1982 Cadillac Eldorado

Description

Top-of-the-line Cadillacs still have a special appeal, and this 1982 Cadillac Eldorado delivers top-of-the-line fun without the top-of-the-line price tag. It also offers a rare one year only color combination, a long list of comfort and convenience options, and full maintenance records so you can buy and drive with confidence.

The color is called Light Redwood Metallic, and it was only offered in 1982. It looks fantastic on the angular Cadillac bodywork, period-perfect yet still appealing today, and it's obvious that this Eldo led a very easy life. The styling has aged well, identifying the early '80s but still looking attractive and crisp today, and the restrained use of chrome certainly helps. The trim that is in place, including the ultra-fine grille and neat stainless window sills, all looks great. And you just can't have a luxury Cadillac of this era without a padded half-roof, with this one being about a year old, so it's in fantastic shape with no issues lurking underneath.

The burgundy leather interior is a pleasing choice with the bronze paint and aside from the usual expected comfort marks and wrinkles on the leather, it shows extremely well. Everything you'd expect from Cadillac's flagship model is included, from automatic climate control (still blows cold!) to power windows, locks, and seats, to a trip computer, and it all works as it should. A newer Kenwood AM/FM/cassette stereo replaces the original Delco unit and sounds pretty good, especially given how quiet this car is inside. There's enough fake wood paneling for your parents' basement, but it actually works well with the Cadillac's baroque vibe and remains in excellent shape. The back seat looks almost new and it includes a rather spacious trunk that's also fully upholstered in matching red carpet.

Cadillac's 4.1 liter OHV V8 was a reliable and proven powerplant that makes nice V8 sounds and plenty of useable torque. This one was replaced with a fresh crate motor about 30,000 miles ago, so it's quite fresh and the 3-speed automatic transmission was rebuilt around the same time. Looking around, you'll spot upgrades like a newer alternator, fresh belts and hoses, and an A/C system upgraded to R134a refrigerant. It starts easily with a bit of a bark from the single exhaust pipe out back and the idle is so smooth that you'll almost be tempted to hit the starter once it's already running. Underneath, it looks fantastic for being more than 30 years old, with just light surface scale on the heavy iron parts but otherwise no signs of life in a harsh climate. The ride is that incomparable Cadillac cloud thanks to an all-independent suspension with air shocks out back. Four-wheel discs were also standard equipment on the Eldorado, so it has better capabilities than you'd expect despite its cushy ride. Recent 215/70/15 whitewall radials with wire hubcaps in their centers give it a proper '80s luxury look that's exactly right.

Lots of recent work means this car is sorted and ready to enjoy. If you like the look of these cars, there can't be many out there more appealing than this. Call today!