I am always irresistibly drawn to original, unmolested classics, especially if the car has a known ownership history. This 1974 Cadillac Eldorado features those traits, and the icing on the cake is its odometer reading of 28,000 original miles. It has a few minor functional issues, but none will prevent its new owner from indulging in a spot of relaxing and luxurious classic motoring. Its most pressing need is a new home, with the seller listing the Caddy here on Craigslist in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. It could be yours for $14,999, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this fantastic survivor.

Many believe the Ninth Generation Eldorado, which graced showroom floors from 1971 until 1978, was the last “true” Cadillac. Its overall length and wheelbase grew compared to its predecessor, and it would take an entirely new model released for the 1979 model year to see that trend reversed. Our feature car emerged from the factory in 1974 and has a known history. The seller’s grandfather ordered it in Cotillion White with a matching Landau-style vinyl top. It has been pampered and garage-kept for its entire life, helping to explain its excellent preservation. Its cause has been further helped by the fact it has covered a genuine 28,000 miles during fifty years plying our roads. The paint might not be perfect, but it retains a healthy shine and no evidence of significant flaws. The hood’s leading edge is prone to chips, but the first owner opted for a dealer-fitted bug catcher before taking delivery. The seller recently removed it but includes the catcher if the new owner wishes to reinstall it. The panels are straight, and this Caddy has no history of accident damage, repairs, or restoration. The seller doesn’t mention rust problems; the only noted fault is the typical crumbling filler panels. A painted replacement set is included for the buyer to fit at their leisure. The trim is impressive for a survivor-grade vehicle, and the tinted glass has no visible problems.

The Arab Oil Embargo of 1973/1974 forced American vehicle manufacturers to rethink what engines to slip under the hoods of their new cars. Fuel was in short supply, and it was common to see long lines of vehicles lined up at filling stations when it was available. Against this backdrop, manufacturers began downsizing engine capacity to reduce fuel consumption and meet emission regulations. It seems Cadillac didn’t receive the memo because this Eldorado features the 500ci V8 that would serve faithfully until 1977. It sends 210hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. It is worth noting that the Eldorado is a bit of a giant, and with 5,103 lbs to shift, it would always need something special under the hood to provide respectable performance. Outright acceleration was never the object of the exercise, with most owners more concerned about the Caddy’s ability to effortlessly transport them from Point A to Point B. The Eldorado ticks that box but does so while consuming fuel at the rate of 9mpg. Potential buyers seeking a luxurious, turnkey classic will be particularly attracted because the car has a documented history. It runs and drives perfectly and is ready to hit the road for summer fun.

Scrolling through the supplied images, I was particularly impressed by this Eldorado’s interior. It makes a striking visual statement in Red and White, featuring the typical touches buyers expected from a luxury model during this period. The seats feature supple White leather that looks exceptional. There is no wear, stains, or other problems. The carpet seems perfect, and even the factory rubber floor mats are excellent. The seller notes the lack of wear on the wheel’s timber insert, which supports the mileage claim. There are a couple of functional issues for the buyer to address. The air conditioning system is leaking, and the clock has only functioned when it felt like it since the 1980s. Otherwise, everything works as it should. The new owner receives power windows, power locks, power front seats, a power trunk release, a tilt/telescopic wheel, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player. For those wishing to recapture a bygone era, the glovebox contains the original Cadillac 8-track cartridge.

Cadillac offered buyers its Ninth Generation Eldorado in two body styles, with 32,812 selecting the Coupe variant in 1974. That total marked a sales volume drop of 23% compared to the previous year. No one factor accounted for the slide, although the oil crisis didn’t help its cause. This Eldorado is a genuine survivor that could turn more heads today than when the first owner drove it off the showroom floor. The seller’s price looks realistic, and it has only been on the market for a day. I think it will find a new home fairly quickly, meaning you may need to act fast if you want to be the new owner.