Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

1974 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible - Excellent Condition - Runs Great! on 2040-cars

US $11,500.00
Year:1974 Mileage:95688 Color: lights work
Location:

Eustis, Florida, United States

Eustis, Florida, United States
Advertising:

NO REASONABLE OFFER WILL BE REFUSED - Being offered for sale is a 1974 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible equipped with the 8.2L (500 ci) V8 with Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor and 3-speed TurboHydramatic (THM425) automatic transmission. Clean title in hand, located in Eustis, Florida.

The odometer shows 95,688 miles and I believe this to be accurate. Mileage may increase slightly as I am still driving the car. I run ethanol-free regular grade gasoline now that I have a source but she had run acceptably well on 89 and 91 octane pump gas (with ethanol) prior to that.

All power options work except for the rear window defroster. Car is not equipped with cruise control (I thought this was odd, given that this was basically top-of-the-line for 1974).

I am the third owner, the second being the owner of the paint and body shop that did the majority of the restoration work and from whom I purchased the vehicle.

Condition and Restoration: 

The vehicle has been partially restored at least twice in its lifetime: the first major restoration was in 2006 when the leather upholstery and convertible top were replaced with new material. The leather seats are still in excellent condition with only a few stitches that need repair on one pleat on the front passenger seating surface. The convertible top is, likewise, in very good condition - it does have some mildew: most of  it cleans off with a scrub brush and water, I would think a bleach solution would cure the rest but I have not tried it myself. I usually drive the car with the top down so this has not been a major concern for me. The second major restoration was the body and paint work was done by a reputable shop in Greenwich, CT during throughout 2012 and early 2013. During this time period all body panels were replaced or repaired as needed to restore a like-new appearance and the car was painted a metallic burgundy color. I was told the car had extra clear coat applied so that it could be sanded and polished multiple times in the future; currently the car looks stunning in the shade in a deep burgundy hue. In sunlight, the metallic paint sparkles brilliantly but the clear coat does show some swirl marks. There are also two small cracks in the paint, on the rear left of the hood and front top of the left fender, that will need to be addressed. There is also a small patch of dullness on the middle left of the hood that I have been told is a tree sap stain; also on the right center edge of the hood is another paint issue; it makes it look improperly sprayed on but there is clear coat on top of it so I'm not sure what happened. There are two or three very small bubbles in the paint near the stainless convertible boot trim at the right rear of the car that I assume to be caused by the beginnings of some underlying rust. The last defect I noticed is a scuff in the stainless trim at the bottom of the windshield. (ALL OF THESE MENTIONED DEFECTS ARE PICTURED)

I am not sure if the motor is original but I have been working with an excellent classic car mechanic locally who has brought it to the best possible running condition short of totally rebuilding it. 

The interior is in very good condition; there is a small complex crack in the dashboard on the passenger side. All accent lights on doors, under dash, and on interior trim panels are functional. The map light is functional, but the lens is cracked; Super Glue has slowed its escape from the dash. There are a few bulbs burnt out in the instrument panel: one that illuminates the far left side of the speedometer, one for part of the climate control/headlight control area, and one for the high beam indicator all come to mind but none compromise your ability to drive the car safely. The interior is complete and all of the wood and stainless trim bits are in excellent condition with the exception of the very small strip of chrome that is supposed to circle the upper level of the dash where the clock and warning/indicator lights are - the center black plastic trim piece is original and the chrome finish/paint has almost completely worn off of its outer edge. This is not really noticeable except to the discerning eye. All exterior lights work (low beam, high beam, parking lamps, and cornering lamps) as do the low/high/parking/turn signal indicator lights on the fenders. One reverse light has stopped working in the past but is currently OK; must be a wiring or socket problem. Climate control works properly, hot heat and ICE COLD A/C. Rear window is wired for electric defrost but something must be disconnected as it does not work. Electric power antenna control switch works (the head unit automatically raises and lowers it so you do not have to use it.) Clock moves but does not keep time - I have read that it is a bad design and many did not work from the factory.

The power convertible top does operate and I use it almost every time I take the car out. My mechanic recommends that in the future the moving parts of the top mechanism should be taken apart, rebuilt/replaced/lubricated and that the convertible top motor be rebuilt to improve speed and smoothness. The metal framework for the convertible top appears to have been repainted at some point and is in good, functional condition but could use sanding and repainting if you wanted it to be like-new.

The original AM/FM radio has been replaced with a newer factory look-alike unit that incorporates a digital AM/FM tuner with scan/seek, 4 station presets, and an Aux input that utilizes a 3.5mm headphone plug to connect your iPhone/Android phone/MP3 player, etc. The speakers have also been replaced at some point and sound decent for a 4-speaker system. The rear speakers fire into the convertible boot, so they are more noticeable with the top raised.

