Vehicle Description
As one of the finest expressions of Bill Mitchell's tenure as head
of GM Styling, the 1967-78 Cadillac Eldorado remains one of the
crowning achievements of his storied career as Harley Earl's
handpicked successor. Long, low, plush, and powerful, these
sophisticated road cars exemplified the emerging "personal luxury"
market segment and remain historic as Cadillac's first front-drive
production models. Based on a commanding 126.3-inch wheelbase
chassis and continuing with front-wheel drive, the final full-size
Eldorado generation debuted for 1971 with production through 1978
including a selective facelift for 1973, a restyled neoclassical
grille motif for 1974, and more visual updates for 1975. The
Eldorado stood firmly at the pinnacle of American motoring prestige
during the 1970s, an enviable status confirmed by its selection as
the official Indianapolis 500 Pace Car in 1973. Strong and rising
sales during the early 1970s were met with Eldorado production
expanded at the Detroit, Michigan, and Linden, New Jersey GM
assembly plants. The Eldorado adapted quite readily to the changing
safety requirements of the 1970s, with the 1974 models, in
particular, featuring a new telescoping rear bumper/taillight
combination intended to minimize low-speed impact damage. Other
updates included squarer rear fenders, a newly curved instrument
panel, rear coach windows on Eldorado coupes, and standard expanded
leather interiors, in addition to all the features present on
Cadillac's DeVille line. While Cadillac's proprietary V-8 engine
displaced 472 cubic inches for the majority of the GM division's
model lines, an even larger 500 cubic-inch unit was an Eldorado
exclusive, rated 210 SAE Net horsepower with a four-barrel
carburetor. Introduced with pricing from $7,656 for the Hardtop
Coupe and $$7,873 for the Convertible, the two-model Eldorado line
was repriced at $9,100 and $9,437 respectively midway through the
1974 model year. Nonetheless, the Eldorado played a major role in
Cadillac's continued success in 1974, despite lower industry-wide
sales in the wake of a painful economic recession and the lingering
effects of the 1973 OPEC oil embargo. One of just 7,600 examples
produced, this wonderful 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado
Convertible is impeccably preserved and highly original, showing
just 11,700 miles, believed genuine, from new. Provenance is
fascinating, with the Eldorado produced during April 1974 and
purchased new on April 22 by a Racine, Wisconsin-based auto dealer
and body-shop proprietor from Don Hutson Inc., the local Cadillac
dealer. An obvious object of desire and pride, the Eldorado was
soon treated to Ziebart rustproofing, confirmed by the accompanying
invoice and warranty card. According to an appraisal on file, the
Eldorado had accumulated just 6,000 original miles by December
1986! The owner of the Ziebart franchise who first treated the car
in 1974 stayed in touch with the Cadillac's owner, and for years
hoped he'd get a shot at owning this cherisched car. Finally, a few
years ago, he was delighted to add it to his personal collection.
Outstanding original documents also include the original owner's
manual, sales literature, hang tags, period 8-Track tape cartridges
for your Easy Listening pleasure, and a series of registration
slips in the first owner's name. Handsomely finished in a rarely
seen livery comprising Sable Black (Code 19) over a Black and White
interior (Code 452) with a white power-operated convertible top,
the Eldorado is highly equipped with factory options and amenities.
Among them are extended leather upholstery, air conditioning, an
AM/FM/8-Track Stereo, and power brakes and steering, plus a power
front seat, power windows, and remote driver's side mirror. Other
highlights include the remote trunk release and automatic closing
mechanism, which still works as it should. It remains in superb
condition inside and out, with gorgeous black paintwork reflective
of Cadillac's build quality, a rare standout in the early days of
the malaise era. Exterior trim is also crisp and beautifully
preserved, with the car riding on correct steel wheels with full
disc-style wheel covers and narrow band whitewall tires. Front and
rear urethane bumper filler panels are excellent and fully intact,
further underlining this car's outstanding preservation. Interior
trim is similarly excellent, with lovely white leather accented by
black dash and carpets while the original white rubber floor mats
as noted on the window sticker. Details abound, including a fully
functional 8-Track player, and alloy door sills denoting the
Interior by Fleetwood and Body by Fisher designations. A fabulous
example of mid-1970s Cadillac grandeur and quality, this 1974
Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible is beautifully maintained and
preserved for future enjoyment. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7338-1974-cadillac-eldorado-convertible/
