The brilliant, Bill Mitchell-designed Eldorado was among Detroit's first Personal Luxury Coupés. Flagship of Cadillac's lineup, it also was the marque's first front wheel drive offering. An instant success, 17,930 FWD Eldos were sold during the 1967 model year. Today, the first FWD Eldorado is considered a milestone car; pristine survivors are sought after by savvy collectors worldwide.
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Based on the same platform as Oldsmobile's Toronado (which debuted in 1966), the Eldorado featured Cadillac's 429 big block engine and a modified TurboHydramatic transmission, the THM425. Power and handling were universally praised; 0-60 could be achieved in under 9 seconds, top speed was around 120mph. Wow! Who knew a front wheel drive automobile could be so powerful?
More than 40 years later, GM's early FWD behemoths have retained their attractiveness--even Jay Leno has one in his star-studded collection.
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The 1967 Cadillac Eldorado presented here, VIN *H7270850*, has quite an interesting story to tell. It was purchased new on June 16, 1967 at Madison Cadillac, Inc in Memphis, Tennessee, by a physician for his wife during a trip to to Graceland--the wife was a huge fan of Elvis Presley's and insisted on touring her idol's erstwhile stomping grounds in a white Cadillac! Shortly thereafter, the couple moved to San Jose, California, where the car resided ever since.
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This fabulous one-owner-Cad comes with a slew of interesting orginal documents, among them the original window sticker, metal Protect-o-Plate, original California "pink slip" title, service records, owner's manual, owner protection plan and Cadillac accessory brochure, all inside the original blue vinyl pouch. MSRP of this Fleetwood Eldorado, as it was officially called, was $7,989.85, or about three times as much as the price of a Chevrolet Biscayne. |
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Original window sticker, pink slip, and Protect-o-Plate irrefutably confirm the car's matching numbers, equipment, and provenance. Aside from the usual Cadillac luxuries, there are 11 extra-cost options, making this Eldo a truly loaded automobile. Here they are:
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A beloved Sunday driver in an adult home, this much-loved automobile covered just 53,902 actual miles in 43 years--that's less than 1,250 miles annually, on average! After the passing of her husband, the original owner, now in her late Seventies, decided to part with her long-time companion and Californiaclassix was fortunate to become the new, temporary custodian by promising to find a good new home for her car.
Fortunately for the avid collector of all-original vintage iron, the car still proudly displays both of its cherished California black-and-yellow license plates. Registration is current; tags are valid until December 22, 2010.
Let's inspect this luxo-cruiser closely now!
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Below the enormously long and wide hood awaits an engine compartment that could be considered of reference quality. Everything is as original as it gets, down to hose clamp and factory stickers. Even the glass washer fluid bottle is still present!
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The mighty Cadillac power plant: 340hp and 480ft-lbs. of torque--more than sufficient to propel the 5,000-pound Eldo to twice the legal speed limit. Engine has always been faithfully serviced; recent invoices totalling $3,280 are present. Service work performed within the last 100 miles includes flushing fuel system and radiator, replacing all fuel lines, changing all fluids, replacing the right side drive axle, relining front and rear brakes, replacing rear wheel cylinders, machining rotors and drums, replacing brake master cylinder, rebuilding the carburetor, replacing the rear dual exhaust pipes, and fitting a new headlight vacuum motor.
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Various details of the spotlessly clean engine compartment.
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Cadillac's exterior is in a state of wonderful preservation. Sure, there are a few dings caused by wayward shopping carts and the like, and a few small chips that have been carefully touched up--at the end of the day, nothing beats an original car! There are no rust bubbles or signs of accident damage anywhere, hoods and doors open and close with precision, all shut lines are 100% perfect. Bumpers are free of damage and feature the thick, original Detroit chrome, and all brightwork is intact and shiny. The black padded vinyl top is also original; apart from a few small spots to the left of the rear window where it has begun to lift, it is in fine condition throughout.
