Does it really matter which wheels drive your car forward? That’s a question someone is going to have to answer for him- or herself before plunking down anywhere near the asking price of the 1967 Cadillac Eldorado seen here on ebay. Do you think $38,000 is a lot for a luxury car driven by the front wheels? I do, but we’ll see who is right in five days, or before, if someone bids the opening number of $32,000 or goes straight to the full asking price, named above. Thanks go to Curvette, who has produced yet another fascinating tip on this enormous black beauty, which, by the way, is located in Stuart, Florida.
The car is handily described as being “absolutely stunning,” and indeed that’s true, because it features a well-achieved balance of factory styling and strong restoration condition. The square and flat planes of the body style work for me one-hundred percent. Add to that the vestigial fins and acres of black punctuated by white-and-black seat fabric, and this car is cosmetically amazing. Just looking under the hood should indicate the meticulous detail applied to the restoration, as the snake-like tangle of wires is spotless in every inch. (The leading edge of the radiator, however, needs some cosmetic attention.)
So what’s to argue with? Two things. First, the car is priced over the market. Would the number be easier to take if this Eldo were more an original than what is described as a complete restoration? If so, you’d be in the “go find another” territory. As it is, there are others in the market that are restored as tidily but that are in the high-$20K starting price range, meaning that maybe mid-$20K is a more reasonable expectation. Second, it’s always felt kind of out of phase to have a 1960s car in FWD livery. It’s an oddball, in some ways, though there is historical precedent in the 1929-32 Cord L-29.
Witness this from contemporary times: after featuring front-wheel drive cars for many years, Cadillac itself has gone back to rear-wheel drive set-ups, and all-wheel drive. The 1967 Eldorado was the Caddy that started the front-driver trend, with the idea being to set the luxury marque above its competitors and to utilize more interior space due to the lack of the transmission hump. They were also hoping for better traction and drivability. But given that the 1960s were the years of thumping American V8s driving the rear wheels, somehow a car that pulls from the front axle seems subtly off. Do you agree, in which case a collectible Caddy for you might be more like a DeVille or Fleetwood? Or are you seduced by acres of smooth black sheet metal and 429 cubic inches of engine, no matter how the power goes to the ground?
Historic FWD luxury cars
Another lousy steering wheel cover. Sheesh!
One of the best looking A.erican cars of the 60s. Still, ’38k? I dont think so.
Back in 84, I had a 68, all black like this one, with the new 472. That was one sweet machine. Not 38K worth, but…
JDC hit the nail on the head – a steering wheel cover and you’re asking top dollar? My parents had a 1969 Toronado, essentially the same vehicle. There is no comparison to any other car from that era. When all 375 horsepower were called upon at once the surge of that leonine beast as it reared up to catapult you into the next county was intoxicating.
Yeah, front wheel drive can be way cool. Our Boy Scout troop had the opportunity to talk with the Oldsmobile engineers in 1965, just before the Toronado came out. As a 15-year-old who thought he knew a little about cars I came away thoroughly humbled and chastened. Guys who get paid to know this stuff are far more qualified than even the most ardent enthusiast.
Being from Lansing I’m partial to the Olds, but the Eldo reeks of sheer elegance and the third triplet, the Riviera, though not FWD, is one of the greatest designs in automotive history. (It’s true. You can look it up.)
Nice, nice car. But that steering wheel cover – what were they thinking?
Lansing, you say? On one of my many trips to Florida, we would always meet some great folks doing the same thing. Like the folks from Jersey, one year we met some cool folks from Lansing. They had nothing good to say about my then GFs Kia, but were good folks. They both worked at Oldsmobile, she was a carburetor assembler, who lost her job when fuel injection came out, and he was a maintenance mechanic until the bitter end.( 2005?) Needless to say, we danced around the “Kia” thing. They were not happy about imports. I hated that Kia, so we had that in common.
Re: Front drive. I’m with Rex, front drive advocates say it does better in snow, I beg to differ. Typically, it does worse, difficult to work on, and a RWD station wagon and a set of Town & Countrys and 4 cinder blocks, got my old man everywhere he needed to be.
