Cars from the 1970s that earned the nickname “Land Yachts” fell from favor at the end of the decade as potential buyers and manufacturers focused on smaller and more efficient options. There was a time when owners struggled to give these classics away because nobody wanted them. Times have changed, and these vehicles have found a fresh following in the classic world. However, the right car can still be found at an affordable price if buyers are willing to bide their time. If you fall into that category, this 1974 Cadillac Calais might be worth a closer look. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Ted for spotting this gem. It presents beautifully and is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Dayton, Ohio. The seller set their price at $8,500, meaning that someone could potentially score a large amount of luxury steel for their dollar.

Cadillac unveiled the Calais in 1965, with the updated Second Generation hitting showroom floors in 1971. The company aimed for the more affordable end of the market but didn’t achieve the sales success it anticipated. However, since the Calais didn’t cost the company a lot of money and did add to the bottom line, it allowed the badge to soldier on until 1976. Our feature car was ordered in 1974, with its first owner selecting Lido Green from Cadillac’s extensive color palette. The seller doesn’t supply any information surrounding its history, making it impossible to determine whether it is a genuine survivor. Regardless, there is little to fault about its presentation. The paint shines nicely, the panels are straight, and the gaps are tight and consistent by the standards of the time. There is no evidence or mention of rust problems, and the trim and glass look excellent. What makes this car interesting from my perspective is the lack of a vinyl top. This was a very popular option during the 1970s, and most buyers ticked that box on their Order Form.

Calais buyers in 1974 could choose to power their new purchase with a 472ci V8 or…that was it, actually. Shifting duties were undertaken by a TH-400 transmission, while power assistance for the steering and brakes were standard features. The power and torque figures of 205hp and 365 ft/lbs were considered pretty respectable in 1974, although with 5,048 lbs to shift, the Calais wasn’t a jet off the line. However, for wafting through city traffic or cruising effortlessly on the open road, there was little to complain about. The seller is very accommodating, encouraging potential buyers to come and take a look, and kick the new tires. That suggests they have total confidence in this turnkey classic, which is reassuring when it is your hard-earned cash at stake.

This Cadillac’s exterior is merely the entree because its interior is equally impressive. Trimmed in a combination of Green vinyl and brocade cloth, there is no evidence of issues. The lack of wear on the seats is indicative of a car that has been treated respectfully, while the dash and plastic are excellent. The modern CD player is the only major addition to an interior featuring climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a rear defogger.

This 1974 Cadillac Calais presents superbly, making it ideal for someone seeking a high-end driver that won’t break the bank. Values have remained rock-solid during 2024, and there is no evidence that the situation will change this year. The seller’s price is extremely competitive, making it surprising that this classic has been on the market for two weeks. If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to not buy a classic car, we know those resolutions were designed to be broken. I won’t blame you if you do.