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Incredibly, the car still features all of its gorgeous, original Grecian White paint, applied at the factory, 43 years ago.
What are the odds?!
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Original steel wheels with vented hub caps allow a peek at the large--optional--disc brake calipers. Tires are narrow-band whitewalls of the size 225/75-R15 all around.
Let's look inside now, shall we?
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Extra wide door allows for elegant entry and exit. Door panels are perfect in every way. Note dual inside door release handles--the extra one is for the rear passengers.
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Thankfully, this this Eldo was always garaged and covered; the steering wheel and dashboard have remained in pristine condition, free of any sun fading or hairline cracks.
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Be like a pilot behind the driver-centered instrument cluster!
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All lights and gauges work flawlessly, except for the clock. There is no pitting or scratching on the lavishly applied interior chrome trim to report.
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Front bench seat provides comfortable seating for 3 adults if needed. Due to the front wheel drive layout, there is no transmission hump impeding floor space. Large, leather-covered center arm rests are provided, front and rear.
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Magnificently preserved, still supple, original hides throughout speak of the low mileage and excellent care this car has always received. There is virtually no wear, not even a split seam anywhere!
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Rear bench allows three additional adults to join in the fun. It looks like nobody has ever sat here, though, everything is just factory fresh.
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Interior details for your enjoyment.
Carpeting, headliner, sun visors, side panels--everything is in unmarked, excellent original condition.
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Are you ready to back the big Eldo out of its garage? Sure you are, but let's have a look at trunk and undercarriage first!
Note working backup lights and superb rear bumper.
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Open sesame! Inside of trunk lid looks great, features original tire pressure decal and working trunk light.
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Big trunk for affluent folks that travel with lots of luggage, plus a couple of sets of golf clubs, perhaps. Note how the exterior design theme influences trunk's contours.
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A few goodies found inside the trunk, accompanying the car.
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Only in California will you find a 43 year-old car that's as dry and unmolested as this Eldo. There has never been any rust, rust repair, or spray can artistry to hide any kind of flaw. |
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Floor pans are virginal.
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Undercarriage, en detail. Wherever you look, this Eldo never seizes to amaze. There are no fluid leaks.
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Sunday, March 21, the first day of spring, served up perfect weather for a nice cruise in the '67. We headed out bright and early to visit our favorite San Buenaventura neighborhoods.
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The Eldorado starts instantly, idles smoothly, accelerates without fuss, and handles like a much smaller car, thanks in part to its variable ratio power steering and rear air leveling system (both firsts for Cadillac). The disc brakes are flawless. There are no ill manners to report at all, even prolonged periods in stop-and-go traffic never lead to overheating or any other "event."
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Being behind the wheel of the '67 feels fantastic. Passers-by stop dead in their tracks to do a double take at this time-warp-quality automobile; for most, it must look like an escapee from some Detroit dream car factory with its hidden headlamps (all 4 sealed beams are the original "T3" type, by the way) and razor-sharp, angular styling.
A great sense of well-being accompanies every drive in the Eldo. It has a sporty, yet soothing quality. Cadillac absolutely "got it" with their first generation of personal luxury Coupés, and the '67 model is universally regarded as the best and purest of the bunch.
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For all its innovation and prowess, the first FWD Eldorados are still a bargain in the world of collector cars. With Buick Rivieras and Oldsmobile Toronados pulling in big money at live auctions across the nation, the Eldorado is on its way to reclaim its deserved title as the most sophisticated of the trio. Buy a fine example now, and you are sure to outpace the market, the Eldo's appreciation potential being tremendous.
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How many one owner, low mileage, original paint, California black plate, first year Cadillac Eldorados are still around? Well, it's anybody's guess; we'd venture to claim that it would be virtually impossible to duplicate this amazing survivor's outstanding traits.
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Here it is, a true collector's item in every respect, ready to be treated like a fine heirloom by its new caretaker.
Addendum:
We sold this Cadillac Eldorado in May 2010 to an enthusiast couple in Southern California.
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