The 1974 model year was not a good one for the U.S. auto industry. Buyers were moving from gas-guzzling land yachts to fuel-sipping compacts due to sticker shock at the gas pump. The OPEC oil embargo arrived in the Fall of 1973 and by 1974 people were waiting in lines for more expensive gasoline. Overall Cadillac sales dropped by 20% as there was no small Caddy alternative. The El Dorado too “only” a 17% hit, including this interesting convertible. It sports a matching rear continental kit that must have been added by the dealer or some other source. Now wearing a custom interior, too, this 19-foot cruiser (w/o the kit) is available here on eBay where the reserve is still in play at $9.801.
Cadillac sold 7,600 Eldorado drop-tops in 1974, not bad considering the disruption of imported oil. GM was getting out of that business and the 1976 Eldorado would be the last convertible for a while. The cars were largely unchanged physically in ’74 except for the bigger bumpers required now by law. Front-wheel-drive was still in use, an Eldorado hallmark since 1967. The industry’s largest passenger car engine was under the hood, displacing 500 cubic inches but having been choked back in terms of output thanks to more emissions tightening.
Other than the interior, this Caddy is likely an unrestored survivor with 86,000 miles. The orange paint is said to be original and has 50 years of worth of patina. You could skip a repaint if patina’s your thing, and there seems to be no body damage needing repair that would expedite matters. The custom upholstery is new and probably installed by the seller. Like the rest of the Cadillac, it borders a little on being over the top (IMO).
The seller doesn’t make any reference to mechanical attention being needed. And while a boatload of photos is provided, few are shown of what’s going on under the hood. Speaking of hoods, a custom ornament has been added that harks back to the GM cars of the 1950s (specifically, Pontiac?). The listing is from a private seller, but the colorful language used to describe the car suggests he/she has done this before!
Does it include a purple hat with a big feather?
Don’t forget the platform fishbowl shoes and bell bottom pants.
The arguably garish custom interior and continental kit strongly limits value and demand for this example. Further considerations include:
-The upholstered cover over the retracted convertible top should be a 2-section hard panel “parade boot”, painted body-colour. Replacement, painted, with hardware and cover is about $1,000.
– The steering wheel has a cover on the rim, so it is likely cracked. Replacement can run over $500.
– Missing emblem on drivers fender, bubba antenna switch, and other details will add up to.
– It is also likely this car has the infamous plastic-covered engine timing gear. For the Eldo, the proper procedure for replacing the timing gear involves removing the engine. This can end up being an expensive job.
– De-pimping would cost more than the value of the car.
My late father drove new Eldos every year thoughout the 70s, and I have owned several, including a convertible that I still have.
I am surprised that it has bids (if legit), over $8,000K.
The seller is being deceitful. The filler panels and passenger door are a different shade. The interior is more than likely vinyl now. So what does he call “unrestored original?” If you shake hands with this guy you better check for your watch and rings and count your fingers when you’re done.
I certainly would not call this original paint? Some of the paint could possibly still be original, but sections have been repainted, and the colors are not even close to matching?
Looks like someone even tried to do some blending on the DS rear quarter panel and they ‘jaked’ it up.
Does some of these people think they are really fooling someone??
So, now I don’t believe anything else this seller says?
Just my oponion!
That cat SHAFT is a baaaaaaad motha…. HUSH YO MOUF! Dang! The starboard side is in about 3-4 colors and missing some trim. The drivers seat has a case of the “Berwyn Crush”. (thats a Chicago thing). It would make an easy resto starting point tho…starting with a utilty knife…
Hey Bill- I lived in Berwyn for several years, never heard that term “Berwyn Crush”. I’ve had several Eldo’s, and it tickles me to hear folks bad-talk them, especially how ‘hard’ to R&R the motor. The engine bay is cavernous, and the A/T is right there, get it all from the front even the exhaust pipes! This really is a pretty cool car, especially for venues like the Pet Parade (oops, another Chicago thing!). Love the color, it does seem to change with the lighting. And the bumper fillers? Yes, the originals are rubber and their paint ages differently than what’s on the metal. Wish I had room in my stable……
Agree with you Russ, the modified interior and Continental kit are too much for a car that was excessive to begin with, especially compared to the ’68 listed yesterday. And speaking of that interior, can you say “pleather”?
This ’74 Cadillac El Dorado is definitely not 100 % original . Modifying a car usually changes the appearance of it from its factory specifications . The 500 Cu In. engine does look original . Being a convertible , somebody may want to restore this car for whatever reason . Price ? It’s worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it . Happy Motoring !
Is that the car from the movie, “Smokey and the Bandit?”
No different year and color
I have some Cadillac Dealer 8- tracks to go with it! LOL
LOL to you. This Cadillac seems to be way Off TRACK!
Doesn’t compare to the 72 super fly custom with ROLLS ROYÇE grille ,and extra large RR round headlights, seen in NYC
The panel gaps are huge.
Someones trying to blow smoke up your tailpipe.
I can handle the Continental kit on a Cadillac 😉 but those straps on the trunk remind me of an option on 77? Thunderbird which caused some to call it BONDAGE bird ⛓ 🐦. This really seems to be an El do Oh No! 😮
MAAAAAN! Get dem womens in line. Luggage straps, continental kit, I love it. I remember all this stuff as a kid in the 70s in the city. It needs the chrome hood treatment with the flying goddess with the blue or green wings. The Duesenburg headlights and the Cord side pipes and weez rollin’. Boy do remember this stuff. Some had the Continental trunk hump in vinyl. Hardtop with heart shaped back windows with the giant chrome TV antenna thing for the archaic rear seat television. Cars like this had a tough life. 90% were finished and in the pile before their tenth birthday. Nothing on this is original and the guy that has it likely bought it this way and knows no better. This unit wasn’t original when it left the dealer.
You’re right on with yesterday Chris couple things come to mind. Custom jobs like this one will always be remembered as “John Does” car and you better hope he doesn’t have anyone pissed off at him because they just might be autographing his top with a knife. The other thing that I see not necessarily car related but period Era related is guys who never outgrow a trend. Bald on top with a foot long ponytail or women wearing mini skirts and gogo boots. I hope I don’t get roasted for my comments and to each their own but vehicle wise we can choose to buy it or leave it. Elvis has left the building.
I think Cam W; Cam W has explained this car very well. I think .their are more problems with this car. Its a shame owners let there car get in this condition.I think this car lives some where around $2500 to $3500. You have to figure on spending $6000 to bring it up where it should be. Then you ar e looking at retail price of $8500 to $9500. If you look around, at these prices your in the ball game.