Custom El Camino! 1978 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
The last of the really large Cadillac Eldorados were built from 1971 to 1978, the automobile’s ninth generation. These were the end of the line for some of the ginormous GM cars. The cream of the crop was the Biarritz and someone chose to transform this one into something of a Cadillac “El Camino” (whether it’s a one-of-a-kind is anyone’s guess). Needing some work, the opulent vehicle is in Boynton Beach, Florida, and is available here on craigslist for $9,000. T.J. finds another wild tip for our readers!
Changes from 1971 to 1978 were noticeable over time, with a standout perhaps being the biggest of big bumpers that were attached fore and aft. While these large cars once used a 500 cubic inch V8, by the end of the ninth run Cadillac had scaled that back to a 425 V8, which may or may not have been a bit easier on gasoline. Given the special treatment of the “bed” area and the over-the-top paint job, this Caddy looks like it may have been built to the buyer’s specifications.
Though in Florida now, we’re told this oddity spent 90% of its life in Oregon. It was probably babied by one or both of its two owners, but it needs some attention now. We’re told the paint on the hood is slightly faded, but that may be the only issue with the body other than the plastic insets at the corners of the bumpers. The interior is said to be in good condition, though no photos of that area or the engine compartment are provided. 51,000 miles is the odometer reading.
The engine is going to need some level of work as it has a knock sometimes when revved up. The air conditioning is temperamental and will shut off at random times. The carpeting needs to be cleaned, but a new set of tires can be found at all four corners. Though cash is always good, the seller would be willing to trade (up or down, we guess) for a Jeep Wrangler or Toyota FJ Cruiser. Who’s in on this “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” Cadillac El Camino?
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Comments
Yuck!
Agreed!
Be a good car for a hooker
Or her Pimp
Her pimp could drive it while she takes care of business in the “bed” of the truck. No motel fees.
That thing’s oogly. Mike says good for a hooker, nah, her manager.
For $9000, or most likely less, I’d take it to the drive in.
Only after it’s dark out.
If you can find me a Cadillac-built, rear-wheel-drive, post-1966 Eldorado I’ll be truly impressed.
But I’d bet you your next paycheck that this car isn’t one of them. Because for Eldorados, “the end of the line for the ginormous GM cars with rear-wheel-drive” was 1965.
The rear wheel drive “Eldorado” was a trim level for the Fleetwood level Cadillacs. A true Eldorado is a whole ‘nother beast.
Corrected.
Corrected.
Cool. Please feel free to remove my comments.
Thank you for the update. I appreciate it.
Actually 1966, as Eldorados went front wheel drive in 1967
OMG that’s tacky!
It’s a custom Cadillac !! Not a custom El Camino!!
Finally a tasteful, subtle conversion that most anyone could be proud to be seen in.
I’m off to the optometrist, good luck with the sale…
Wow that is really- um- something?
To each their own but it’s got to be small market this would appeal to ( gift tacky) especially at 9k
Belongs in S. Florida probably fits right in there LOL
Gaudy and tacky not gift duh!
What, no longhorns? I guess it’s not fully optioned.
I was thinking it needed somthing (and a lot less in general) but longhorns on the front (one as long as possible) would really make this thist thing pop.
Hideous,,
I love this thing, anytime you can have “party in the front, business in the back & luxury in the middle” you have my vote!
From Florida, why am I not surprised
It’s obvious that you have something against Florida. It’s also obvious that you have zero reading and comprehension ability. The writer clearly stated that this car spent 90% of its life in Oregon. If you are going to denigrate an entire state.. at least get your facts straight little boy troy.
Mid west work ethic combined with inner city mindset- rare combination.
This thing really screams for one of those air horns that play “La Cucaracha” ,
The car Huggy Bear would have driven, if Ford wouldn’t have had the vehicle contract for Starsky and Hutch.
Now that, is a WILD ride! Definitely an acquired taste.
For someone with a large bank account and little good taste.
I’d say it’s more like a car for someone in the class of “Lifestyles of those with absolutely no taste”.
love the car dislike the paint job if your going to do a 2 tone job on a Cadillac I’d say black and gold/red interior or Red/gold with tan/brown interior. the yellow on this car looks like Colonial Yellow and Demitasse Brown My late maternal grandfather had a 1978 Sedan Deville finished in Canyon Copper and Ruidoso Saddle over saddle brown interior and late maternal grandmother had a used 1981 Coupe Deville finished in Colonial yellow/Dark Saddle Brown leather interior with matching Landau vinal roof
It’s definitely different, not necessarily in a bad way. The rear seating appears to have been inspired by Fountain boats
Even the bumper fillers ran away so as not to be associated with this..atrocity.
How do you wash the car without the back filling with dirty water?
Bilge pump.
Scores high on the weirdo meter.
My only thought is “why?”
First glimpse of the side said 40s Flxible paint scheme. The Flxible art works on a bus but not a Caddy.
https://i.pinimg.com/600×315/b3/55/18/b355188c3b5fa7972c933e0384168702.jpg
I like the concept but not the execution, in this case. There are other pickup truck versions of the Eldo, that I have seen, such as retired flower cars that look a lot better. Not exactly something you could easily use for a shop truck.
An early example of the “country pimp” style of custom car…it was a short lived phenomenon.
Belongs in a circus.
shaft !! SUPERFLY. !!!!!!!! PIMP MOBILE ALL THE WAY. MAN !
“Mud Fence” ugly.
Having already owned an “Eldo-Camino”, I can appreciate the conversion work done here. The paint scheme, not so much. I had to renew the bumper fillers on mine also, kinda surprised this seller has opted not to. Regarding the high rpm motor knock, most likely a carbon buildup on the pistons. Easy fix, with only 51k miles, may have seen a lot of idling/low speed driving
Also wanted to mention the crazy camera angles and lack of interior/engine/underneath photos makes me believe the seller is less than serious….just sayin’!
Sad ….but to each their own , it is likely that someone out there will adopt it.
Someone spent a lot of money to make this car that ugly.
who else can see this cruising the “Villages” looking for its next Viagra induced party driven by a guy in a leisure suit with those white shoes with the gold buckle on them?
I Can absolutely see that Brett Lundy actually looks like a full size version of some of the pimped out golf carts in the Villages!!
Takes a certain type!
Should have buried it where it died!
I have no words.
There aren’t enough four letter words to accurately describe this.
But, I am surprised no one has mentioned the scalloped rear window.
ahhh .. . . what’s that old saying? “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” Sorry, but it is just plain fugly.
Well, I tried to “be good” and not comment on this one, but I was almost to burst, so here tiz. WHY?? As one stated, just because you could doesn’t mean you have to. The colors are atrocious, the separation between the body and the tail lights are just plain uncalled for, those scalloped windows wth(ay), and what a waste of an otherwise nice car. My lasting impression of this one is “pimpmobile” I apologize to all, but I was about to pop if I didn’t say something.
Another prime example of just because you can doesn’t mean you should
If I had a dog that looked like that, I’d shave it’s butt and teach it to walk backwards.
Hideous!
I don’t know what it is, but for some really strange reason, I really like it.
What the hell is wrong with me? Good thing its very far away form me otherwise I might a really bad decision.
Being a custom engine builder and installer of any engine in any car, I have a lot of respect for this battleship. I see through the goofy paint and see a real labor of love. I would drive it, they’d all say “Yep that’s Al’s kinda car!” AL owner of Heartbreaker Race Engines. Good luck seller!!