Bold seller claims are nothing new in the classic market, with some withstanding scrutiny better than others. Take this 1970 Cadillac Eldorado. The seller claims it cost more when it rolled off the showroom floor than an equivalent Rolls-Royce. Both companies actively pursued buyers seeking prestige motoring, and while there were similarities between the pair, there were also notable differences in their approach. This Eldorado is an original survivor needing a new home. Its presentation is above average, and it has no apparent needs. The Caddy is listed here on eBay in Beverly Hills, California. Bidding sits at $6,000 in a No Reserve auction.
The Eldorado badge became part of the Cadillac model range in 1953, serving the company effectively in various forms until 2002. The Eighth Generation graced showroom floors from 1967 until 1970, with our feature car rolling out of the factory during the final production year. The company derived its name from the mythical “Lost City of Gold,” making this car’s paint shade appropriate. The original owner selected Regency Gold (Bronze) Firemist, teamed with a Black vinyl top. The seller describes this classic as original, suggesting it has never undergone restoration or significant repairs. The paint retains an impressive shine, with none of the matte issues that sometimes plague older metallic finishes. The panels are straight, the vinyl is excellent, and there are no signs or mention of rust. The chrome and wheel covers shine beautifully, and the tinted glass is crystal clear.
Opening the doors reveals some key aspects that differentiate this Eldorado from a 1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. Both feature leather upholstery, although this was an extra-cost option in the Caddy. Owners received timber veneer trim highlights, with the pieces in the Rolls featuring a glossier finish. Otherwise, both companies endeavored to cocoon occupants from the outside world in total comfort. There is much to like about this Eldorado and little to criticize. The leather seats are excellent, with the covers and matching carpet showing no signs of significant wear. The headliner is perfect, and the seat belts are in as-new condition. The pad may have cracked beneath the aftermarket cover, and there is also a split on the driver’s armrest. Creature comforts include climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, a power trunk release, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio.
The most significant difference between this Eldorado and a 1970 Silver Shadow occurs below the surface. Both cars feature a large-capacity V8 engine, an automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. However, while the Rolls sends its power to the rear wheels, Cadillac utilizes the Unified Powerplant Package to feed the 400hp and 550 ft/lbs of torque produced by its 500ci V8 to the front wheels. Buyers were typically uninterested in outright performance figures, focusing on their car’s ability to cruise effortlessly in city and highway environments. This Caddy should do that because it is in excellent mechanical health. It recently received a new exhaust and a service, and it is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. It runs and drives perfectly and can be considered a turnkey proposition.
It is worth revisiting the seller’s claim about this 1970 Cadillac Eldorado to determine its validity. The sticker price on an Eldorado was $6,903, although many buyers attacked the options list, with that figure climbing by around 30%, on average. Therefore, let’s call it a nice, round, $9,000. The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow offered fewer options, and its sticker price was around $15,400. Therefore, the Caddy wasn’t dearer but was undoubtedly more attainable. This one looks like a gem and could be ideal for someone searching for a luxurious motoring experience without spending a fortune. The No Reserve factor means it is guaranteed to find a new home in a few days. Are you tempted to make it yours?
The seller got dupped in 1970, if he paid more for a caddy than a 1970 Rolls.
And the caddie is FWD.
V8’s and FWD, are so wrong, but people bought them because they were a “Caddie”
Yeh I’m old school, and damm proud of it.
Sit behind the wheel of a first-gen Olds Toronado, the innovation that led to the (admittedly, poorly received) FWD Caddies, my good sir. No torque steer whatsoever, ample power, and a cavernous, flat-floored interior. On the whole, I agree with you about FWD V8s, but there ARE exceptions.
While this looks like a bon marche, for me this generation Eldorado was the least attractive. My late brother had several ROLLS-ROYCE automobiles. Much more impressive, roomy, and higher quality. I’ve never owned a ROLLS-ROYCE or Eldorado, but several RWD Cadillacs. My current 2007 Town Car Signature Limited keeps me driving in style, comfort and CLASS. Yes DAVE, old school rules 👏 🎵 Those were 🎵the 🎶DAYS 👌
Why are you shouting “ROLLS-ROYCE”? Seems to me that Rolls-Royce wouldn’t like that.
To CC. For some reason it automatically goes to caps. 🤔. But RR is the Only foreign brand I would ever aspire to own. LOL 👍
I don’t know about quality because Rolls used a wooden body covered in aluminum panels and when my mother’s got hit it shattered and tore that thing apart.
