If you wish to live life at a more sedate pace, this 1969 Cadillac Eldorado could be the classic of your dreams. It is a genuine survivor with 71,000 miles showing on its odometer. Its presentation is consistent with a car that has always been treated respectfully, and it is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical issues. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this cool Caddy listed here on eBay in Costa Mesa, California. This survivor could be yours for $27,500 OBO.
The Eldorado badge joined the Cadillac range in 1952, and had reached its Eighth Generation by the time our feature car rolled off the line in 1969. It remained an extremely large car, offering owners a luxurious motoring experience. The first owner ordered this Eldorado in Sable Black, and as the seller rightly states, it is slightly unusual to see one of these classics without a vinyl top. I don’t view that negatively, because the decision immediately eliminated one potential rust trap. This car retains its original paint, with no history of repairs or restoration. Close inspection reveals a few flaws, but any reputable shop could address these faults relatively cheaply. The panels are straight, and life in California has left the car rust-free. The sparkling trim perfectly contrasts the dark paint, and the tinted glass is excellent.
This Eldorado’s interior has an undeniable “wow” factor. Trimmed in Black, it looks extremely inviting. The leather trim is free from wear, with only the typical age wrinkles. There are no signs of developing holes or other problems, and the carpet looks excellent for its age. The Californian sun hasn’t wrought havoc on the plastic. While it isn’t loaded with options, the air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front bucket seats, and AM radio with a power antenna are welcome features. The seller admits that the A/C requires recharging and that the driver’s seat power adjuster needs attention. Otherwise, everything works as it should.
Powering this Cadillac is the company’s 472ci V8. With the Eldorado tipping the scales at over 4,700 lbs, it required something pretty impressive to ensure respectable performance. This engine’s ability to generate 375hp and 525 ft/lbs of torque ticks that box, and with very linear torque delivery, the driver doesn’t need to slam the pedal to the metal to achieve respectable acceleration. A three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, and the car also features power steering and power brakes. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying the mileage claim. However, the car’s condition makes the figure plausible. The Eldorado rolls on new, narrow whitewalls and is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well.
This 1969 Cadillac Eldorado isn’t perfect, but its overall condition is impressive for a survivor of this vintage. From its rich Black paint to its suptuous interior, it represents luxury motoring at its finest. In an era when hybrid technology and electrification dominate the new-car market, slipping behind the wheel of a gas-guzzler like this almost feels irresponsible. However, if you play by the rules during the week, why shouldn’t you let down your hair on the weekend? That thought alone is enough to justify giving this Cadillac a closer look.
Beautiful car. Clarke says “Close inspection reveals a few flaws, but any reputable shop could address these faults relatively cheaply.” I’d like to find one of those shops. Do they still exist? Everytime I talk to one about doing a respray, no small job, they turn me away. They’re making all their money these days doing insurance jobs. I would love to find one in the Cleveland area.
No offense to the ’67 posted yesterday, but this ’69 is so much more of a statement vehicle. I said it yesterday, I’ll say it today, I prefer the ’69.
Yes, I agree! I owned a 1969 El Dorado, black with a leather maroon interior. I really enjoyed owning that car. This is back in the early 1970’s when gasoline was relatively inexpensive, so the MPG didn’t matter.
Love the original plates! Hope the car stays in CA.
You get a bigger motor with the 69 vs 67. Personally, aside from eating more gas, I felt like the bigger motor did nothing for the car. Great for burnouts, but the smaller motor had a better lift off when standing still. The hideaway headlights on the 67 make my day, so I’ll stick with the 67.
Lovely looking car. This is my favourite year for this generation Cadillac Eldorado.
A $27k vehicle that needs an AC charge? Then convert it to R134 and DO it! An AC charge cost me $60 last week. If it needs more than that, count on an additional $1500+.
Beautiful car, my stepfather seriously wanted one in the fall of 68, but my mother said NO! So he had to settle for a 69 98 convertible.
last of the good-looking Eldo’s. really rare to see bucket seats and all in black. i love it. fairly priced for the condition.
only fix the a/c with R12.134 will never be as cold as 12 no matter what you do. if it can’t be done in California due the stupid tree huggers then adjust the price accordingly but don’t cave to the R134. even with inop a/c 27k is not a bad #. non-working a/c doesn’t bother me i just fix it and nor complain about it.
Stupid tree huggers. Well, at least we know to begin a sentence with a capital letter, and then write a coherent thought. We learned that in college… well, actually in the 4th grade. We also learned that this is the only planet we’ve got, so we should take care of it.
According to the late, great George Carlin, the planet will be here long after we are all gone. It’s humankind we should be trying to save.
Given the current state of our leadership it’s going to be up to us.
ALL of us.
R134 in my 34 year old black Lincoln will have one cracking the windows in 95*/95H. Out & about in the sun on the road never gets above what feels like about 70. More than adequate!
The 429 engine was powerful but not the torque monster the 500 was. I have a 1970 Eldorado and wish vinyl tops were never invented. No vinyl top or side molding really enhances the looks of these beautiful cars.