“America II is to yachting what Cadillac is to automobiles – an American standard for the world.” That’s how Cadillac positioned its special limited-edition Eldorado that was a byproduct of Cadillac becoming the first corporate sponsor of the America II, the USA’s leading contender to bring the America’s Cup sailing race back to the good old USA in 1987. And here’s one of those surviving 1,987 that’s obviously been pampered with only 36,104 showing on the electronic odometer. Located in New Jersey (Monroe Township), this limited-edition Eldorado is for sale here on craigslist for $5,900. Another shout out to Mitchell G for sending this nautical-themed Caddy our way!
The seller, who identifies himself only as “Mike”, is pretty mum about the details and history of the Eldorado as his ad reads: “1986 Cadillac Eldorado with only 36,000 miles. The car drives like new. AMERICAN Edition which was sold exclusively at one dealership in Staten Island.” Reaching out to the Paul Drake online investigative firm, I found out the following: The America II Eldorado featured two-tone paint, white with a light blue “water line” stripe on the bottom, America II badging inside and out, genuine American walnut interior trim, special Dark Blue Biarritz leather seating areas, special color-keyed wheels, had a retail price of $26,000 (almost $73k in 2023 dollars), and Skipper, John Kolius, was presented with the keys to the official car of the America II sailing team at the Newport, Rhode Island christening of the final America II built.. Mr. Drake wasn’t able to verify if these limited-edition Eldorado’s were sold exclusively at one dealership in Staten Island or not.
Based on Mike’s provided photos, the Eldorado’s exterior is in great shape and I’m not spotting any flaws in the paint, trim, shiny stuff, glass, lenses, or special two-toned wheels. The panels looks straight and there’s no sign of rust. This Eldo has obviously spent a lot of time indoors and away from harsh elements and the salt air.
The plush Biarritz-level dark blue interior and appointments seem appropriate for the sailing and yacht club folks and is in very good condition. About the only flaw I see is the splitting seam on the driver’s leather seat bottom. Perhaps this limited-edition Eldorado was made for Mel Brooks or an owner who liked driving around Central Park eating Beef-a reeno, but I’d think it wouldn’t be a difficult repair to make. Being an Eldorado, I’m sure this one is loaded with creature comforts including power seats, windows, steering, brakes, cruise control, AC, etc., etc. Mike doesn’t say if everything works, but we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say they do.
In their sales booklet, Cadillac stated, “Like the America II, the Limited-Edition Eldorado is a world-class performer as well.” With independent four-wheel suspension and a front-drive, transverse-mounted V8 (a Cadillac exclusive that contributes to Eldorado’s interior roominess).” Under the Eldorado’s hood is the original 4.1 liter V8 with 36,104 miles on the digital clock. It was rated at 130 horsepower at 4200 rpm when new and is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
This 1986 represents the eleventh-generation Eldorado, and thanks to a rumor about a possible gas shortage in 1986, was downsized from the downsized previous generation and only available as a coupe. Limited-edition models are hit-and-miss in the vintage car collectibility world. This one seems to be priced in line with other well-preserved America II Eldorados that have sold online. So, “Ahoy, Me Hearties!”, what do you think of this Limited-Edition America II Caddy? Does it float your boat?
I do not like the car at all even if it’s the only one built.
It was so-called “Cadillacs”, like this one, and I hate to even besmirch that once grand name with this total garbage on four wheels, that turned-on a generation of car buyers to Japanese luxury, reliability and over all quality in the guise of Lexus, Infinity and Acura. If this car was actually found in a barn: leave it there, cover it with horse dung and pray it just disappears!
That overflow canister looks like it has beefaroni in it.
….or it overheated with old rusty water & antifreeze and left the residue on the inside walls of the overflow tank.
Stop with the hate on this car! I was 17 when my boss brought one like this brand new. He had me take him and his wife to the airport in it and said I could drive it for the next couple of days and then pick him up again. I fell in love with this car and as for the looks I think it’s beautiful and if I did not have a 92 flare side I would buy this gem. Love it
I was a few years older than you Joshua when it came out. Think about it…. A Cadillac barely bigger than a Pontiac Grand Am if not the same size, but with a V8. They were quick for their time. GM unfortunately thought front drive was the way to go. I personally love Cadillacs , but not particularly one of these. But still respect it for what it was in its time. I remember the downsized Riviera and Toronado as well.
Isn’t this just an Olds with a v8???
Hahaha! Nicest one left?
Yep, I’d take a Lexus or almost any japanese car over a Cadillac
Sorry for all the hate comments, but I’m going to add one more.
The Cadillac Eldorado went down hill fast after 1978. Cadillacs of the 80s were horrible, except for the rear wheel drive Fleetwoods. Especially the Eldorados. Small, and boxy and definitely no class or “Standard of the World”. The new standard was Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Acura, etc.
Eldorado didn’t start to get somewhat attractive until the early 90s.
As far as I’m concerned, the 80s was a wasted decade , automotivly speaking.
GM was the worst, followed by Chrysler and then Ford. Just my opinion, of course.
I love this caddy it’s worth the asking price just because it’s a Cadillac. I owned a mid eighties DeVille with air ride white with royal blue leather. The leather was soft the way it should be it rode like floating on a cloud the overall quality was excellent out side of regular maintenance I didn’t have to do anything. I would take this or any Cadillac over any of those japanese cars. If I had the funds available I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase this caddy and enjoy it every day. All said is just my opinion. To the seller I know you will miss it and to the buyer enjoy.
Cadillac? In name only ! What a shame to watch Cadillac slowly slide downhill and produce garbage like this !
Dreadful little cars. I’m surprised there was demand for 1987 of these special editions when overall Eldorado sales fell from 76,301 in 1985 to 21,342 in 1986. Forget the Cimarron – this freeze-dried Eldorado and its Seville companion were Cadillac’s biggest flops. The irony is that the basic chassis was good enough to survive through the end of the Eldorado in 2002.
Well, here I go again!
A lot of vehicle’s have some type of issue? Usually it’s something small that a person is willing to accept? Or perhaps because it looks so good and the little hiccup that you just bought was repaired, you move on and overall you’re happy.
Not in this case. This vehicle was dog ugly for starters, no Cadillac resemblance at all, then you have a engine that was a complete turd.
If that isn’t enough, someone comes up with this bizarre two tone paint scheme? It’s just baffling!
Sorry, but it’s just my oponion!
the front overhang on this ugly beast is ghastly. This was “the standard of the world”? wow, and the seat seams are splitting at this low milage? Standard of the world my ass, no wonder Cadillac fell from grace and will never recover. A brand can’t survive off gangster rap videos with star SUV, a gilded Tahoe called the Escalade. I remember when Cadillacs where the car to have. No more, that ship sailed away about 1972.