1972 Cadillac Eldorado

Description

Hard to believe that something that is nearly 18 feet long and weighs 5200 pounds could be considered a personal/luxury car, but that was the Eldorado's niche. This 1972 Eldorado convertible ably demonstrates that if you were a player in the early '70s, there really was only one way to travel: Eldorado.

Styling was largely unchanged over the all-new 1971 model, and with that redesign GM stylists got rid of a lot of chrome and flash, replacing it with dramatically sculpted sheetmetal and brought back the fender skirts, a look that defined the era. The car's proportions, including a massive hood and a short(ish) deck mask its gargantuan size, and the Cotillion White certainly helps. The older paint is impressive on the big Eldo's flanks, showing clean lines on the panels, with a wonderful shine that makes this car an A-list celebrity at homecoming parades all over the country. Surprisingly, the flashy Eldo is accented by only a single red pinstripe that accentuates the coffin-shaped hood dome and framing the squared-off decklid, but it all works quite nicely. The chrome bumpers look awesome, and the neatly integrated taillights are one of the best designs of the era.

Bright red leather (called Antique Oxblood by Cadillac marketers) is the ideal complement to the bright white bodywork. With room for six, enhanced by the almost completely flat floor, this is the kind of car that was made for parties and nights out on the town with friends. The leather itself is in remarkably good condition, particularly in a convertible, and shows excellent care and maintenance throughout its life. The same goes for the carpets and dash pad, which are often faded to a dull orange by UV rays, but not in this case. The list of luxury features is extensive, including automatic climate control, power windows, locks and seats, cruise, tilt, and a new red vinyl power top overhead (probably not standard equipment, but it looks great!). An AM/FM/cassette stereo replaces the original AM/FM unit, ensuring that you can fully enjoy any road trip. And if you're going far, the big trunk will carry just about anything you'd care to take with you.

The legendary Cadillac 500 cubic inch V8 needs almost every square foot of that massive hood. Silky smooth and effortless, it moves the convertible with the grace of the QEII, and a wonderful muted V8 rumble. With signs of recent maintenance and care, this is a no-stories Eldo that fires up easily and runs superbly. The A/C has been converted to R134a refrigerant, and it appears that the engine wears a fresh coat of paint. The TH425 is virtually bulletproof, as it uses TH400 internals and an "unbreakable" chain to power the front wheels, which use a thrifty 2.73 axle ratio for easy cruising. The ride is pillowy-soft, as you'd expect, but control effort is light, brakes are effective, and nothing eats up miles of highway like an American luxury car. 235/75/15 whitewall radials have been fitted, as original, and use the unique Eldorado wheels and hubcaps, which don't fit anything else.

These cars are seeing a nice uptick in values with collectors, and they're rugged, stylish pieces of '70s flash. Great colors make this the one to own. Call today!