its peak size. This was one of, if not the, premiere luxury cars of its time and, though the name ‘Eldorado’ may be Spanish, this car is about as American as it gets. Providing a silky smooth, supremely comfortable, and luxurious driving experience, this is a classic car that you certainly won’t find in abundance on UK roads today.
Something of this size and weight, of course, needs something equally large and hefty to pull it along, so up front in this 1978 model you’ll find an enormous 7 litre V8 engine. This left-hand drive car, which seats six in its vast cabin, has been driven minimally and cherished by its current collector owner. The car has covered just 18,763km in its lifetime and has been lavished with care.
This Eldorado was imported into the UK from its Boston home early in 2000, with the current owner purchasing it in 2017 – a pertinent gift to himself to celebrate doctorates he’d received in America – and added it to his collection of luxury vehicles. Fastidious about the condition of his cars, the new owner was keen to guarantee the mechanical condition of his new purchase, booking it into a Rolls-Royce/Bentley specialist workshop for a ‘money no object’ overhaul of the mechanics and full service. Since 2017, the same workshop has looked after the Eldorado regularly.
In the past year, the owner has only covered 120 miles in the car due to his frequent need to travel for work. Regrettably, and with a fleet of other luxury cars which shows no sign of shrinking, it’s time to move this American Classic onto a new owner.
Though now exempt from an MOT requirement due to the age of the car, the owner had an MOT completed in 2017 and history for previous MOT’s exists in a well-organised and extensive history folder. The aforementioned specialist workshop began a fresh service record at the time which they have added to each year since. All work has been documented and is validated by the invoices supplied in the paperwork. The original owner’s manual and hard-to-come-by Haynes manual for the car are both included with the sale, as is a box of service parts to ensure the future maintenance.
Open the gigantic doors, lined with leather and wood and you’re confronted with one of the greatest attractions of the Eldorado: vast, pillow-like leather seats which present in excellent condition. So-to does the rest of the interior, with each one of the many, many novel controls found throughout it functioning as they should. The owner has had a modern media unit fitted, allowing aftermarket parking cameras to guide you into spaces, otherwise it feels very much like the original luxurious 70’s cruiser it is inside; personal ashtrays and cloud-like leather seats included. The original radio player has been retained and will be supplied to the new owner.
The sculpted lines follow all the way from the bonnet to the tail fins, flowing effortlessly into the rest of the body, creating a sense of movement even while the car sits stationary. Its original, cream paintwork presents fantastically with no damage noted on inspection and only a few very minor imperfections to the paint seen around the door handles. The vast amount of chrome shows next to no corrosion, barring a small patch spotted on the front bumper.
The only modification is the addition of – many would argue – much needed parking cameras/sensors at the front and rear which relay to the interior speakers and media screen.
Lift up the massive bonnet (we hope you’ve been working out) and you’ll find a roaring 7litre V8 engine turning over with a buttery smoothness, starting on the button every time. A drive around the block confirmed the plush, relaxing qualities you expect from a car like this, with no untoward knocks, rattles or squeaks – it drives, turns and stops perfectly thanks to the incredibly detailed and extensive servicing that it’s been subject to in its untroubled life.
The current owner’s local specialist dealership - with whom he has a long-standing relationship with – took the Eldorado into its workshop in 2017 to complete numerous remedial and preventive works. The following, fully-documented work was completed: ・Replacement shocks ・New white-wall tyres all round ・New Alternator ・All belts and service parts ・New battery
The owner also had a battery isolator fitted at the time to ensure the condition of the new battery remained perfect while leaving it garaged for extended periods.
No matter what turns up next to you at the traffic lights, if you’re sat in this Cadillac, there’s only going to be one car that everyone’s stopping to admire. Sat behind the wheel, looking over that long bonnet, your eyes guided along to the shining Cadillac emblem at the end of it, you’re reminded of what a special, luxurious car you’re in. And it’s not just you and your passengers who will feel special: it’ll brighten up the days of anyone else who happens to see it; this is a car that spreads happiness in its gigantic wake.
This example, with its thorough servicing and low mileage offers total peace of mind and leaves you with nothing to do but recline into the sofa-like leather seats and cruise to your hearts content.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
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RESERVE LOWERED - 1977 Cadillac Eldorado
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