Many cosmetic and mechanical parts were repaired and replaced during the 2012-2013 restoration and I have attempted to chronicle them all below:
- New carpeting and floor mats
- Reupholstered padded vinyl door inserts and grab handles
- New A/C vents
- Replaced climate control module
- Updated A/C system to use modern refrigerant
- New alternator
- New/rebuilt carburetor
- New convertible top cable for one side
- New rubber trim/gaskets for the entire cabin/all windows
- New rubber trim for front and rear bumpers
- Replaced front bumper and replaced/restored other misc. chrome pieces
- New insulation/padding under the hood
- New trunk liner

Since I have had the car, I have also made numerous repairs and improvements:
- New blower motor
- Repaired an electrical relay issue related to A/C blower
- New fuel pump
- Complete tune-up with new plugs, wires and rotor
- Regular oil changes (most recent was in February along with the tune-up)
- Carburetor and fuel mixture adjusted for smoother running/better fuel economy
- Tranny oil pan seal changed and dipstick reseated/sealed (resolved leaks)

The car will come with an extra driver's side fender skirt. I also have the original fiberglass parade boot (2 pieces in individual protective vinyl cases) but it has never been painted to match. I do not use it and it will be included with the car. I will also include a basic car cover that I've used for the last year or so to protect the car from pollen, dirt, dust, sap, etc.

If you have any further questions about the condition of the car or would like any other pictures, please let me know via eBay message - I have attempted to be as honest and descriptive as possible given that you may not see the car in person before you decide to buy it. This car has been my baby for the past year and I feel like I have gotten to know almost everything there is to know about it. You may also call or text me at two03-five7eight-zero888, my name is Erik.

Please keep in mind while the entire car and its trim are in fantastic condition, it is over 40 years old, has been through multiple partial restorations, and is not perfect.

What Needs to be Done: (Things I would take care of if I were keeping the car)
- Passenger side fender skirt fitment could be adjusted if you want it to be perfect - the gap is a little larger on this side of the car, the driver's side fits like a glove.
- Exhaust manifold has a crack - not urgent but eventually needs to be welded or replaced.
- Convertible top mechanical maintenance - Replaceable internals of folding/moving parts should eventually be replaced and the motor rebuilt - works fine as-is but could be faster/smoother.
- Lights behind certain dashboard instruments have burnt out; does not affect functionality.
- Minor paint issues mentioned above - Some swirl marks in clear coat, (2) small cracks in paint on top of left fender and at rear of matching crease in hood, minor paint stain on hood, minor undercoat problem on hood, minor rust (under paint) near stainless trunk trim. 

I require a $1,000.00 deposit via PayPal with 48 hours to hold the car. The remainder must be paid in cash or by cashier's check upon pick up. If the buyer is local, I would prefer to complete the monetary part of the transaction at his/her bank before we go to the title office.

Buyer is responsible for any and all shipping costs or may arrange to pick up the car locally in Eustis, FL.

Thank you for looking and happy bidding! This car is also available for sale locally; seller reserves the right to cancel/end auction early if the vehicle is sold.

Auto Services in Florida

Zephyrhills Auto Repair ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service
Address: 39242 South Ave, Kathleen
Phone: (813) 780-7181

Yimmy`s Body Shop & Auto Repair ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Body Repairing & Painting
Address: 3070A Michigan Ave, Celebration
Phone: (407) 932-4551

WRD Auto Tints ★★★★★

Used Car Dealers, Window Tinting, Car Wash
Address: 1200 South Dixie Highway, North-Miami-Beach
Phone: (305) 970-2357

Wray`s Auto Service Inc ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Brake Repair
Address: 5550 Wray Way, Trinity
Phone: (727) 937-2902

Wheaton`s Service Center ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Towing, Tire Dealers
Address: 101500 Overseas Hwy, Ocean-Reef
Phone: (305) 451-3500

Waltronics Auto Care ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service
Address: 1080 E Carroll St, Davenport
Phone: (407) 931-2518

