Custom El Camino! 1978 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

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The last of the really large Cadillac Eldorados were built from 1971 to 1978, the automobile’s ninth generation. These were the end of the line for some of the ginormous GM cars. The cream of the crop was the Biarritz and someone chose to transform this one into something of a Cadillac “El Camino” (whether it’s a one-of-a-kind is anyone’s guess). Needing some work, the opulent vehicle is in Boynton Beach, Florida, and is available here on craigslist for $9,000. T.J. finds another wild tip for our readers!

Changes from 1971 to 1978 were noticeable over time, with a standout perhaps being the biggest of big bumpers that were attached fore and aft. While these large cars once used a 500 cubic inch V8, by the end of the ninth run Cadillac had scaled that back to a 425 V8, which may or may not have been a bit easier on gasoline. Given the special treatment of the “bed” area and the over-the-top paint job, this Caddy looks like it may have been built to the buyer’s specifications.

Though in Florida now, we’re told this oddity spent 90% of its life in Oregon. It was probably babied by one or both of its two owners, but it needs some attention now. We’re told the paint on the hood is slightly faded, but that may be the only issue with the body other than the plastic insets at the corners of the bumpers. The interior is said to be in good condition, though no photos of that area or the engine compartment are provided. 51,000 miles is the odometer reading.

The engine is going to need some level of work as it has a knock sometimes when revved up. The air conditioning is temperamental and will shut off at random times. The carpeting needs to be cleaned, but a new set of tires can be found at all four corners. Though cash is always good, the seller would be willing to trade (up or down, we guess) for a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota FJ Cruiser. Who’s in on this “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” Cadillac El Camino?

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Comments

  1. Solosolo UK Solosolo UKMember

    Yuck!

    Like 28
    • Scott

      Agreed!

      Like 13
  2. mike

    Be a good car for a hooker

    Like 18
    • T. MannMember

      Or her Pimp

      Like 12
      • Angel_Cadillac_Diva Angel Cadillac DivaMember

        Her pimp could drive it while she takes care of business in the “bed” of the truck. No motel fees.

        Like 14
  3. Harry

    That thing’s oogly. Mike says good for a hooker, nah, her manager.

    Like 14
  4. ccasteel

    For $9000, or most likely less, I’d take it to the drive in.

    Like 5
    • angliagt angliagtMember

      Only after it’s dark out.

      Like 4
  5. jrhmobile

    If you can find me a Cadillac-built, rear-wheel-drive, post-1966 Eldorado I’ll be truly impressed.

    But I’d bet you your next paycheck that this car isn’t one of them. Because for Eldorados, “the end of the line for the ginormous GM cars with rear-wheel-drive” was 1965.

    Like 1
    • jrhmobile

      The rear wheel drive “Eldorado” was a trim level for the Fleetwood level Cadillacs. A true Eldorado is a whole ‘nother beast.

      Like 3
      • Russ Dixon Russ DixonAuthor

        Corrected.

        Like 1
    • Russ Dixon Russ DixonAuthor

      Corrected.

      Like 1
      • jrhmobile

        Cool. Please feel free to remove my comments.

        Thank you for the update. I appreciate it.

        Like 1
    • Angel_Cadillac_Diva Angel Cadillac DivaMember

      Actually 1966, as Eldorados went front wheel drive in 1967

      Like 3
  6. George

    OMG that’s tacky!

    Like 10
    • Rw

      It’s a custom Cadillac !! Not a custom El Camino!!

      Like 4
  7. PaulG

    Finally a tasteful, subtle conversion that most anyone could be proud to be seen in.
    I’m off to the optometrist, good luck with the sale…

    Like 19
  8. RMac

    Wow that is really- um- something?
    To each their own but it’s got to be small market this would appeal to ( gift tacky) especially at 9k
    Belongs in S. Florida probably fits right in there LOL

    Like 5
  9. RMac

    Gaudy and tacky not gift duh!

    Like 2
  10. Mike B

    What, no longhorns? I guess it’s not fully optioned.

    Like 17
    • Steve RM

      I was thinking it needed somthing (and a lot less in general) but longhorns on the front (one as long as possible) would really make this thist thing pop.

      Like 3
  11. CraigR

    Hideous,,

    Like 7
  12. Joe Dertie

    I love this thing, anytime you can have “party in the front, business in the back & luxury in the middle” you have my vote!

    Like 4
  13. Troy

    From Florida, why am I not surprised

    Like 9
    • BOLIVAR SHAGNASTY

      It’s obvious that you have something against Florida. It’s also obvious that you have zero reading and comprehension ability. The writer clearly stated that this car spent 90% of its life in Oregon. If you are going to denigrate an entire state.. at least get your facts straight little boy troy.

      Like 2
  14. gippy

    Mid west work ethic combined with inner city mindset- rare combination.

    Like 5
  15. DON

    This thing really screams for one of those air horns that play “La Cucaracha” ,

    Like 10
  16. Big C

    The car Huggy Bear would have driven, if Ford wouldn’t have had the vehicle contract for Starsky and Hutch.

