Almost since its inception, Cadillac has developed its reputation for prestige motoring. Many people aspired to own a Caddy, but prices typically proved beyond the financial means of mere mortals. However, the classic market now provides opportunities for enthusiasts to right that wrong with cars like this 1980 Cadillac Eldorado. Its presentation is first-rate, and with a genuine 79,000 miles on the clock, it should provide its new owner with years of reliable motoring. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Eldorado listed here on Craigslist in Twin Falls, Idaho. The seller has set their price at $10,000 and may consider interesting trades.

Cadillac introduced its Tenth Generation Eldorado in 1979. The entire industry focused on improving fuel efficiency during this period, and vehicles once considered “land yachts” were downsized to meet buyer demands. This was true of the Eldorado, with every physical dimension shrinking compared to its predecessor. This Eldorado left the line in 1980, ordered by its first owner in Saxony Red with a White Landau-style vinyl top. The paint still shines warmly, which is unsurprising considering the car has been garage-kept throughout its life. The vinyl is crisp and clean, and we must scrutinize the photos to locate only a tiny bump on the driver’s side front fender. Perhaps one of this car’s most appealing features is its factory moonroof. It offers fresh air on demand for those who prefer what Mother Nature provides, rather than air conditioning. The glass is clear, and the trim looks exceptional for a classic of this vintage.

Cadillac fitted the 1980 Eldorado with its 368ci V8 as standard equipment, utilizing Digital Fuel Injection to produce 145hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. It continued to use a three-speed automatic as the only available transmission, with power-assisted steering and brakes as standard equipment. The trend towards downsizing and weight reduction produced positive results. The Tenth Generation Eldorado shed almost 1,000 lbs when compared to its predecessor, with contemporary road tests confirming that fuel consumption figures improved by nearly 40% as a result. This Cadillac is in excellent mechanical health. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their mileage claim, but the car’s overall condition makes the claim plausible. The vehicle runs and drives perfectly, with no identified issues or shortcomings.

Air conditioning, power windows, power seats, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a rear defogger, remote exterior mirrors, and a factory radio and 8-track player. It appears that all of the “toys” that Cadillac buyers would rightfully expect during this period are present and accounted for. The color theme set by the exterior continues inside this classic, with most of the upholstered surfaces finished in White, and the dash and carpet resplendent in Red. The only question mark hanging over this interior relates to the dashpad. It is hidden under a cover, making it impossible to identify any potential cracks. However, the White leather looks exceptional, and there are no other visible shortcomings or functional issues.

With only a few exceptions, the Cadillac marque has typically been aspirational. This 1980 Eldorado demonstrates that. Its original sticker price would have been approximately $16,100, which equates to around $63,500 today. However, you could secure this spotless, low-mile example for a fraction of that price. I admit that the seller’s figure is above the market average, but the condition and odometer reading justify it. This Caddy has only been on the market for around a day, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home quickly.