A question most of us heard, early in life, was “What do you want to be when you grow up”? For Cadillac, in the late ’70s and early ’80s it was more a question of, “What do you want to be when you grow down”? For a marque known for size, power, and prestige, the self-proclaimed, “Standard of the World”, a market-appropriate downsizing seemed contrarian. Today’s find, a 1984 Cadillac Eldorado, is an example of the big shrink. Done well? Debatable at best. But let’s not be prematurely judgemental and take a thorough look at this stainless steel-topped coupe. It’s located in Islip, New York and is available, here on craigslist for $7,499. A tip of the hat is due to Mitchell G. for this discovery!

Our Caddy subject isn’t just any Eldorado, it’s a “Biarritz” baby! A full-tilt luxo-coupe with tufted leather upholstery, wire-wheel covers, and of course, the previously mentioned brushed, stainless steel roof panel. Cadillac went as far as to describe this special trim model as a Cadillac “Dream Machine“. My subjective observation has led me to believe that big, formal cars don’t do downsizing well – they just look shrunk. That said, and I’m usually a critic of luxury cars from this era, I don’t think this Eldo is really that awkward looking. Perhaps it’s the black finish that adds a touch of seriousness to the entire package. I could do without the SS top and its accompanying padded landau crown but it’s really a take-it-or-leave-it decision – it works OK. From a balance perspective, one of the most obvious features of this car is the difference in length between the front and rear clips – it seems to be unnecessarily disproportionate. But forget about that for a moment, the finish, trim, chrome, and top padding all present well, and no obvious issues are apparent. This is a 75K mile example and my guess is that this Biarritz has been a garage lounger and thus its clean appearance.

Inside is where we end up a bit in the ditch. The tan leather, buttoned, upholstery is badly discolored, and in the case of the driver’s side seat bottom, it’s coming apart. It’s unfortunate as the rest of the environment is in pretty fair condition and leather repair is going to be $$$. Disappointing is the dash and instrument panel – it’s in perfectly fine shape but it’s cheap looking, especially for a high-end Cadillac model.

Now here’s where things get interesting. Originally equipped with a 135 net HP, 4.1 liter “High Tech” V8 engine (according to the VIN), this Caddy has undergone a transplant but the seller is mum regarding specific details (sorry – no better image is provided). Available in the Eldorado between 1982 and 1987, the 4.1 was dogged with reliability problems – some as serious as the head bolts pulling out of the block. Cadillac eventually replaced this underpowered and troubled powerplant with a larger, and more consistent 4.5 liter V8 and it wouldn’t be a surprise to find one of those now occupying the engine room. The seller states, “Starts every time” and then adds “She runs great and drives like a boat” – I’m not sure that I understand the boat reference.

So, the likely market for such a ride? I honestly don’t know as I wouldn’t consider this car to be one of Cadillac’s more desirable offerings. It’s interesting as it hails from a time when GM’s top-rung division was trying to find its place in a rapidly changing auto landscape – something that they still seem to struggle with though their current lineup is head and shoulders above anything from the now long-gone ’80s. As for the seller, I’d suggest no worries – there’s a hindside for every seat – torn leather or not, right?