Must have been an older Rolls then. They all had steel bodies by the time this car came out.
“The tinted glass is crystal clear.” …funny.
Never the twains shall meet, or something like that. Cadillac and Rolls Royce were not likely cross shopped. Maybe you owned both but not a one or the other decision. This Eldorado was our expression of the Mercedes SL. Not meant to be the same but meant to perform a similar duty. They both succeeded in letting others know that you were somebody.
I own 4 Eldorado Convertibles. 2-71’s a 73, and a 72 with 44,000 miles. My gold 71 convertible has a rebuilt engine with upgraded street cam and Eletronic ignition. Over 400hp and front wheel drive I leave rice burners at the light. I have the original sales invoice of $6775.00. The car is a head turner with Alba Mags on it.
Big whoop.
Or the King”s Eldo for $253,00. https://www.hemmings.com/stories/elvis-presleys-1969-cadillac-eldorado-sells-for-253000/
I would be curious to know why the seller believes that Eldorado when new, was selling for more than a Rolls Royce, did he see the Rolls price in British pound and made an honest mistake of not converting it to US dollars?
He has to know that today with the internet all those claims can be quickly verified, so I find it less likely he simply made it up…
we may never know…
True … but you could get more bodies in the trunk of the Caddy. Just sayin.
The cover was apparently used to prevent the pad from cracking–and it worked. Whomever wins this will get a fine cruiser.
Ever entertain the possibility of selling that 73? It’s the one id like to own someday.
If comparing any after WW II US automobile with a Rolls Royce it would more likely be the 1956 Lincoln Continental MK II, all in unique styling, hand built assembly, and price ($10,000 in 1956). The Eldorado was an excellent car, especially during the mid 50s era but too close to mass production to class with either the 56 only Continental or a Rolls. Of course this is just my opinion unless anyone else agrees.
In 1957, the Eldorado Brougham was priced higher than Rolls-Royce. Brougham was built for four years and priced at nearly double the price of a standard Eldorado ant 3 times the price of a base Cadillac.
And there was a custom built El Morocco from 55 through 57 🤔. Based on Chevy with Cadillac features. With so few, one of those would likely be even higher in price than this Eldorado.
In 1970, the exchange rate was $2.4 for one GB pound. You could buy three Eldos for the price of one Silver Shadow. I have always liked Eldos and Rollers, having owned multiple examples from this era. I currently have a ’71 Eldo convertible, and a ’79 Silver Wraith II in my collection. These vehicles are not comparable in any way.
The Eldo for sale here appears to be a very presentable, well-optioned example in nice colours. Nice ones are getting harder to find, and lesser examples usually cost way too much to put right.
One thing to check on Caddys from this era is the timing gear. The originals were coated in thick plastic to reduce noise, which eventually disintegrates, and can lead to engine failure. Because of the FWD configuration on the Eldo, the engine should be removed to do the job properly.
I do like this car, but I don’t love it, mainly because of the fixed headlights. I find the ’67 and ’68 much more attractive with the hideaway headlights.
Plenty of these out there, and they’re generally not worth a whole lot.
I never realized how similar these look to the Grand Prix of the same time. My opinion.
I’ll take a Mark 5 over either, Cadillac makes beautiful looking cars that, for the most part are permanent repair shop fixtures! Rolls, in that ere had electricals and powertrain components provided by the General! Both cars are beautiful but I’ll take a Lincoln any day!!
I love them old tanks. My Eldorado, about 20 years newer, has a hump in the floor and I’ve often thought of converting it to rear wheel drive.
Do it!!!!!
Nothing better than steering by throttle, lol
In the same vain, I want to convert a Subaru Brumby (Brat) to RWD, and 4WD on demand.
for abt a decade mid 70s on the merican public understood there would B no more verts as too dangerous.
I remember a bud (my dad’s age, owned a lrg garage in 1 of the most expensive towns in the 3rd richest state) bought 1 of these asa vert cuz of this idea. “It’ll B worth alot some day.” he said. Cadillac Eldorado “Baritz” model I think, white, 2 dor. 120 inch WB, 18.5 foot length, 550 lb/tq, vinyl top, red? interior. No Opera Window but every other option known to man and astronut (even today has not caught up to). OMG~
Ain’t it “cOz”?
Absolutely stunning! This is what Cadillac used to be. Look at Cadillac now. God, how the mighty have fallen.