Eddie Cochrane once famously sang “There ain’t no cure for the summertime blues.” I don’t believe that, because summer is the ideal time to slip behind the wheel of a classic like this 1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible to bask in all that Mother Nature provides. Its presentation is exceptional, and it is a turnkey vehicle with no apparent needs. I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Caddy listed here on Craigslist in Oakland Park, Florida. The seller set their price at $21,000 but may consider offers.
The Convertible formed an integral part of the Ninth Generation Eldorado range before Cadillac pulled the pin on production in 1976. This 1975 example appears to be an extremely tidy survivor ordered by its first owner in Roan Brown Metallic. The seller doesn’t mention a restoration history, and its lack of significant panel and paint imperfections is particularly noteworthy if the vehicle is original. There is no evidence or mention of rust problems, and the matching new Brown power top fits as tight as a drum. The trim and glass are in excellent condition for their age, and the only thing that some feel this classic might need to “complete” the exterior is a set of whitewalls.
The automotive industry may have been working towards downsizing in the mid-1970s, but ’75 Eldorado buyers still received the company’s 500ci V8. There were no genuine mechanical choices, with every car also receiving a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Buyers received 190hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque from their V8, both figures considerably lower than the 365hp and 435 ft/lbs delivered by the same motor in 1971. It was a double whammy because curb weight had climbed from 4,872 lbs to 5,313 lbs as buyers demanded more luxury touches and the government imposed harsher safety standards. Therefore, performance figures can best be described as adequate. The seller has recently spent a considerable sum on this classic to ensure it is in excellent mechanical health. The buyer will reap the benefits when they slip behind the wheel of a Caddy that runs and drives extremely well.
It is hard not to describe this Eldorado’s interior as a highlight, although it is a line ball decision between this aspect and the exterior. However, the lack of wear and other issues suggest that this gem has been treated respectfully since Day One. The Tan trim contrasts the dark exterior shade nicely, with the woodgrain accentuating the luxury feel. The speakers in the kick panels indicate a hidden aftermarket stereo, which may be the only addition. It isn’t heavily equipped by modern standards, although the air conditioning, power windows, power front seats, remote driver’s mirror, tilt wheel, and AM/FM radio were what buyers from this era expected of a luxury car.
It is three weeks since the winter solstice, and you know what that means. That is the shortest day of the year, and the time between now and summer will race past at a breakneck pace. The motto of The Scouts is to be prepared, and that is as true for classic car enthusiasts as it is for any other part of society. Those who have a pride-and-joy parked in their shed will undoubtedly be preparing it for some fine weather cruising, while those without will be searching for a likely candidate. Convertibles are always a hot choice, and such is the case with this 1975 Cadillac Eldorado. It appears to need nothing, and the thought of hitting the road with the sun at your back and the wind in your hair must seem awfully attractive. But, is it enough to convince you to pursue this Caddy further?
Talk about making an entrance-this must have caused a fight between most of the parking valets at any upscale country club every time it rolled in! This dude is as long as a 2018 Ram 3500 crew cab, and a lot more stylish though I doubt anyone would want to haul a flatbed of haybales behind it..
And make it roll a little faster-rework the engine to the original 1970 400HP factory specs for accessing on-ramps more safely.
Summertime Blues….Blue Cheer!
Vincebus Eruptum
Roger Daltry
The interior has been redone. The seats aren’t correct for a 1975 Eldorado.
I learned how to drive in a 1975. Luckily the top was down when backed out of the driveway eliminating any blind spots by but having the top up. 😁
If I were redoing the interior on one of these, I’d want to use the Biarritz pillow-top seats that that trim package included starting in 1977. Still, very nice car.
Eddie Cochran, not Cochrane. The Pride of Albert Lea, MN and Bell Gardens, CA. Just 21 years old when he died in London as a result of a car accident. Besides “Summertime Blues”, he wrote “Twenty Flight Rock”, “C’mon Everybody” and “Somethin’ Else”. He also had a cameo appearance in the movie “The Girl Can’t Help It” with Edmond O’Brien,Tom Ewell, and Jayne Mansfield. The opening scene is a classic with Little Richard singing the theme song. Long Live Rock!
Eddie Cochran was huge in the UK and highly influential in early British rock’n roll. Nice car-knew a singer once who had one-she was rather diminutive so the sight of her piloting it was amusing.
As usual, It’s HUGE! It guzzles gas! It pollutes the air! It scares the birds! Other cars part like the Red Sea to get out of the way! What’s NOT to love ❤? A definitve LAND YACHT. And a Bon Marche compared to current prices for Bloated SUVS at BLOATED prices. I would definitely enjoy driving this Eldorado off to VERSAILLES. It’s big enough for Angel, Frog, and several other members of The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY!
The Eldorado’s 500 cid V8 was rated at 365HP/535lb-ft SAE gross, and 235HP/410lb-ft SAE net for 1971. It was the only year GM quoted both figures. The 1975 version was definitely weaker, but the difference isn’t as dramatic with an apples-to-apples comparison.
For that asking price maybe the seller could have spent some time cleaning up the engine bay and a little rattle can paint action. Lastly the way the engine bay looks makes one wonder if proper maintenance was accomplished.
Nicer than the yellow one from last week. Something is suspicious about that front seat. I don’t recall Cadillac being into the 50/50 arrangement like Chevrolet. Wouldn’t stop me from enjoying the drive.
I love these old Caddy verts. But brown is just ugly on any car. It just ruins this car for me. This color should be a poster for UGLY. No car should have to suffer such a fate. Oh my God hide this thing in a barn somewhere out of sight, before it destroys human eyesight. Still, someone out there will cherish this abomination. Hope it finds a good home.
God Bless America
Sorry, it’s the anti-establishment classic color. When black, gray and white no longer stand out, brown will look rich and meaningful. Wear herringbone or tweed while driving.
Brown, yellow and red were the best colors for these Caddy’s!! If I never see another black or silver one, I won’t be sad. Wish current car makers had more imagination than black, white, silver and grey……
I like the paint color but on a convertible? It does compliment the interior though, maybe it’s a cell phone picture but that interior looks too narrow somehow. Don’t want to nit pick, it’s a beautiful ride.
Lovely car and thank you for teaching me a new phrase: a line ball decision. Had to look it up.
That is not a 1975 interior. The seats are not correct. A great car, however, as I had a 1975. I really should buy this….