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 legendary 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 with just a few minor blemishes to
the factory paint. With a lifetime of careful ownership, it
shouldn't be a surprise that the factory enamel has held up so
well, but it's even more amazing to see that the front and rear
fender extensions are so nice and that the filler panel behind the
license plate frame has survived. Obviously, someone took care of
this car and it's spent the majority of its life indoors. The
chrome and stainless trim, and there's a lot of it, remains in
great original shape too and the maroon vinyl half-roof was
replaced and adds a flashy and sophisticated contrast to all that
white real estate. All-in-all, this is a very impressive
Biarritz.
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 of the era was standard, from twin power seats,
automatic climate control, power windows and locks, cruise control,
and a power antenna. The original plush carpets, dash pad, door
panels, and headliner show some age but are equally nice, all
demonstrating the same preservation that comes from staying out of
the sun. An original AM/FM/8-track stereo remains in the dash, but
a modern Pioneer AM/FM/CD/AUX head unit was installed under the
dash so you don't have to hit the garage sales for Bee Gees
8-tracks unless you want to. The back seat looks is in great shape
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 jack assembly.
Starting 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 shiny 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. Treat yourself and
call today!