    Like 10
  17. Ben O.

    Now that, is a WILD ride! Definitely an acquired taste.

    Like 3
  18. Steve

    For someone with a large bank account and little good taste.

    Like 5
  19. steve

    I’d say it’s more like a car for someone in the class of “Lifestyles of those with absolutely no taste”.

    Like 4
  20. Courtney Puzzo

    love the car dislike the paint job if your going to do a 2 tone job on a Cadillac I’d say black and gold/red interior or Red/gold with tan/brown interior. the yellow on this car looks like Colonial Yellow and Demitasse Brown My late maternal grandfather had a 1978 Sedan Deville finished in Canyon Copper and Ruidoso Saddle over saddle brown interior and late maternal grandmother had a used 1981 Coupe Deville finished in Colonial yellow/Dark Saddle Brown leather interior with matching Landau vinal roof

    Like 1
  21. Jay McCarthy

    It’s definitely different, not necessarily in a bad way. The rear seating appears to have been inspired by Fountain boats

    Like 1
  22. Poppy

    Even the bumper fillers ran away so as not to be associated with this..atrocity.

    Like 12
  23. Bill

    How do you wash the car without the back filling with dirty water?

    Like 2
    • Big C

      Bilge pump.

      Like 2
  24. DA

    Scores high on the weirdo meter.

    Like 5
  25. Wayne Amendt

    My only thought is “why?”

    Like 3
  26. RallyeMember

    First glimpse of the side said 40s Flxible paint scheme. The Flxible art works on a bus but not a Caddy.

    https://i.pinimg.com/600×315/b3/55/18/b355188c3b5fa7972c933e0384168702.jpg

    Like 2
  27. ACZ

    I like the concept but not the execution, in this case. There are other pickup truck versions of the Eldo, that I have seen, such as retired flower cars that look a lot better. Not exactly something you could easily use for a shop truck.

    Like 2
  28. BajaPFEMember

    An early example of the “country pimp” style of custom car…it was a short lived phenomenon.

    Like 4
    • Danny from Oz

      Belongs in a circus.

      Like 4
  29. Rc

    shaft !! SUPERFLY. !!!!!!!! PIMP MOBILE ALL THE WAY. MAN !

    Like 2
  30. Greg GustafsonMember

    “Mud Fence” ugly.

    Like 2
  31. Jim ZMember

    Having already owned an “Eldo-Camino”, I can appreciate the conversion work done here. The paint scheme, not so much. I had to renew the bumper fillers on mine also, kinda surprised this seller has opted not to. Regarding the high rpm motor knock, most likely a carbon buildup on the pistons. Easy fix, with only 51k miles, may have seen a lot of idling/low speed driving

    Like 4
    • Jim ZMember

      Also wanted to mention the crazy camera angles and lack of interior/engine/underneath photos makes me believe the seller is less than serious….just sayin’!

      Like 1
  32. JD

    Sad ….but to each their own , it is likely that someone out there will adopt it.

    Like 1
  33. CatieH

    Someone spent a lot of money to make this car that ugly.

    Like 4
  34. RMac

    I Can absolutely see that Brett Lundy actually looks like a full size version of some of the pimped out golf carts in the Villages!!
    Takes a certain type!

    Like 1
  35. Al L

    Should have buried it where it died!

    Like 1
  36. Angel_Cadillac_Diva Angel Cadillac DivaMember

    I have no words.
    There aren’t enough four letter words to accurately describe this.
    But, I am surprised no one has mentioned the scalloped rear window.

    Like 2
  37. MGSteve

    ahhh .. . . what’s that old saying? “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” Sorry, but it is just plain fugly.

    Like 1
  38. TheOldRanger

    Well, I tried to “be good” and not comment on this one, but I was almost to burst, so here tiz. WHY?? As one stated, just because you could doesn’t mean you have to. The colors are atrocious, the separation between the body and the tail lights are just plain uncalled for, those scalloped windows wth(ay), and what a waste of an otherwise nice car. My lasting impression of this one is “pimpmobile” I apologize to all, but I was about to pop if I didn’t say something.

    Like 2
  39. Jim Mulcare

    Another prime example of just because you can doesn’t mean you should

    Like 0
  40. jwzg

    If I had a dog that looked like that, I’d shave it’s butt and teach it to walk backwards.

    Hideous!

    Like 1
  41. Emmet

    I don’t know what it is, but for some really strange reason, I really like it.
    What the hell is wrong with me? Good thing its very far away form me otherwise I might a really bad decision.

    Like 0
  42. AL HEARTBREAKER

    Being a custom engine builder and installer of any engine in any car, I have a lot of respect for this battleship. I see through the goofy paint and see a real labor of love. I would drive it, they’d all say “Yep that’s Al’s kinda car!” AL owner of Heartbreaker Race Engines. Good luck seller!!

    Like 0

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