Rust-Free Bargain? 1977 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
Coming in about an inch and a half shorter than a new Chevy Suburban, this 1977 Cadillac Eldorado Birrartz is not a small car. It’s still under 19 feet and most people have at least a 20-foot long garage, but that doesn’t take into account cabinets or anything else inside. I ran into a similar problem with my former ’66 Lincoln Continental Coupe in our garage. Thanks to Tony P. for sending in this tip!
This car looks nice, but the bumper filler material looks a little sus, as the kids say. The 1977 Eldorado was part of the ninth-generation series of Eldorados, made from 1971 through 1978, and they were the last of the giant Eldorados. In 1977, they got a finer mesh grille that would make a Baleen Whale jealous and a convertible was no longer an option – although a few 1977 and 1978 Eldorado convertibles were reportedly made from spare parts by the conversion company, Custom Coach.
The seller says this car has no rust and almost anything can be overlooked in my world when there is no rust on a vehicle. Having grown up in snow country with slushy, salty roads, and rusty vehicles, it’s the most important factor in vintage vehicles for me. The seller says this one has a new vinyl top, and the bumper filler material sure looks new to me. It appears to be a little wrinkled and a brighter white.
Speaking of white, this car has Cadillac’s famous Contoured Pillow Style Seating in Sierra grain white leather. Front passengers had what they called “50/50 Dual Comfort” seats and they look good, if maybe in need of some cleaning. The back seat looks great and the seller has provided many good photos, kudos to them for that. Along with no rust, they also say there are new tires and a new exhaust.
The carb was rebuilt last year on this Cadillac 425-cu.in. OHV V8 with 180 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. They say it runs beautifully and it’s posted here on craigslist in beautiful and historic Carson City, Nevada. Here is the original listing, and they’re asking $9,500. Hagerty is at $17,600 for a #3 good-condition example so this could be a good deal. How much would you pay?
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Comments
Nice car, looks like it could be a good deal. I just submitted a tip on a 1985 Seville that is a steal at the asking price. Hope to see a BF write-up :)
Last generation of REAL Eldorados. 🏆. As a Founding Member of the GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY, I believe other members will agree that this seems to be a Bon Marche. What say you, Angel, Frog, Cadillac Kid? If I were in the market for a second car, it would already be SOLD. So much better than Glorified Truck Escalade for much less money 💰 💸 👍
Yes it is better in some ways than the Escalade but I like my 99 Escalade anyways. I never liked Eldorados because they were smaller. The trunk was smaller etc. this one has the 425 but I prefer the 500. No match for the 500. The biggest engine put in a passenger car in the world! Not the fastest or most powerful but still the biggest!!!
And way bigger than any Lincoln.
Lincoln: What a Cadillac never wants to be!
Those pillow-top seats came with the Biarrtiz option. In the Devilles and Fleetwood Broughams it was called d’Elegance. Olds called it the Tiffany Edition, then it was called Regency in the 98s, and Brougham in the 88s. It’s one of my favorite options, making a luxury car that much more comfortable. This Eldo looks nice, apart from the fender extensions, which look like the owner spray painted and put on himself. I had a 77 Coupe Deville, and went through 3-4 different pairs of replacements before I found a set that fir decently, and had those painted and installed. I wish I could buy the Eldo, the price isn’t outrageous.
If only a little closer.
The seats in this Eldorado aren’t nearly as luxurious as the button tufted velour seats in my 83 and 85 Chrysler Fifth Avenues and my 89 Fleetwood Brougham deElegance. OTT excessive luxury!
Rick the 5th Avenue, maybe one of the finest luxurious, affordable, and sturdiest offerings by any manufacturer.
Yes Stan. The Fifth Avenues were IMO one of the best revisions ever made for an existing platform. The Formal roof, overall styling well as plush interiors were great. Also the 318 gave plenty of power and was virtually indestructible. Almost every conceivable option was standard. Have often regretted selling. They’re still out there, but either overpriced or too far gone. Iacocas big mistake was dropping them!
Rick W you nailed it as usual, and I definitely agree, Stan. My ’87 Fifth Avenue has the grey button-tufted leather seats, and they are among the most comfortable and supportive that I’ve experienced in a car. I plan to keep driving it for a while anyway.
While what you say may be true, after owning one like this years ago I got to say they were the most comfortable seats of any car I’ve owned. I don’t say that lightly cause i’ve owned a lot of cars in my lifetime.
Your Lincoln was beautiful, plus had a real HP engine, what was in it?
I bought 2 new cars in my life- One was a 77 Biarritz and the other a Jaguar XKS both were anniversary gifts for my wife. The Eldo for our 5th and the Jag for our 15th. I never buy new cars- always believed in a well cared for used late model that the original owner had gone through all the teething problems and obligatory services and had taken the depreciation hit, but you cannot buy a used car as a gift to a woman. She loved the Eldo and it served us well until she got the XKS, which she loved even more and kept for the remainder of her life.
I’ve owned two. A 72 and a 73. These cars are a great pleasure to drive. I absolutely loved them both. They are a little hard on front cv shafts and bearings and I had to replace the rear springs due to saggy butt syndrome. One other thing I recall is I had to replace the cruise control module on the 72.
We used to load up 6 or 7 of us and drive from Boise, Idaho to Winnemucca, Nevada in 3.5 hours, gamble all day, drive back, take a nap and then work all night. Still haven’t caught up with those lost hours.
There is another thing that I recall. They have a large fuel tank for a reason, but what a beautiful riding and driving land yacht they are. Excellent for the taller larger built human.
If things were different this auction would be over.
Nice Barritz.
White is a deal breaker for me. White interiors don’t hold up likely due to the extra cleaning required to keep it looking good. Hard pass on it.