If I were Carnac the Magnificient, the answer would go something like this, “Elsculpto to Elbloato!”. And the question would be, “What’s the difference between the 1970 and 1971 Cadillac Eldorado?”. OK, so it’s a subjective assessment and I imagine many will disagree but that’s how the difference between the two comes off in my eyes – and the ’71’s fender skirts definitely have something to do with it. At least today’s 1971 barn find is a convertible – though its barn stay hasn’t been the kindest on this Caddy’s overall bearing. Regardless, let’s take a closer look. Located in Glasgow, Kentucky, big red is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $2,025 with twenty-three bids tendered so far.
Besides the obvious styling differences between the ’70 and ’71 Eldo, size matters as the dimensions changed too with the ’71 gaining six inches in wheelbase, two inches in length, and about 150 lbs (pre-five MPH bumper mandate). The additional stretch in the wheelbase, without a similar corresponding increase in overall length, is a nice enhancement. As for production volumes, the ’71 output increased by about 4K copies for a total of 27K with 6,800 of those being new-for-’71 convertible body styles.
Lesson number one – when you barn-park a convertible, put the top up. The white leather upholstery is very worn with splits, rips, etc. but the dirt and dust exposure has made things that much worse. It will take a good scrubbing, or perhaps a Jeep-style pressure washing, to see what really going on here, but I would expect a lot of interior needs will surface. No mention is made of the convertible top’s condition, operational capability, etc.
Powering the front wheels is a 365 gross HP, 500 CI, V8 – a Whammer-jammer of an engine if ever there was one. It is said to turn over so we know it’s not seized but the air cleaner assembly, sitting perched on the front seat, invites questions as the engine image would make one think that the carburetor is missing. Based on the hinky condition of the valve covers, I’d suggest that this 134K mile humongo engine has been sitting, unresponsive, for a long time! A Turbo-Hydramatic 425 transaxle was the sole gearbox available in the Eldorado.
The exterior’s biggest demerit seems to be the finish, it’s peeling noticeably in several places. Surface rust is observed as well, though there doesn’t appear to be any rot adversely affecting body panels. That said, the front bumper shows as being pushed in a bit. Considering the dirt floor storage area, an underside check would be warranted.
The 1976 version of this car was the last, or one of the last, domestic convertibles built, and they turn up regularly on different for-sale boards, so finding a first-year, ninth-generation (1971-1978) Eldorado convertible is a nice discovery. No doubt, I prefer the previous eighth-generation (1967-1970) Eldorado, but that’s no adverse reflection on this car’s value or marketplace attraction. The diminishing comes about as a result of its forlorn appearance. There could be a diamond in the rough here, it’s hard to tell with so few listing details and images. What do you think, a worthwhile challenge?
Reminds me of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot .
HA HA HA HA HA……Excellent, Shelby. It sure does remind one of that movie !
Damn, put the top up and throw a tarp on it. It would have taken 10 minutes. That engine is worth the cost of admission. This would be fun to get running and play around with but a restoration would require a 2nd mortgage
Common decency to put the top up or at least common sense to tarp it but hey at least it’s inside!
I owned a ’71 Eldo when she was about 20 years old. Had a white repaint that obscured the original pale green/ turquoise color. Green leather and white top that worked every time albeit very slooowly.
That 500 Cid engine was worth every gallon of gas it sucked up. I could definitely draw attention when I smoked those front wheel drive tires at a red-light. A few times I took her on the highway and open her up. She’d peg the speedometer easily and kept accelerating until I chickened out at some unknown speed. I never could top her out. With what mine cost to maintain this barn finds huge trunk better be full of cash. She is worth saving.
Geronimo’s Cadillac.
When the 1971 Eldorado was introduced, it left the previous generation behind. Longer, lower and wider was the mantra for the time. This Eldorado eclipsed the past. It was pretty spectacular for the time. The rest of the world had nothing like it.
I just hope this Caddy has remained basically out of the elements of rain, snow or whatever throughout the years. I also hope those photos are a basic representation of the car with the top down and capable of putting the top up regardless of it’s condition. In my opinion, barring how mechanically sound this vehicle really is. This Eldo still has the potential for complete restoration, but it can’t progress into a more tragic condition before a sale that’s for sure.
Open barn, I can smell the mouse house from here
you can boss hog
What other car could you use the hood as a helicopter landing pad?
It’s done, restored its worth half the cost of restoration
John :
You are absolutely right. Even on a budget DIY refresh, the owner will be way upside down. In the fall of 2021, I bought a ’71 Eldo convertible for $7K.
My car had much lower mileage (72,000), new top installed, nearly mint interior, almost new tires, and mostly original paint. The PO was an elderly former GM dealer mechanic, and the car had been his hobby for about 12 years and had been relatively well maintained, and stored inside. He was having some health issues, and sold me the car after not using it for about 2 years. It needed the recommissioning and updates: fluids, brakes, timing chain, tune-up, air suspension rebuild, CV axles, paint touch up etc. I probably now have $10-$11K into it.
I also bought a rusty-but-running hardtop Eldo parts-car for $1000 to get the hubcaps, 8-track, air-suspension system and rear bumper. I then parted out the car for about $2,500.
There was also another ’71 Eldo convertible for sale locally in about the same condition as the red one here, and the guy wanted $2,500 for it. I looked at it, but it was marginal, even as a parts-car.
These are great cars. We enjoyed cruising last summer in our ’71. The reality is, they are not particularly rare, and their huge size limits the market to those that have space to park them. OK driver-quality examples can be found starting at around $10K, with nicer ones in the $15K+ area. Show-quality versions can be in the $25++ range.
The car listed here is realistically a parts-car.