Description
Hello,
For sale is my 1978 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz finished in triple white (Cotillion white exterior, white leather interior, & white padded vinyl top).
Been with the same owner in the US for over 42 years!
If you are a fellow Cadillac fan then I’m sure you will already be aware that the Biarritz was the absolute top spec. Features of it include the padded vinyl top, opera lamps, opera side & rear window, additional stainless steel body mouldings, colour coded stainless steel wheel trims, further leather trim to the interior door cards etc. & most notably THOSE INCREDIBLE SEATS! You may also know that 1978 was the final year for the real ‘big ones’ prior to the Eldorado being significantly downsized for 1979. All other models in the Cadillac lineup had already been downsized prior to 1978 & so this generation of Eldorado really was the last one standing. In other words; the end of an era in American automotive history. This final iteration of the Eldorado was face lifted for the 1977 model year with the ‘Eldorado’ script being added to the front of the bonnet along with new headlamp trims, lights added to the rear quarters & the rear lights being incorporated into the tail fin style bumper with the lenses marked with a Cadillac crest either side. This particular iteration was only available for the 77-78’ model year with the only visual difference being the front grille that was further updated for 1978.
This example goes a step further since, along with the Biarritz trim package, it was equipped with every optional extra available. These include (but are not limited to) cruise control, automatic headlamps, auto dim headlamps, electronic power boot (soft close of the 70’s), heated rear window, tilt & telescope steering wheel, delay wipers, large power operated tinted glass sunroof (‘glass dome Astro roof’ by GM/ ASC), recliner seats, AM/ FM stereo with 8 track player & CB (citizens band).
Recently imported into the UK in late Dec 2020 by myself all duties & taxes paid.
Since this is officially classed as a historic vehicle, it is MOT & TAX EXEMPT.
It has not yet been registered in the UK since it has been stored ever since it’s arrival what with lockdowns restricting car meets etc.
For this reason, whomever purchases will become the first official UK owner of this vehicle.
All paperwork present. Including original US title, NOVA letter, owners manual, Cadillac maintenance schedule, Operating instructions for Astro roof (plus tool for manual operation should the power roof fail, though this is fully operational). On top of the essential documents, there is many extras such as the original certification card from the supplying dealer along with further operating paperwork for the 8 track stereo & citizens band + original Cadillac dealer value protection plan.
It runs, drives, steers & stops as it should. There’s certainly no pretence of sport but it certainly is as comfortable as you might expect (particularly from looking at that interior!). Naturally, it is a classic car and so I must make clear to anybody not familiar with classic cars that it is not perfect. It is over 44 years old now & has its faults/ blemishes related to that. That being said, as you can see, it is in very good condition for its age. An absolutely solid/ rust free example.
Brake callipers have been rebuilt with new brake pads having also been fitted during a Full service (inc. oil change, all belts replaced, a new set of spark plugs, oil filter, air filter etc.) in Feb 2022.
Bumper fillers replaced at a cost of over £1000 from ‘Caddy daddy’ classic Cadillac specialists in the US. Common fault for the original filler panels to deteriorate on Cadillacs of this era as I am sure many of you will already be aware. The invoice for this is present with other paperwork. They have also been painted. Ideally the pinstriping would need to be added to them once again. Two of the rear fillers will also need to be fitted properly as those are only fitted temporarily at the moment.
Dashboard/ dash top in perfect condition & without a single crack. This is notable since many have deteriorated from exposure to the sun over the years.
All original ‘soft ray’ glass (inc. windscreen). No chips or cracks.
Vinyl top is in very good shape overall as you can see from photographs & it is solid/ rust free around the seams. There are a couple of very small cracks in the vinyl just beneath the corners of the rear window but is otherwise in amazing shape as you can see from photographs. Rust free & absolutely remarkable for an original 44+ year old vinyl top. Same goes for the car overall in fact. The listing limits me to just 12 photographs but I do have further pictures of the door shuts inc. underneath the doors, underneath the boot lid, and the bonnet too that I can send upon request just to show how clean, solid & original it is. Certainly never been welded!
Full set of brand new 2 inch whitewall tyres fitted all round along with a new spare.
All 4 headlamp units replaced with brand new Hella RHD units so that they are now UK road legal.
Brand new battery fitted only a week ago so of course still Covered by Varta’s 4 year warranty. Both terminals were also replaced for new ones.
In addition to this, a new fuel pump was fitted immediately following its arrival along with a replacement of the fuel lines. The tank was also dropped, drained & cleaned out during this light recommissioning since it had been in long term storage in the US beforehand due to its former (elderly) owners no longer finding themselves able to drive it. The power steering hoses were also replaced & a new magnetic power steering filter fitted.
The PCV valve was also replaced with new unit.
Rocker cover gaskets replaced.
I’m sure there are plenty of other things that I couldn’t recollect at the time of writing this ad so if you have any further questions, please just ask & I will do my best to help you.
Original US title is present along with owners manual & all other relevant books/ paperwork. I have maxed out photos allowed for this ad but I can provide photos of these to you upon request.
PX/ Swaps for something interesting may be considered.
Many thanks for looking/ reading.