Auto blog

Timely hole-in-one wins high schooler a Cadillac or $50,000

Wed, Jun 26 2019

If it happens at all, many golfers knock in hole-in-ones in the quiet of a mediocre local course while three friends sit in their carts drinking Coors Lights. After dreaming of the moment for years, lucky golfers barely have time to process the tremendous achievement before it's followed up with a double bogey on the next hole. That wasn't the case for high schooler Jack Kyger, who drilled an ace during a golf outing, and in turn, won a Cadillac or $50,000. Kyger, a junior at Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek, Mich., says he wasn't even considering a hole-in-one when he stepped up to the tee on the fourth hole at the Battle Creek Country Club. A secondary prize, a TV, would be awarded to the golfer who came closest to the pin, so Kyger was simply trying to get it close to the cup. In front of his dad and Harper Creek Superintendent Rob Ridgeway, he stuck the shot just past the hole, and with some backspin, it rolled into the pin. It's the first time somebody has hit the bullseye at the Gene Lewis Hughes, Sr. Memorial Golf Outing, which has raised more than $150,000 for the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center throughout the years. By hitting a hole-in-one, Kyger won a $50,000 decision: take home a Cadillac or a big bag of $50,000 in cash. As a student preparing to go to college, it's not an easy choice. "I haven't made up my mind," Kyger said in a USA Today article. "But the way I think about it, no 17-year-old needs a brand new Cadillac to drive around in. I have a truck that gets me places. So, if I take the cash, I would probably put most of it away for college, but keep a little back to have a bit of fun, you know." Smart kid. We did notice a peculiarity about the prize. In the attached photo, the Cadillac at the event appears to be a Cadillac ATS-V. Those familiar with Cadillac's performance vehicles know that an ATS-V starts at significantly more than $50,000 - $68,790 to be exact. So we're not sure why they're calling it a $50,000 Cadillac, unless it's a lightly used vehicle or the Cadillac in question is in fact a different car entirely. No matter the price, it sounds like Kyger is going to take the cash. If he sticks to practicing his golf game, maybe he can earn some more money for college, too. News Source: USA Today Auto News Cadillac Performance

GM workers in Oshawa walk out in protest of plant closure

Mon, Nov 26 2018

TORONTO/MONTREAL – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday expressed his "deep disappointment" in General Motors' decision to close its Oshawa plant, a move Canadian officials only learned about on Sunday and which led workers to walk off the job on Monday. GM said the closure affects a total of 2,973 assembly line jobs. GM's total employment in Canada is 8,150 direct jobs. Workers in the Unifor trade union walked out of the Oshawa plant "in protest," ahead of a meeting with GM about the announcement, a union spokeswoman said. "I've moved my family twice for this company and they do this to me," a tearful worker told CBC TV as he left the plant. Currently, the Oshawa plant builds the Cadillac XTS and Chevy Impala sedans. Under Unifor's four-year contract signed in 2016, GM must give the union a year's notice before closing the plant. The automaker intends to close the plant in December, 2019. A 2015 study commissioned by Unifor, which represents GM employees, estimated that shutting the plant would eliminate 4,100 direct jobs and reduce Ontario's gross domestic product by C$1.1 billion. But Jerry Dias, president of Unifor, said the move amounts to a breach of the automaker's contract with its employees. "We have a collective agreement that says they're not closing any of our facilities ... so we will do anything by any means to make sure that they live up to their word," Dias said at a news conference. Dias said the contract between Unifor and the company forbids GM from closing any of its Canadian plants during the contract period, which ends in September 2020. "They are not closing our damn plant without one hell of a fight." Canadian officials promised to aid auto workers affected by the 2019 closure, part of a wider restructuring by the automaker that will cut production of slow-selling models and slash its North American workforce. "I spoke with GM (CEO) Mary Barra to express my deep disappointment in the closure," Trudeau tweeted on Monday. "We'll do everything we can to help the families affected by this news get back on their feet." GM workers have been part of the heart and soul of Oshawa for generations - and we'll do everything we can to help the families affected by this news get back on their feet. Yesterday, I spoke with @GM's Mary Barra to express my deep disappointment in the closure.

Cadillac sales chief Peffer resigns amidst slow sales

Fri, 20 Jun 2014

Cadillac continues to hemorrhage executives, as it's just seen its fourth high-level departure in the past year. Vice President of Global Strategic Development Don Butler (who defected to Ford) and European President and Managing Director Susan Docherty both left the company of their own volition, while Chase Hawkins, Cadillac's vice president of sales and service, was fired following a "violation of policy" in July of 2013. Strangely, it's Hawkins' replacement, Bill Peffer (shown above), who has handed in his papers this time around.
"Bill left to pursue other interests. Kurt McNeil replaces him, effective immediately," spokesman David Caldwell told Autoblog via email.
McNeil last held the VP of sales and service position back in 2012. He's currently the vice president of US sales for all of General Motors. According to The Detroit News, McNeil will take on the post in what is likely an interim capacity.