Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 27k-Mile 1974 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible.
This red-on-red ragtop turns 50 years old in just a few weeks, yet it has accrued just 27,538 miles over its lifetime. Let us appreciate one of Detroit’s most extravagant personal luxury cars from five decades ago. It is being listed for sale by a private party in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the auction ends on Tuesday.
During model year 1974, the Eldorado shared the General Motors E-body with the Buick Riviera and the Oldsmobile Toronado. It received a redesigned rear bumper in order to comply with new 5-mph impact standards that were implemented at the federal level. Additionally, the interior saw some changes when the dash took on a two-tier design that was marketed as “space age.” Along the top level of the instrument panel was a row of warning lights.
Speaking of the interior, today’s feature car has a few custom touches: One of them is an upholstered center console which houses a Pioneer touch-screen audio system (notice, it even has LED lights around the perimeter). Another is a “spinner” (or “Brodie) knob on the steering wheel. This protruding knob an independently rotating knob that made steering with one hand easier. And a third upgrade is a set of fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror.
Even on the outside, this car has a unique accessory not seen on modern cars. When was the last time you saw a set of curb feelers? These antenna-like protrusions from the wheel wells were designed to make contact with the curb and make a noise to alert the driver that he or she was close enough to the curb for safe parking (of course, without scraping a wheel or tire). It strikes me as more of aesthetic novelty than a practical feature, but maybe some of our readers can chime in and give real-world experience about using them.
Moving a car of this size requires a motor with plenty of grunt. That’s where the massive 500cid (8.2-liter) V8 comes into play. Output (which was rated at 210 horsepower when new) is sent to the front wheels via a column-shifted three-speed automatic transmission.
This Eldorado would make a fun parade car to celebrate its 50th year in 2024. It would also look right at home decked out in Christmas lights in your driveway. Check out the listing and place your bid on this sweet ride!
The auction for this 27k-Mile 1974 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible ends Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. (MST)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
My most favorite Cadillac Eldorodo the 1973 & 1974 model years
Isnt this a front wheel drive car???
Absolutely true. It’s been corrected.
Those black hubcaps were a 1976-only no-cost option.
I have a 1990 Cadillac Eldorado.