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Round Two: 1984 Cadillac “Camino”

I know, I know, we have covered these Cadillac “Caminos” before on Barn Finds. And the theories always abound as to whether they are modified Coupe de Villes, flower cars (which probably started as a Coupe de Ville), or some other custom mash-up. Here is just such an example in the form of a 1974 Caddy recreation. And yes, we covered this example once before but that was three and a half years ago and things change over time. So let’s look at this one again, it is located in Oakland, California and is available, here on craigslist for $15,000, firm. Thanks to Pat L for this tip!

1984 Cadillac Coupe de Ville per the Cadillac Sales Brochure

Right off the bat, on the last go-around, the seller, who was located in Emeryville, CA wanted $10K for this custom. So, is this possibly a different owner or the same one who is trying to move his metal again? The old craigslist listing is no longer available so I can’t say for sure. His proclamations of, “BUY IT BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND !!!” could possibly consign this unusual creation to his garage for another three years. This Cadcamino lists its origins as being a 1984 Cadillac Coupe de Ville but the grille doesn’t look like an ’84 to my eyes. The front half does resemble an ’80s Coupe de Ville – I’d like to see the pink slip.

Nevertheless, the body modifications, with the exception of the “V” gap between the rear bumper and tailgate, have been well executed. The rear window bulkhead has an inconsistent, wavy attribute to it, perhaps it is constructed from fiberglass. Unfortunately, the images are all poorly posed so it’s hard to get a comprehensive look at the custom modifications.

The interior, photographed at a distance, looks like standard black leather-clad Cadillac fare. What is not revealed is the area behind the seat where the “cab” is integrated into the cargo bed, it would be good to know how well that alteration has been carried out.

As for power, the seller states, “1995 LS1 Engine Swap with all of the eyes dotted and T’s Crossed! Swap Includes LT1 – Trans- Differential – Ect Ect Ect !!!” So, is it a 5.7 liter LS1 or a 6.2 liter LT1, hard to say with certainty. And “Trans-Differential” included with the “LT1″ reference is incongruous as there is no specific relationship between the engine on one hand and the transmission/differential on the other. Is the gearbox a 4L60, a 4L60-E, a 4L80-E, and the differential, a GM corporate 8.5” ten-bolt or what? It would be nice to know how it runs too.

OK, I admire the effort that went into creating this, not exactly one-of-a-kind but still rare, custom car/truck. Do I like it enough to want to own it? Not really and certainly not based on the paucity of detail provided here. How’s the price of $15,000, firm? I think I liked the 2018 price of $10,000 a little better, how about you?

Comments

  1. Mark_K Member

    It’s likely the seller hasn’t really got a clue what’s in the car. It looks like an LS engine, but they weren’t released until 1997, so putting a ’95 LS into the Caddy just makes it that much rarer. :)

    Like 4
    • Jim ODonnell Staff

      Great point!

      JO

      Like 1
  2. Dan

    That engine is an LT1 without any doubt.

    Like 5
  3. Ian C

    Underhood looks to be Caprice 9C1 to me. Base plate air silencer, silicone hoses. So close to being a cool car. A lot of little things look to need some attention though.

    Like 2
  4. CCFisher

    Nose and rear bumper are from a 90-92 Brougham.

    Like 0
  5. man ' war

    For being a Cadi conversion, it looks rather truckish. I give it a thumbs up. Normally, I am not inclined to the looks of these conversions, but this one isn’t too bad looking. The bed looks fiberglass to me.

    Like 2
  6. 1st Gear

    I used to pass this on the way to work when I was in that area. Street parked near a open aired “detail” shop (defunked corner gas station). Back then this was a decent 20 footer. Really don’t have to say there’s a reason for less then stellar pics here. Interesting novelty here,just not for me.

    Like 2
  7. mike

    First edition Cadillac Escalade EXT? LOL

    Like 2
  8. That Guy

    From a distance at least, this looks pretty cool, with more cohesive styling than most such efforts. Is it worth $15K? Hard to say without much better pics.

    Like 1
  9. ShaneH Shane H

    That would be perfect for my love of caddys and elcos!! It doesn’t look like a functioning tailgate tho.

    Like 0
  10. charlie Member

    I am looking for something to haul trash to the dump, and manure from the local horse farm to my garden. This or a 15 year old Toyota pickup 4×4 for $5000? This would be more fun.

    Like 2
  11. chrlsful

    usually get the sail panel wrong. OK here. Like the ‘behind the seat’ area too (what I can C) which is actually “the same place”. As w/others “I cant C it very well” but fine asa 20 footer. Wouldn’t wanna slop it up w/dump trips – more the horsy crowd – a wrapped bail of straw or hay, a sundowner or 4-star (top quality) horse trailer in tow, flasha chrome, 2 auburn pony tails (well one ‘chestnut’)…

    Like 0
  12. Fred W

    Reasonably well executed Cad Camino. Photos look like they are from one of those $1.99 disposables from the 90’s – or a first generation cell camera.

    Like 1

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