Have you ever noticed how the first of anything is often the best? You know, in movies, for example, the sequels often don’t measure up to the original story. I have found that to be true with many cars, too. Take this 1968 Cadillac Eldorado, for example. It’s big, fast, luxurious, and means business with its chiseled looks. Move to Gen-II of the front wheel drivers (’71-’78) and it’s El Bloato time. Yeah, it’s a subjective assessment, I know it, but these early Eldos were big attention getters – not just the looks but the mystique around a big front-wheel drive, V8-powered automobile – not a common domestic car configuration in those years. This example is domiciled in Loveland, Colorado, and it has a few things going for it, so let’s check it out. Here on craigslist is where you’ll find it; it’s available for $6,800, OBO and we have Mike F. to thank for this tip.
The FWD Eldorado debuted in 1967, employing a reverse-mounted Turbo-Hydramatic transaxle, developed by Oldsmobile for its Toronado, and denoted as the THM 425. First year sales amounted to almost 18K units, but sales improved for the very similar ’68, moving up 37% to 24,500 copies. A single two-door hardtop was the only body style available as the convertible version didn’t debut until 1971. The seller refers to this car as a survivor, and it appears to be original – and rough, the most obvious issue being the flaking finish, marring the hood, roof, and trunk lid. The finish, actually, looks like a cheap repaint. The body, however, is straight and appears to be rust-free. The grille and bumpers check out, don’t know if the concealed headlight covers are through concealing or not. Too bad the wheel covers are missing; they’re probably pricey to source these days.
The interior is only fair. The front strato-bench seat shows well enough, but the rear seat’s upholstery is badly stained. The door panels are askew, likely as a result of the window motors no longer working. The carpet shows better on this 92 K-mile example than I would have thought, but the dash pad is cracked. The seller also mentions an inoperative headlight switch.
New for ’68 was Cadillac’s 375 gross HP, 472 CI V8, and that’s what’s on tap here. The seller mentions “New fluids, set of tires, battery, starter, plugs, cap, rotor, fuel pump, and filter,” followed by “runs, drives, stops.”
Assuming ordinary maintenance, the mileage on this Eldo isn’t too out of line and not worrisome – the issues here are more aesthetic. The seller praises certain aspects of this car, including “NO SENSORS! 😂 NO EMISSIONS👍🏻.” Well, that is one advantage of an older car, especially when it comes to backyard wrenching. This isn’t the kind of car that first comes to mind when I think of a “project”, but then again, why not?
My late brother and I test drove one of these (same year and color) about 50 years ago after responding to a newspaper ad. Totally sketchy situation. Pulled up to the motel. Had to yell a certain code through the door that we had prearranged on the phone call. Somehow this wasn’t a red flag to teenage brains. We loved it and wanted it after the test drive but it occurred to us that this low life just might be lying to us when he said that his representative would be forwarding the title after we handed over 550 bucks cash. I don’t regret not buying that car but have wanted a similar car since.
This is totally out of character for me, but I think I’d leave the wheels just as they are. I don’t like “sinister”, but somehow this works.
@Rex
This looks like they’re going for today’s look of all blackout cars. BSW tires, black rims, black car. I hope some idiot Gen Zer doesn’t buy it and black out what little chrome the car does have.
My dad’s gangster friend bought a brand new one in 68. Drove to our house. We went for a ride it was surreal. First time I ever heard an FM stereo radio. The stereo light would flicker when we went under a bridge. Anyway, there are plenty of these 68’s around and from appearances, you can do a lot better than this one.
After zooming in a little closer I think the seller is overlooking the rust holes around the rear window. It’s obvious the car was not garage kept. Alot worse than some of the others passing through.
How many bodies in that massive trunk were deposed of over the years…shades of Goodfellas…plus you would need a thirty-foot garage to store it…but good luck on the sale.
Nearly all front-drive cars use transverse engines, but that front wheel design was powered in part through a very beefy HyVo chain to the torque converter. It’s the only way they could fit a longitudinally mounted large V8 with front drive in a decently sized package. It worked though, with a benefit of being relatively easier to work on than typical front-drivers.
This would wicked cool as a restomod. Like for John Wick or something. It’s has really nice angles and has an angry look to it if set up right.
One thing this Eldorado has going for it is no vinyl top to rust under and pretty solid trunk lid and hood. The rims look fairly clean for 57 years old. I took the vinyl top off my 1970 and was a little holy near the back window. Not a bad price if the frame and floor panels are solid.
You won’t access rear seat from drivers side, seat back release button Mia. As rover says RUFF!
It’s a Caddy so on these you ask how many things don’t work electronically first.
If the list comes out on the plus side and the frame isn’t rotted you might have something.
If Peter Gunn was still on the air in 68 he’d drive one. I see this and hear the theme.