1978 Cadillac Eldorado Custom Biarritz

As you may be aware of GM stopped production of factory-built convertibles in 1976. There was a large advertising campaign that enticed customers to hurry in and buy the last convertibles available. Much to their wealthy customers chagrin who complained loudly, Cadillac caved and sent a handful of special order 1977 and 78 cars to custom coach builders and supplied them GM parts to convert them to convertibles.

For consignment a well-kept and unrestored survivor which with the convertible option, and fully loaded custom Biarritz package, this car would have almost doubled in value from the original sticker price.

Exterior
1978 was the last breaths of the 'big” Eldorados, and this ones bathed in Carmine Red shows some cracking crazing and areas of dulling. It still shines mostly and is still presentable but will eventually need a respray to make it really super-fly. The original white top is pure GM and just like the models from 1976, the only difference being the power switch says sunroof instead of top. A crack in the top on the passenger rear had developed from rubbing when going up and down. It does not leak when washed and has a glass window in the back which has a rear defogger! (they thought of everything!) New factory bumper extensions were put on last year, and all chrome is in very good condition. On all 4 corners are special order from the dealer spoked wheels, and these present in very nice condition.

Interior
Yards of white leather cover the “pillow” style seats all complete with their personal armrests and window toggles well as the obligatory ashtrays…smoke em if ya got em! Red accents and plenty of wood grain appliqué mix with white leather and red carpet to make one think they are spending a night at the Ritz circa 1978. Options abound such as cruise control, power antenna, power locks, windows and mirrors, and the power seats as well as rear window defogger. All this is neatly packaged into the red vinyl and wood appliqué dash. Fine red carpet floats the white “pillow” seats. A new Autosound custom stereo with new speakers and an MP3 jack is installed with an original Cadillac faceplate.

Drivetrain
A big 425ci V8 with a single 4-barrel carburetor is on top. A TH425 3-speed automatic transmission is on the back and 2.73 final drive ratio puts the power to the ground. It can be said the previous owner was a GM Master Service Technician, so it has been well maintained.

Undercarriage
All good with plenty of undercoating, solid steel and straight rust free floorpans. A slight bit of corrosion is noted on some suspension parts, but new front axles, rubber seals and upper and lower ball joints have been recently put on. Power disc brakes bring this massive hunk of Detroit iron to a stop.

Drive-Ability
Started right up and idled smoothly, and of course has a cloud like ride. That suspension combined with the pillowy leather seats, and you barely know you are moving. It has good acceleration, and the brakes work great.

Driving and owning this rare and initially very expensive car, one can only dream the original owner and what they did. When in this all original beauty, you are truly large and in charge. I wonder what the poor people are doing right now?

VIN Decode
6L47S8Q292702
6-Cadillac
L-Eldorado
47-2 Door Hardtop Coupe
S-425 ci V8
8-1978
Q-Detroit, MI Assy Plant
292702-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.