43k Original Miles: One Owner 1970 Cadillac Eldorado

Disclosure: Barn Finds may receive compensation from clicks and purchases. Use caution when purchasing vehicles long distance. We recommend inspections before sending money.

We’re no strangers to low-mile claims at Barn Finds, and these claims must sometimes be taken with a grain of salt. However, the history and condition of this 1970 Cadillac Eldorado make the odometer reading of 43,000 original miles plausible. It is a one-owner survivor that presents beautifully, bearing the hallmarks of a luxurious classic that has always been treated with respect. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beautiful Cadillac listed here on eBay in Chicago, Illinois. The seller set their auction to open at $5,000, but has received no bids. Interestingly, there is no indication of a reserve, which may mean that regardless of how sedate the action is, someone could take this Caddy home with a single bid.

Cadillac marketed its Eighth Generation Eldorado between 1967 and 1970, with our featured car rolling off the line during the final production year. Although it was slightly smaller than its predecessor, the Eldorado still provided impressive interior space and the luxurious motoring experience for which the marque was renowned. This Eldorado is a one-owner survivor that looks stunning in San Mateo Red with a White vinyl top. The seller’s close-up images paint a positive picture, with no evidence of significant cosmetic faults. The paint shines deeply, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no rust, seemingly supporting the seller’s claim that this Eldorado has been garage-kept since Day One. The vinyl and trim are excellent, the tinted glass is clear, and the narrow whitewalls add the perfect finishing touch.

Although the seller supplies no engine bay images, we know that this Eldorado features the company’s 500ci V8. New for 1970, this motor sends a factory-quoted 400hp and 550 ft/lbs of torque to the front wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. The fact that the Eldorado sends its power to the front wheels marked a radical new approach by Cadillac, taking the opportunity to utilize the Unified Powerplant Package (UPP) pioneered by Oldsmobile in the Toronado. The UPP improved interior space by eliminating the transmission and driveshaft tunnels, providing a flat floor. The seller claims that this survivor has 43,000 original miles on the clock. They don’t mention verifying evidence, but since this is a one-owner vehicle with plenty of documentation, the figure might be verifiable. It runs and drives perfectly, and is a turnkey proposition.

Trimmed in White leather, this Cadillac’s interior is exceptional for a survivor of this vintage. The leather features typical age creases, but no evidence of significant wear or other problems. The owner’s decision to protect the contrasting carpet beneath White mats is striking, and although the mats look slightly dirty, I think deep cleaning would make a significant difference. The dash and pad are spotless, and the woodgrain isn’t worn or faded. It isn’t the most lavishly equipped car to wear the Eldorado badge. Still, the climate-control air conditioning, power windows, AM/FM stereo radio, tilt wheel, and remote exterior mirror ensure that life aboard this classic will be pretty comfortable.

The presentation of this 1970 Cadillac Eldorado is first-rate, and although it hasn’t attracted any bids, the auction has only run for a few hours. The fact that eighteen people have added it to their Watch List so quickly suggests it has struck a chord with potential buyers. I don’t know if it could be considered the best example left on the planet, but it would undoubtedly receive plenty of praise for its overall presentation. If, as I suspect, this is a No Reserve auction, a single bid might be all that stands between this beauty and a new home. Is that idea enough to tempt you?

Get email alerts of similar finds

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. GregL.

    What a beautiful car, I remember them well. I would to hate to have to get the spare tire out of that pocket in the back of the trunk to change a flat tire.

    Like 10
    • Billy

      That’s why you should never drive a 1970 Eldorado alone.
      The trick is keep topshelf rubber on those steel wheels. Reminds me of a Rolling Stones tour.
      Anyway, I put two bottles of slime in each tire when new and carried a semi truck tire plug kit. Along with a 12v air compressor.
      Ya know, in all those years running all over the United States did I once ever have a blow out or catch a nail or any puncture.
      Gotta love Michelin tires.

      Like 2
  2. Stan StanMember

    400hp/550lb-ft single exhaust 🏁

    Like 10
    • wade

      beautiful ride, classy and fun af. mpg right around 6… but fun. and gotta watch the hood… if those hinge springs get weak, you’ll be guillotined checking the oil…. don’t ask me how i know that!!!

      Like 1
      • The Cadillac kid

        Where does everybody get these ridiculous gas mileage figures of 6 miles per gallon? That car will average easily 12 miles in the city unless you race everybody. I have had no cars except Cadillacs my whole life. Never had any get less than 12 miles per gallon and they were bigger than that El Dorado.

        Like 1
      • Daryl

        My 1970 Eldorado was advertised to get 7.1 miles per gallon, but I have never got better than 5 and have had mine for 27 years. I just switched over to electronic ignition and may get a little more. You’re right about the hood, oiled mine and paid the price for a bit.

        Like 0
  3. Kevin

    If I was to buy a Caddie this would be the one

    Like 14
  4. Big Bear 🇺🇸

    What a beautiful Eldorado. Love this body style from 67 to 70 only. I alway wonder if they would make it rear wheel drive would they sold more? Hard to believe 400 hp and tree stump pulling 550 lbs of tork!!! The kicker is SINGLE EXHAUST!!! I knew people who would have installed dual exhaust to make breathe better. The one thing that bother me was the big driving chain that transferred the power from the engine to the transmission to move. Sure you can smoke the poop out of those tires. But that’s no fun. Just sitting back looking cool and have cigar in your mouth would feel like your wall street rich! This is a hiway cruiser and I bet you can bury the speedometer!! If i had the cash. I would start with $15,000.00 and see what happens. They have 9 days to go. I really believe some lucky person will be driving this home. 🇺🇸🐻

    Like 8
    • Daryl

      These Eldorados are more light to light than top end. We raced a 1970 Eldorado against a 1964 Sedan de Ville on a long road. The Eldorado raced ahead but at about a 1/2 mile the 1964 passed like he was sitting still. Eldorado would do 120 and the Sedan de Ville would go 2 inches pass 120 and start bouncing. I have a 1970 Eldorado but only had it up to 90. Looks just like this car but not nearly as nice. This car is easily a $20,000 gem!

