Vehicle Description
The end was in sight when this 1978 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was
built and a smaller Eldorado would debut the following year. But if
you're the kind of guy that figures eighteen feet and 5000 pounds
is just about right for a car with two doors, then nothing else
will satisfy like this end-of-the-line Eldo.
The Biarritz added a few flashy dress-up items to the already
high-visibility Eldorado, most notably those stainless strips
running along the beltline. Thanks to excellent proportions, the
car doesn't seem as big as it is at first glance, but once you're
behind the wheel, that hood ornament is more than seven feet away.
Finished in Cotillion White like many of its siblings, this car
remains in very nice condition thanks to a repaint in 2006. It's
got some signs of use but someone did the right things to keep it
in good shape, including fresh bumper fillers that were painted and
installed in 2016. The chrome and stainless trim, and there's a lot
of it, remains in good shape, including the vintage-looking flying
lady hood ornament. There's also a standard padded half roof that's
original and showing a bit of age.
The red and white leather interior is definitely a product of the
'70s, but that's also a big part of these cars' appeal.
Pillow-tufted seats are as comfortable as a feather bed, and you
don't sit on them so much as sink into them. Every luxury and
convenience option was standard, from twin power seats, automatic
climate control, power windows and locks, cruise control, and a
power antenna. The original carpets are in good shape, largely due
to the factory floor mats, which are completely irreplaceable today
and a valuable addition to the car. The dash pad and headliner are
equally nice, demonstrating the same preservation that comes from
staying out of the sun, and the door panels have been replaced. An
AM/FM/CB stereo remains in the dash, a very rare factory option
that's still a lot of fun to see today. The back seat looks almost
completely unused and it's actually a useful place for passengers
thanks to a neat handle for rear-seat occupants on the
passenger-side door. The trunk is well-shaped and deep enough to
carry a months' worth of gear, and includes a full-sized spare and
the original rubber mat.
In 1977, Cadillac de-stroked the 500 to 425 cubic inches, but that
was still a massive engine that moves the big coupe with ease. It
starts easily and idles so smoothly you'll be tempted to hit the
starter again, and the engine bay is nicely preserved with routine
maintenance items serviced over the years. Cadillac Blue engine
enamel and a big air cleaner give it an authentic look, and it runs
quite well with an endless swell of low-RPM torque. The unique
TH425 3-speed automatic transmission spins a 2.73 final drive, so
this front-wheel-drive coupe whiles away the miles with ease and
the incomparable ride absorbs bumps like a hovercraft. Four-wheel
disc brakes were standard and very welcome and live behind those
unique Eldorado wheels with hubcaps and 235/75/15 whitewall
radials.
These cars have seen a nice uptick in values recently and they
remain eminently respected in the old car world. Complete with the
original window sticker and dealer invoice, this one has some great
history to with it. Call today!