The Eldorado was a staple of the Cadillac range for half a century. It offered a luxurious motoring experience that some people found impossible to resist. Our feature car is a 1970 model, and the seller describes its condition as “like new.” It has no apparent needs and is loaded with all the equipment you would expect from a vehicle of this caliber. The seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Melville, New York. They have set their price at $47,895, and I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty for us.
The Eighth Generation Eldorado is a striking car under normal circumstances, but this is accentuated when you find one featuring a triple-black color scheme. This Caddy’s original owner made that choice, and it remains stunning more than five decades later. The Sable Black paint shines deeply, making you feel like you could sink effortlessly into the laser straight panels. There are no dings or dents and no evidence of rust. The seller doesn’t mention any issues, and the car’s overall condition suggests it may have been garage-kept throughout its life. The Black vinyl top is in as-new condition, with no fading, tears, or bubbling. The chrome sparkles beautifully, offering a welcome contrast to the acres of black, while the tinted glass is flawless.
The listing indicates this Eldorado has 23,800 miles on its odometer, and the interior condition would support that. The seats wear supple Black leather that shows nothing beyond the wrinkles that are a typical characteristic of that material as it ages. There is no wear or physical damage, and the remaining upholstered surfaces continue that theme. The woodgrain trim is perfect, the carpet is spotless, and there is no crumbling plastic. Since this is a luxury car, it is no surprise that it carries plenty of comfort and convenience features. The new owner receives climate-controlled air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, the Twilight Sentinel, a tilt wheel, an AM/FM stereo radio, and an under-dash Cadillac 8-track player.
General Motors introduced its radical Unified Powerplant Package in the First Generation Oldsmobile Toronado and maximized the return on its investment by introducing the concept to the Eighth Generation Eldorado. That means its 500ci V8 sends its 400hp and 550 ft/lbs or torque to the front wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Since this is a luxury car, it is no surprise that it includes power assistance for the steering and brakes. There was no escaping the fact that the Eldorado is a heavy car, but that doesn’t mean this is a lazy performer. When you consider it tips the scales at 4,718lbs, its ability to cover the ¼ mile in 15.4 seconds before winding its way to 131mph is pretty astounding. The seller doesn’t provide specific details on how this gem runs or drives, but considering its spotless presentation and low odometer reading, there is cause for quiet optimism.
The 1970 model year marked the last for production of the Eighth Generation Eldorado. Sales improved marginally to 23,842 cars versus the previous year’s 23,333. You can find a few in the current market that are cheaper than our feature car, but none seem to present as well or have a similar odometer reading. That raises the question of whether the seller may be overreaching with their price. It is undoubtedly right at the top end of the current market, although the figure isn’t unprecedented. I think they may find a buyer, although it could require patience if they are unwilling to negotiate.
Wow 500 cubes, I just like saying that…weren’t these like $17k cars just a few years ago. I think almost $50k is all the money and then some but very nice looking GLWTA
Big engines now dead. Dead and gone.
Curvy women too !
One could argue that this is the ultimate of the front-wheel-drive Eldorados. Full-strength 500, beautiful triple-black presentation, and many options. I believe the bucket seats and console are quire uncommon, as is the 8-track player.
I think this is the last of the real Cadillac before the malaise era took over. Cadillac started making cars for the masses and lost their identity. This one still has that beautiful knife edge treatment on the rear. Looking at the front of the vehicle and the length of the hood. I believe it was the largest stamping ever produced. I think the early versions were 2 stampings with lead solder to hide the seams. Parallel parking one of these beasts was definitely a challenge. No wonder why curb feelers were installed on so many malaise cars. I think the asking price is a little steep.
I too think the price is steep on this car, but it is beautiful and it won’t be easy to find another. I bet this car has an interesting history. Long Island? Fuhgeddaboudit!!!
that a LOT of money! pass!
If the stated mileage is true, the ask might not be too high. It’s in exceptional condition with some great options.
Hagerty says 52k in concourse condition.
All of which is true Poppy but this kind of car has been relegated to Sunday drives and car shows. That big 500 would eat you alive in fuel costs if you drove it any more than that. I had a 68 Coupe DeVille with a 472 that was actually pretty reasonable on the highway with the cruise control on. This bad boy here however is another whole animal at today’s fuel prices. And this is coming from a guy who really likes Cadillacs! Would love to find an affordable 64 Coupe DeVille Convertible. I think one of the most beautiful full size Caddi’s they ever made.
I used to get around 10 mpg. But gas vas about 50 cents per galon.
Car was great in snow, as deep as 12″.
Big trunk and I did take a dishwasher home, almost closed the lid.
IMHO Cadillac lost the plot in the styling department after 1964..but then came roaring back ( brifely) with this gorgeous Eldo..and then really dropping the ball stylewise again afterwards. The price might seem steep but what could you buy, with about two years of mileage on it, for this price that’s even in the same ballpark? Any so called modern “jellybean” style car would be well into six figures and not come close with this beauty’s panache. I would jump on this if I had the room and a safe place to keep it…when I was want crusing in grand style.
Pushing 50 large? Maybe 35/37 due to the mileage, Sammy Davis had one with all the toys and factory sunroof, they are nice cars, I love the personal luxury cars with big motors, this has the proper size whitewalls for a Cadillac too, she’s gorgeous, I’m in love, but 50k is big,
While I think this car is gorgeous, I prefer the Toronado’s better especially the 77+78
Beautiful, low-mileage original cars always command a premium. But not this much. Seller is $10K+ over where the car will sell. But I say that about a lot of cars these days.
Client: The 500 sticker on the aircleaner. What does it mean? 500 ci
or 500 hp?
Seller: Probably both.
This was and is the best designed Eldorado. Once i had the chance
to drive one and in hovering straight ahead 5° downhill the fuel
gauge lowered. The seller said it had a 460
500 cu inch, 400 hp.
It may be a nice looking car but it’s from wheel drive! Yuk!
Lovely example. Owner may well get his price, or close. There are very few left in this condition, and shabby ones will cost even more to restore. I prefer convertibles though, and I currently have a ’71 Eldo rag-top. It is fun to drive, and the 500 ci engine moves it briskly….It will pass almost anything. Except a gas station.
I would consider adding an Eldo from this generation to my fleet, even. though there were no convertibles. I really find the design attractive, especially the earlier ’67 and ’68 models with hideaway headlights.
That is really nice. 400 hp would move it too. A friend had a 74 RWD Caddy with a 472 and it could smoke the tires with ease…
I never could understand why consoles(or a consolette here) on ’60 cars were useless to rest your right arm – they were too low in the area of one’s arm.
30.000 TOPS 50 LG wow that’s high
550/lbs torque is outrageous. Where can I get one ? cheaper….lol
Ask is high but what a car! But I still can’t understand when people ask ALL the money for a car, then skimp by listing for free on Craigslist. Like you can’t invest a few bucks to get it into a real venue and fetch the money it deserves?
Wow, what a car!
What a color combo!
I think I’m in love…..