      Like 1
  5. Dave Brown

    I was 15 years old when this El Dorado was made by Cadillac. I was enamored with it. Modern styling, luxurious, coupe, and a 500 in.³ V8. The car was an engineering and technical marvel. It had all the Cadillac styling cues. This particular example looks spectacular. Maybe not as if it just drove off the showroom floor, but close. I come from a better time and Cadillacs like this made it a better time. This was American luxury, and the envy of the entire world. It was the standard of the world. That’s the last thing the Cadillac is now. Mary Barra should be absolutely ashamed of herself. She has single-handedly destroyed General Motors. I’d love to own this car. If ever, there was a way to burn gasoline this car is that way!

    Like 4
    • I’m pretty sure GM’s problems started well before Ms. Barra.

      As for the car, absolutely beautiful.

      Like 9
    • Nelson C

      I love this car, too. Hard to imagine then that in fifty years there would no longer be cars. As for the problems at GM, Mary is just the face of the company. The real problem is with the modern consumer and the price of everything. Only those with absolute means would consider a personal luxury car today.

      Like 9
    • Tim Mack

      The bean-counters had their way LONG before Mary Barra became the CEO! Once the “malaise era” started, GM started to consolidate the models to the point that you never knew if you had a Chevrolet or Oldsmobile V8 in your car, and the full-size cars pretty much were the same, with interchangeable parts (although I’m sure the dealers and parts departments made sure you paid more for a Buick part over a Chevrolet part, despite them being the exact same part!). Getting into the ’90’s, everything started to look the same, which contributed to the downfall of Oldsmobile, Pontiac and even Saturn. Even to this day, except for special editions, there isn’t much of a difference. GM had lost their way and their innovation before Mary graduated from high school!

      Like 6
  6. Philip

    In 1978, when I was 28, I purchased a 1970 Eldo in Santa Rosa, CA, a one owner car for $800, in good condition. I drove that car for 3 years, including a trip to Denver driving 100mph through Utah which felt like 60mph. One of the best cars I’ve ever owned and I’ve been wanting to own another for many years but living in San Francisco with 2 euro classics I have no more garage space. Sadly, I will dream on.
    Btw, this car is in Chicago? Salt issues?

    Like 4
  7. SN MIKE

    The first new Eldorado I ever saw was when I was on a Cub Scout camping trip in the mountains above Pacific Palisades CA and a father drove in late to bring his son to camp. It was a new ’67 Eldorado in Forrest green with a black vinyl top and it was stunning!! Several of us scouts walked around and checked it out in detail. I always thought it was the most gorgeous car I ever saw. Ended up working for Hughes Aircraft when GM purchased us and we got to participate in the GM Employee discount program. My parents bought several Caddies and I bought a ’97 Seville STS. It was like it was 1967 again!! Unfortunately, my Northstar was nothing but a lemon that they said needed a new engine at only 22k miles!😢 I said “NO WAY” and drove it straight to a Toyota dealer and traded it straight across for a new Camry V6 XLE 4 spd that no one wanted! It was one of the best cars I ever owned and fast too! Got over 220K miles trouble free before I sold it!!

    Like 8
  8. hairyolds68Member

    this 1 absolutely stunning Eldo. 1 of caddy’s best color combos from that time period. curious to see where it ends up. my guess is 30k+.

    Like 6
  9. J D

    I’ve been looking for 1967-1972 Muscle. Cougar, Camaro, Chevelle etc. If this beast would only fit in my garage, I think I might be swayed! The saying that “They don’take em like this anymore” certainly fits!

    Like 4
  10. rick

    there are bids you jack dass !

    Like 2
  11. Billy

    Must of missed something..
    Looks like a flipper!
    Temporary registration in the back glass.
    Guy took advantage of the little ‘ol lady and wanting to make a home run.

    Nice old eldo! If you ding it good luck on finding body parts.
    I’d drive the crap out of it. Just like I have done with 2 others.
    Not way keen on the interior shade tho.
    Oh well.

    Like 1
  12. Ken

    Beautiful car! Incredible preservation. I always thought GM styling made a mistake not retaining the hideaway headlights of the more beautiful 67-68 Eldorados. Even so, the 1970 Continental Mark lll outclasses this by a mile!

    Like 2
    • Tim Mack

      I would disagree, except for the fact that the Mark III made a good car for the movie “The Car”! LOL

      Like 1
    • Billy

      Sorry Ken. I’m not picking up what you’re laying down.
      My dad was a Lincoln man, until he drove one of my Eldos for a week. I had a hard time getting it back.

      Like 2
    • The Cadillac kid

      The only way Lincoln’s were ever better than Cadillacs is that they used less gas.
      They only started half the time.lol

      Like 1
      • Billy

        Everything is relative.
        Compare what the price of gas was 56 years ago as to what it is today. Now, take the percentage of what we used to pay for gas then and now and calculate that out to what people made then and now. You will see that we have been sliding backwards for the last 60+ years.
        It’s no wonder most people HAVE to drive death trap cars made out of recycled beer cans. It’s the only way global auto manufacturers can still make a buck.
        How long has it been since you heard of a non-fatal accident?

        Like 0
  13. Bluesman

    wow. wow. wow.

    Like 1
    • Philip

      Yeah, but better than a Durango? (my new benchmark)

      Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*