The seller states that this 1968 Cadillac Eldorado was a chick magnet when it used to cruise the streets of Hollywood. It undoubtedly had a presence that would turn heads, but the Caddy has spent a few years in mothballs. With the owner approaching eighty, he has decided his cruising days are done and that this Eldorado deserves a new home with someone willing and able to recapture its former glory. Therefore, he has listed this luxury classic here on eBay in Palm Springs, California. Bidding has passed the reserve at $5,000, setting the scene for this gentle giant to head to greener pastures.
Cadillac released its Eighth Generation Eldorado for the 1967 model year. Buyer choice was restricted to a two-door Hardtop, with no Convertible offered until its replacement appeared in 1971. The seller confirms that they purchased this 1968 classic off the showroom floor, making it a one-owner survivor. They chose Emperor Blue paint to cloak its exterior, and don’t mention a history of repairs or restoration. Therefore, this Caddy may be a genuine survivor. The two exterior shots make it impossible to accurately assess the state of the paint, although there is enough shine visible below the dust to warrant treating the exterior to a high-quality polish that may dramatically improve the appearance and make preservation an attractive option. This is a dry-climate classic, which means that it could also be rust-free. The seller doesn’t mention hidden issues, and there are no obvious problems in the supplied photos. The trim looks respectable for its age, and the glass is clear.
This Caddy’s interior is a surprise because it is significantly better than I expected. It is also the area with the most photos, making it easy to see what potential buyers receive for their money. The owner equipped this classic with climate-control air conditioning, power windows, a power seat, the Twilight Sentinel, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio. The lower driver’s seat looks tired, and the wheel has cracked, but those appear to be the most significant shortcomings. Replacements for both are available, but it would be tempting to invest in a slipcover and a wheel wrap to keep costs under control. Otherwise, treating the interior to a deep clean should produce positive results.
The most profound change introduced to the Eldorado range with its Eighth Generation model was hidden below the skin. Cadillac adopted the Unified Powerplant Package (UPP) introduced in the Oldsmobile Toronado. That meant that the company abandoned the typical rear-wheel drive configuration in favor of front-wheel drive. The Sales Brochure confirms that this car’s 472ci V8 sends its 375hp and 525 ft/lbs of torque to the pointy end via a three-speed automatic transmission, while power assistance for the steering and brakes was standard equipment. The performance was considered quite respectable for a vehicle of this type, especially considering the curb weight beyond 4,700 lbs. The seller indicates that this Caddy has hibernated for a few years but isn’t specific about the period. He treated the engine to a rebuild just before mothballing this classic, recommending an inspection before coaxing the engine back to life. The indications are that returning this gentle giant to active service could be a realistic short-term goal.
If I could ever give sellers a free piece of advice when listing their beloved classics, it would be to supply the best photos possible. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and that is undoubtedly true when advertising any car. The owner has failed to do so in this case, making assessing the Cadillac’s condition challenging. It looks promising, but the images mean that only an in-person inspection will reveal the truth. There is enough time remaining in this auction for interested parties to negotiate one, but are you tempted?
I have 4 Eldorado convertibles and a 59 Deville No body talks about leaded fuel run on older vehicles. I remember that leaded fuel clogged up the engines. I know lead was supposed to be a lubricant for the engines. Later vehicles have hardened valve seats. when rebuilding older engines hardened seats can be put in the heads. I am not an engine rebuilder, but maybe someone can elaborate further on the practice of installing hardened valve seats to upgrade older engines.
RE: valve seats.
I ran many older vehicles designed for leaded on unleaded fuel, BUT I religiously used Marvel oil in the fuel. When it burns it leaves a lubricating residue, not a carbon or ash. It also has many other properties that make it a good choice for this purpose. There are lead additives, but since I always have Marvel in my shop. When I installed a replacement engine in an older truck the shop verified that they installed hardened seats as well as valves. The owner of the machine shop was a friend, so I had no reason to doubt him, but I still use Marvel even in my later model engines.
I knew an old mechanic that had a Marvel oiler on his suv.
Wow those pictures really sell the car
I don’t disagree that this would be a chick magnet. However, they would likely be the same chicks that got tore up back when grandpa was cruising LA in his leisure suit, pork chop sideburns, brut 33 rolling out the windows and shirt buttoned halfway looking like a half shaved ape! But definitely safer than driving a Tesla!
Ha ha, was thinking just the same… cruise on down to the “Twilight Haven” retirement community and pick up those super-annuated chicks who can still remember when Cadillac was once a prestige brand?
Jokes aside, this is quite a cool old Caddie, or once was. Needs a bit of TLC
Ha. Chick magnet. Maybe if lifted with 4wd. Those girls in the ads get paid to pose.
Chick, or pimp?
Thank you to ClassicCarFan! It drives me insane when car enthusiasts butcher the language. “Needs replaced”? “Needs repaired?” Don’t get me started with than vs then, to vs too, your vs. you’re. So I gave a standing ovation to “superannuated”. Bravo
Also there is “RPM’s” and “MPG’s”! REVOLUTIONS Per Minute, and MILES per Gallon. I guess it’s like those who say can’t help but to say “hot water heater”, “ATM machine”, and “PIN number!” LOL!! :-)
Again, having just critiqued the dark green 1973 Eldorado convertible with a black interior, this dark blue with a brown? Purple? Mauve? Interior is just as bad. I’m convinced people of the late 60s & early 70s had little to no taste concerning color combinations. But that’s just me. Unless it’s a hearse, flowercar or limousine, I prefer lighter colors for cars. Certain cars do look more formal in black.
I never understood navy blue. It’s so close to black just do black.
Back to the Eldorado, except for the colors, definitely a nice survivor. Get it running, cleaned up and polished, new tires with the correct width whitewalls and you’re off to the races. Well, crusin’ at the very least.
I had a ’70 Eldo for a few minutes back on the early 80s. I say a few minutes cause my father made me give it back but with that car I could actually watch the gas gage go down as I drove. It sucked up gas like a Hoover.