We always appreciate the support provided by our readers. Whether via article feedback or leads to great classics to feature, the site grows stronger due to your input. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this 1970 Cadillac Eldorado. It is the third car to emerge from a private collection, proving Mitchell has an eye for classics with luxury leanings. It is a low-mile survivor needing a new home. Therefore, the seller has listed the Caddy here on Craigslist in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. They set their price at $12,500 for a luxury car, which is a turnkey proposition.
Cadillac launched its Eighth Generation Eldorado in 1967, with the latest offering remaining available until 1970. This car emerged during the final production year, with its original owner ordering it in Sauterne with a Dark Brown vinyl top. It presents well for its age, which is unsurprising since it recently emerged from the private collection of a passionate Cadillac enthusiast. The paint shines nicely and is free from the patchiness and deterioration that sometimes plagues metallic paint shades. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with tight and consistent gaps. I see no evidence of existing rust or prior repairs, and those issues don’t rate a mention in the listing. The trim is in excellent condition for its age, the hubcaps are free from curb strike and other physical damage, and there are no visible glass issues.
The Eldorado’s interior generally presents well for an unrestored survivor of this vintage. The piping on the outer edge of the driver’s seat shows wear, but it isn’t severe. It might be repairable, although a slipcover would prevent further deterioration if the new owner wishes to protect the car’s survivor status. The seat foam might be starting to collapse on the same side, but potential buyers will probably need to slip behind the wheel to determine whether they can live with it. The carpet is slightly worn under the driver’s feat, but it remains surprisingly good for a classic with over five decades under its belt. The dash and woodgrain trim are in good order, and there are enough creature comforts to satisfy most buyers. They receive air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio.
The biggest news for Eighth Generation Eldorado buyers was contained below its new exterior. Cadillac adopted the Unified Powerplant Package developed by Oldsmobile for use in its groundbreaking Toronado model. It utilized a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic 425 transmission to send engine power to the road via the front wheels. New for 1970 was the 500ci V8, producing 400hp and 550 ft/lbs of torque. Most Cadillac buyers were unconcerned about outright performance, focusing on a luxury motoring experience. However, that monster V8 can launch the car through the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds, which isn’t shabby for a vehicle tipping the scales at 4,718 lbs. The seller claims this survivor has 60,000 original miles on the clock, although they don’t mention verifying evidence. We receive no information on how this Eldorado runs and drives, but with the seller appearing approachable, receiving an answer should be straightforward.
Parting with a treasured classic car can be challenging, but for this seller to offer three simultaneously must have been a tough decision. This is the oldest of the group, and its condition probably isn’t to the same standard as its stablemates. However, it is still a tidy and clean classic that falls within the affordable category. It won’t appeal to everyone, but do you like it enough to pursue it further?
“He’s a pimp, he’s a mack, tilted brim in a Cadillac….” What is this, El Dog Saturday on Barn Finds?! I like the colors on this 70. Fits the aesthetic. I’d definitely throw (not literally) my two favorite ladies in this Caddy and cruise the stroll on a Friday night. Nice looking ride.
To be the guy or gal in town with this car would have been instant respect. The roof line predicted the next Toronado. Didn’t the quarter glass retract into the sail panel?
Yes about the quarter glass. A friend had one, the glass went back, not down
WHERE did all these Eldos go? When I was growing-up in Hollywood every block had at least one, paired with a Buick or Chrysler station wagon, or sometimes an added MG, Triumph or “pagoda” Mercedes. Our lady neighbor, who looked like a tall Elizabeth Taylor, had a white ’69, Eldo, black vinyl top and wild, black and white houndstooth interior. You’d sometimes see her at a stop light, long red fingernails curled over the steering wheel, and a cigarette in a fancy amber holder. My mother said it prevented nicotine stains on the teeth.She also semi-sneered: “She certainly can’t type with those nails! Jeeesh!” Ahh the 70’s!
I like this old Cadillac a lot. Has some similarities to the Gran Prix’s, which is one of my favorite cars from the past.
This could be a rare occasion where the milage listed is actual? The paint looks ok, without any mismatched panels. Perhaps it could be original?
It just has class. I would drive it just like it is.
Just my oponion!
In the mid 80s I had several of the sedans with the 472 ci motors but never an el dorado with the 500ci, cool car 👍
I’ve owned many Eldos of this era, along with many other luxury wagons from the US to Europe, but I can report there are no other cars that ride and perform like these 500 inch performance cruisers!
This is the first one of these I have seen in a long time where the steering wheel trim ring isn’t cracked.
There is nothing made by America or over seas that comes close to this absolute stunning land yacht. Because of it’s rarity this ultimate classic deserves to be the up front attraction in any auto museum and can only increase in value to some astronomical numbers, and will probably bring a deserving dollar figure many times more than it was purchased for as new! I only wish I had some of the Caddy led sleds that I have let go from years ago. Hindsight is always 20-20.
When I was a student my summer job boss had one like this. Huge Michelin tires. He had a free-flow muffler factory and raced Formula Atlantic cars as a hobby. He would scare the girl friends of his gf and me by driving so fast on the highway that tires would screech. Sitting in the back a girl was sick to her stomach and asked him to stop by the side of the road to throw up. I barely opened the door in time. That girl made the mistake of asking him, Peter…I thought a race car driver like you would have a Porsche or a Corvette, not a luxury car…
My 69 Coupe had a horn activation strip recessed in the steering wheel, it was great.
No matter where my hands were, my thumb easily blew the horn, although I did not know about this when I bought it and so I took the center (T) part on the wheel apart to find out why the button was not working.
My 70 did not have that. Wonder why they stopped it.
Stunning vehicle. I little more trivia on this model, antenna is built into the front windshield, makes for very pleasing body lines, but poor reception. In addition, the horn was actually part of the grip around the ring, not on the center. In panic mode you squeeze the wheel and honk, lol
I had one just like it in I believe 1975. Very nice car, I was to young to appreciate it. Very fast and comfortable.
Women in general are not car experts, and in general are not impressed with most classics. But put them in front of a 60’s or 70’s Caddy and their heart beats a little faster, especially Eldorados.
How true! Even more true when they get a ride in it.
Did GM ever use the 500 cubic inch engine in a truck or commercial truck?
No they did not. That was exclusive to Cadillacs only.