Re: steering wheel cover. Really, that’s all you have to say about this magnificent car? The black is the biggest turnoff for me. Of all the beautiful colors, black is simply the absence of all color. Make mine blue with a paisley roof! :)
Actually, in discussing ‘paints’, black is the presence of all colors simultaneously.
It is when discussing ‘light’ that blackness is the absence of all colors…white light is the presence of all colors.
So, the truth is the exact opposite of your assertion.
im with you more and more these dayz HA :)
a magnificent car indeed.
and ya, semantics aside, black is a lack, not a color.
Depending on how old that Kia was, it might have been built in Georgia. Probably more American labor then most cars sold by U.S. brands.
Nothing beats black and chrome. Period.
CCRVTT, I couldn’t agree more.
My 3rd favorite car of all time. I love the sleek lines on this behemoth, and the V shaped rear window.
Even though they are very similar, I prefer the 1968 with the new 472 ci engine. I’m not a FWD fan, but would make an exception for a Eldo. That being said, $38k is a big stretch. $25k – $30k is my guess, still a sweet car.
Totally agree about the 1968 being a far better car/choice!
Now wait! A week ago I complained about an aftermarket steering wheel (my pet peeve), and I got hung out to dry for the comment. But this week, I guess it’s OK as everyone is piling on about the goofy flea market wheel cover on this Caddie. I rest my case.
Front wheel drive: I’ve never owned a car with front wheel drive. I drove through the blizzard of ’78 and every other blizzard up in Buckeyeland with complete success with my old-school RWD cars. My wife had a Taurus which I loved, but one time I tried to drive it in a big snowstorm and I just couldn’t get the hang of it. I must have been at that empty mall parking lot for an hour, and could not get the thing to do a single donut.
“I must have been at that empty mall parking lot for an hour, and could not get the thing to do a single donut.”
You ROCK Rex!
Just have to do donuts in reverse. My first front wheel drive beater was a 83 ford escort, figured out reverse donuts the first snow
My Eldo did some great, smoking ones…in reverse.
You do donuts by going backwards!! They’re way cool.
Very strange the ’67 Eldo doesn’t have hidden wipers, but the 1967 grand prix does.
Entirely different engineering teams in different car divisions.
Righteous.
My Uncle traded his 66 DeVille conv for the ALL-NEW Eldo.
I never saw so much stuffed inside an engine compartment.
I don’t remember it having seats that look like they came out of a Camaro.
…that couldn’t be factory upholstery, could it?
“Camaro–” comment above was spot-on.
No, it was Cadillac upholstery. Houndstooth was quite fashionable in the sixties and early seventies. In the same way as paisley and plaid.
Yes, the first one I saw on the dealer’s lot was black with black-and-white houndstooth upholstery that looked just like a Camaro’s.
How very odd, of Cadillac I mean.
Well, Thanks for clarifying that upholstery-thing.
I always learn something here!
loved the flat floor,could put your 6 pack cooler right beside you,good old days
A lot of engine items are different on the 1967 Eldo versus 1968 up. 1967 only 429 engine, unique transmission that only fits the 429, unique engine mounts and more makes certain mechanical replacement parts hard to source.
Gotta be a 1968 up before I would purchase one.
Yes, the parts mentioned above are hard if not impossible to find!
I have owned FWD Caddys since they were “invented.” Cadillac being the top of the line in American design got creative with the Eldo. If you have never owned one snatching up this beauty will convince you to be a Caddy owner and you will never own anything else. Cadillac was built to last the owner for the rest of their lives. The heavy duty FWD components will last forever. The only mistake Caddy made was they made them too good and killed future sales for themselves. Good luck seller, if you don’t sell it you won’t regret it.
Absolute beauty. Steering wheel cover is an easy fix. The cracked steering wheel underneath probably not so much.
