1978 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

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 low-mile 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 touch-ups to the factory paint. With what could actually be just 29,678 original miles, 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 its life indoors. The chrome and stainless trim, and there's a lot of it, remains in excellent shape and the vinyl half-roof looks a fraction of its age. Again, although we can't prove the mileage, it just could be the real-deal; she's been that well-preserved.

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, door panels, and headliner are equally nice, all demonstrating the same preservation that comes from staying out of the sun. An AM/FM/8-track stereo remains in the dash, but there's also a cassette adapter in the glove box so you don't have to hit the garage sales for Bee Gees 8-tracks unless you want to. 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 jack assembly.

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 color-matched 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!