Coachbuilders Custom: 1995 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible – SOLD!

October 27, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Cadillac could not launch the twelfth generation Eldorado fast enough in 1992 as the prior too-downsized model was deemed too small for traditional Caddy buyers yet too old school to lure buyers from German Brands. Nearly one foot longer and three inches wider, the new Eldorado also marked a return to frameless door glass and hardtop-like styling. This subtle change made it much more feasible for aftermarket companies such as Custom Coachbuilders Limited to convert this vintage of Eldorado into convertibles.  A prime example originally listed on Craigslist in October 2021 in Chicago, Illinois appears to be a nicely maintained one-owner example offered at $15,000 currently. Not considered classic cars just yet, comparing that price against the J.D. Power NADA Guides Online Valuation Tool confirms the ask is well above this guide’s High Retail average of only $3,925. The premium requested here is for the rarity of the convertible top.

The 1992 Eldorado was all-new, drawing both interior and exterior styling cues from the 1988 Cadillac Solitaire show car. It was significantly larger than its predecessor—approximately eleven inches longer, three inches wider, and substantially heavier. Window glass was once again frameless, and shortly after introduction Cadillac’s new Northstar V8 became available in both 270- and 295 horsepower variants, replacing the previous generation’s 200 horsepower 4.9 Liter.  The car was sold under ESC (Eldorado Sport Coupe) and ETC (Eldorado Touring Coupe) trim. The former was distinguished by a stand-up hood ornament, Cadillac crests on the rear roof pillar, and 16″ multi-spoke alloy wheels, and concealed exhausts. It came standard with cloth upholstery, Zebrano wood dashboard trim, 6-way power front bucket seats, climate control, digital instrumentation, column-mounted automatic transmission shifter, and three-position electronically adjustable “Speed-Sensitive Suspension”. The more handling-oriented Touring Coupe could be recognized by the grille-mounted Cadillac wreath and crest, “Touring Coupe” scripts on the doors, integrated fog lamps, flat-face 16-inch alloy wheels, and quad exhaust outlets. Its standard equipment included “Nuance” gathered leather seating areas, 12-way power seats, Zebrano-trimmed full-floor console with shifter, analog instrumentation, and specially tuned suspension. Sales of the Eldorado were up, though never again at record heights.

The Eldorado continued for the rest of the decade with incremental changes and tapering sales. For 1993 the Touring Coupe received a new two-spoke steering wheel and a body-color grille and lost the 12-way power seats in favor of 6-way ones. A new Eldorado Sport Coupe model was introduced, featuring the new Northstar V8 and some of the accouterments of the more expensive Touring Coupe. The most notable ones were quad exhaust, full-floor console with shifter—albeit stripped of the Zebrano trim, and even the Touring-tuned adaptive suspension, which was now touted “Road Sensing Suspension”. A passenger-side airbag was added as standard equipment on all models, and new 16-inch chromed alloy wheels became available. For 1994 the lineup went back to just Eldorado and Eldorado Touring Coupe. The steering wheel was changed again, this time to a four-spoke design. Both models came with quad exhausts. A “Sport Appearance Package” allowed the buyer to get most of the Touring Coupe’s cosmetic features on the base Eldorado.

Styling was freshened in 1995, with updated bumpers front and rear, side cladding, a new chrome egg-crate grille, and new seven-spoke alloy wheels. For 1996, the interior received attention, with a larger analog gauge cluster, relocated climate control system, updated stereo faces, a new upholstery style—perforated instead of the out-of-fashion gathered leather on the Touring Coupe. The Touring Coupe received rain-sensing wipers called “Rainsense”, and once again a body-color radiator grille. Daytime running lights were standard.

The Library of Old Car Ads YouTube Channel provides a glimpse of how Cadillac pitched the Eldorado in 1995:

We love the color combination and the well-cared-for vibe this one-owner Eldorado gives off.  Custom Coachbuilders offers new buyers the choice of a power tonneau or traditional snap-in vinyl boot. The original owner chose the latter for his Eldorado’s conversion.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1995 Cadillac Eldorado custom-made convertible by coachbuilders this car is in beautiful shape pearl white with blue interior and a blue top everything works great has chrome nickel-plated wire wheels new tires 67,000 original miles runs and drives perfect One owner always garage kept has never seen Bad weather more pictures coming soon asking $15000serious inquires only please if you are interested and have any more questions please call me“

Show or go: what would you do with this Eldorado Convertible?  Comment below and let us know!