Front wheel drive is a blast, providing there is a huge weight differential to play with. Think VW Rabbit/Scirocco, Honda Civic (particularly the original) Mini, Fiat 128, etc,.etc. 40 some years ago my winter beater was an Olds 98 2 door with truck mud and snow tires. At the same time I was ice racing a Honda Civic and VW Scirocco. Because of the front wheel drive advantage. I love doing handbrake turns, reverse spins, left foot braking, etc. (If you couldn’t tell I’m a Paddy Hopkirk fan) The reason for the Olds was having something to drive when the weather is bad so that the idiot that doesn’t know how to drive on slippery streets can plow into you and you don’t get mad enough to get out and kill him. (Not to mention having alot more “crushability” around you. ) Plus the Olds also qualified as a drive into the city (Chicago) vehicle where every manor of things can happen to it. (Drive by braille parkers and concert attendees high on music and drugs running across the hood of your car.) Still alot more fun to drive front wheel drive in the snow.
One of the grandest cars ever built, how much time and money to manufacture in modern times ?
This deserves to be on screen, a movie car or something.
uhhhm..
a steering wheel cover ?!?
Of all the exceptional beauti, stylinh and features.. wining about a steering wheel cover ??
Its removable !, in like 2½ minutes.
An original Eldorado:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/366431769166
I’m wondering if for the full $38k does a gas station come with it? She’s a beauty for sure, although I preferred the ’69 model. Someone will be happy for a brief time.
…Gimme!
“Cadillac, Cadillac, long and dark, shiny and black.
Open up your engines let ’em roar
Tearing up the highway like a big old dinosaur .”
My neighbor up the road, has three (3) sixties Caddies’, all running, sitting in his front yard.
This ‘Eldo’ is a true beauty.
Actually, the 1970 Eldorado is the one to own. 500 cubic inch, 400 HP, 550 pounds of torque, 10:1 compression, hidden wipers. Not just because I have one in my garage. I’ve had for 27 years and never had an issue with the engine or transmission.
best looking Eldo, they made. love the interior. lose the stupid steering wheel cover
HEY! WHERE’S ANGEL?! She should be all over this car! I hope she is ok!
It’s not a Cadillac conversation without her!
I miss you babe!
Wayne, I just sent her an email about this car. Hopefully, she’ll see it. And Howard, you’re more than likely gonna get a head slap
from her about that Paisley roof
you said you want. And as for KIAs, I have a ’21 K 5 sedan that’ll
do everything but wipe your ass.
It’s an okay car and my neice and
SIL love it. As for me, there’s just
too damn many things to go wrong with it– all of them hideously expensive. Sorry man,
but I gotta agree with your old man on this one. Rear wheel drive all the way for me. And Al,
as the former owner of a ’66 POS
Toronado, I can only tell you what
I went through with that thing. Excessive gear whine, wheel shimmy, overheating in summer,
Having not one, but two CV shafts fall out while towing a friends John boat to our favorite
fishin hole. Dammit man! Was on a short vacation from touring
and I had to put up with that?!!! Ruined my whole vacation getting
that damned thing fixed. All those problems were more than
likely in the Eldorados too as the
transaxle they used came from
the Toronado. To each their own
I guess…Just not me. And the
Taurus, had a ’94 wagon and loved it. That was until my adopted son blew the engine in
2001. Time for another ceegar
on that one.
I drove a gorgeous blue ’72 Eldorado with a white landau roof for a couple of years back in the mid-’70s. I can attest to the comments about it not being that great in snow. I think it was overpowered with that 500 C.I. engine and the extreme weight up front. If the snow was very deep, you had to feather the pedal to keep from skidding up front instead of in the back. It was disconcerting to say the least. It also suffered from some of the typical maladies of ’70s GM cars, but overall, I think it was one of the most beautiful cars I ever owned. Rode like a dream, plenty of power.
I had a 67 Eldo. Was a wonderful car. Loved everything about it except it was a brown color and it did look like a turd. Fastest car I ever owned. A northern Indiana snow storm couldn’t slow it down. I’d love to have it back.
Heavy snowbelt, I know it well that area…Crown Point, myself.
We’re usually right on the edge of those Lake snows.
I’m from the next town west of Crown Point. Just head west from what used to be the only traffic light in Crown Point to Crete IL.