Silver Spirit: 1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible – Sold?

April 6, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “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.

My second boss right out of college, John Blezzard, was an intimidating Englishman who could pass for John Cleese’s brother. A very tall man who spoke few words, you could not read him.  Especially the spring day he drove into the parking lot with the top-down in a new-to-him 1975 Cadillac Eldorado convertible.  A dedicated Jaguar driver to that point, he just seemed so out of place in that gorgeous Eldorado. A few months later, he suffered a fatal heart attack during a meeting with me and my colleagues.  At his funeral, we learned he knew his time was short and he wanted to drive a big American convertible before it was too late.

Now, every time I come across a 1975 Cadillac Eldorado convertible like this silver over red leather example originally listed in March 2022 on Craigslist in Northern Virginia, it reminds me of John and all the funny memories I and my former colleagues have of John. Most of all it reminds me how short life is and that’s why I’ve owned a convertible pretty much ever since.

In addition to the optional fiberglass parade boot, this Eldorado features a rebuilt 500 cubic inch (eight liters!) V8 and a new A/C compressor pumping ice-cold air perfect for those humid, top-up days.  Currently offered for $43,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Eldorado priced between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $35,200 and its #1 “Concours” appraisal of $55,600.  Oddly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool provides a contrarian estimate as the seller’s ask exceeds this guide’s #1 “Excellent” estimate of $26,825 by more than sixteen thousand dollars.

As part of General Motors full-size car redesign for 1971, Cadillac’s Eldorado grew two inches in length, six in wheelbase, and featured standard fender skirts, all of which gave the car a much heavier appearance than the previous generation. The 500 cubic inch (8.2 L) V8 remained an Eldorado exclusive.  For the first time since 1966, buyers could opt for a convertible Eldorado.

Inside, there was a new curved instrument panel and redesigned seats. A fiber-optic “lamp monitor” system, which displayed the functionality of the headlamps, taillamps, parking lamps, turn signals, and brake lights were mounted on each front fender and the shelf below the rear window. While this 126.3-inch wheelbase, ninth-generation Eldorado continued in coupe form through 1978, 1975 was the second-last year of convertible production.  For 1975, the Eldorado was given rectangular headlamps, a new egg-crate grille, full rear wheel openings sans fender skirts, and sharper, crisper lines resulting in a sleeker appearance.

The Hagerty Insurance YouTube Channel provides this great video of what’s like to be a passenger driving around in a 1975 Cadillac Eldorado with the top down:

With a fresh motor and A/C system, the only two things you have to worry about with this Cadillac Eldorado are having enough depth in your garage to park it and enough money left over to fill the gas tank these days.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1975 Cadillac Eldorado convertible in excellent condition. Cherry red leather comfortable seats that is adjustable electronic button. It has a brand new rebuild engine and AC condenser. Ice cold air conditioner. Convertible top that opens and closes with electric button. Beautiful metallic silver parade hard top booth cover that matches the car color. Thermostat gauge on the side mirror. Auto shut trunk. Four brand new four tires with white sides. Beautiful metallic silver that much the original color paint. In an excellent condition for the next owner to enjoy the smooth and comfortable beach or country cruises.”

Do you have a Cadillac Eldorado convertible story to share?  If so, comment below and let us know!