The 1974 Cadillac Eldorado continued the mission it undertook in 1967 as a big personal luxury car with front-wheel drive. At nearly 5,000 lbs., the Eldorado and other Caddies were challenged by the OPEC oil embargo that created a fuel shortage for these thirsty beasts. The seller, a dealer, offers a ‘74 Eldo convertible that was two years away from extinction (Cadillac would have the last full-size drop-top for sale in ’76). With $20,000 in documented maintenance, this open-air throwback vehicle can be found in Bellingham, Massachusetts, and is available here on eBay for $17,500 OBO.
Cadillac’s Eldorado entered its ninth overall generation in 1971. It would remain a larger-than-life luxury car until GM “rightsizing” caught up with it in 1979. Changes to the ’74 Eldo weren’t significant, such as beefier bumpers to adhere to Federal government safety mandates. In the passenger compartment, the dashboard got a two-tier facelift. Cadillac sold precisely 7,600 Eldorado ragtops that year, down 1,700 units from 1973.
Most of the seller’s description of this classic is “marketing speak.” The dark blue paint and leather interior may be original, with the seller telling us the car “proudly wears its authentic patina” at 97,000 miles. We seem to have a great running sewing machine that has had a chunk of money spent on it, though those details aren’t shared. We don’t know how many owners have gotten to call this Caddy theirs.
A 500 cubic-inch V8 should be under the expansive hood of this 18+foot automobile. A purist might want to restore this somewhat rare car. But it looks to be able to more than hold on to its own just the way it is.
I WANT THIS CLASSIC ! A true gen u ine LAND YACHT, ready for smooth open air cruisin the Streets (preferably os San Francisco) 😎. Although the price is IMO MORE than fair, it’s just a dream like being actually be in San Francisco. But this Eldorado is a real dream. I hope someone is able to achieve their dream of buying.
I’ve owned them, I love them no matter what condition. This one is stately and has attitude that will live forever. Anyone, be them restorer or collector, will keep this mammoth prize in plain view just to attract attention. Seller: If you don’t sell it you won’t regret it!
It pretty much has the 1973 front clip with a more refined grill than the big egg crate grill the ’73 had. From the cowel back is all 1974, new dash, the rear end for 1974, ’75 & ’76. 1975 & ’76 they removed the skirts which I think looked better because of the new tail.
At least this 500 cu. in. had some umoooph to it.
All in all a nice car.
She sure is pretty. Very well kept
Angel, yes, this is a beauty. However….the biggest ’73/74 change was the addition of bumper fillers which rotted off after a while. And they faded differently than the other paint. And while the 500ci sounded like a lot, it was somewhat a pooch toting all that metal around. I had a number of Eldos in the 70’s, loved them all! (Remember my Eldo-Camino? It was a ’74!)
I’ve worked on many of them in my day. I always made time for an ‘extended road test’ when I could. Love these monster front wheel drives!
74 was a special year for Cadillac. I feel the last for great styling. My dad had 74 coup DeVille. Gorgeous Burgundy with white top. He was going to give it to me but I joined the military and that went sideways from there.The only thing I hate is this car didn’t have a nice boot. That’s the only thing missing.
Auction ended with no takers.