Cadillac redesigned their front-wheel-drive flagship in 1971, chopped off the roof, and gave us the last of the great American convertibles. This beautiful and unusual 1971 Eldorado is one of only 6800 built, making it the rarest of the full-sized Eldo ragtops, and with a potent 500 cubic inch V8, it might also be the fastest. Longer, lower, and wider than the chiseled first-generation FWD model, this convertible shows extremely well. The color is correct code 69 Clove Metallic, which is somewhere between green and brown, with a lovely gold undercurrent that looks simply amazing in the sunlight. The long fenders are in excellent shape, the doors fit well despite being massive, and the hood occupies more real estate than a New York City apartment. The simulated air vents at the leading edge of the rear quarter panel are a tribute to the original Eldorado in 1953, and help to break up all that sheetmetal with interesting details. The redesigned car also incorporated fender skirts, which only emphasize the car's length, and there's no sign of rust or rot in this trouble-prone area. Great chrome bumpers, the traditional egg crate grille, and neatly integrated taillights result in an attractive design that has aged quite well. The front-wheel-drive architecture allowed the Eldorado to be a true 6-passenger machine with expansive room inside. You'll note there's no transmission tunnel, and with wide bench seats, everyone has first-class accommodations. The white leather upholstery practically glows and shows almost no wear, even on the driver's seat. Matching door panels, along with black carpet and dash pad tie it together with handsome good looks. The console-like instrument panel clusters all the controls around the driver, as if it's shielding them from the passenger. You'll find the automatic climate control on your left and the original AM/FM 8-track stereo radio on your right, along with a tilt/telescopic wheel, cruise control, and power windows. A power convertible top folds easily and includes a heated rear window, which is a genuine rarity among convertibles, and this particular Eldo also carries a rare color-matched fiberglass parade boot. Cadillac's 500 cubic inch V8 was the biggest engine you could buy in 1971, and since these were pre-emissions days, delivered sparkling performance despite the Eldorado's considerable curb weight. Linked to a TH425 3-speed automatic and 2.73 gears in the front transaxle, it delivers seamless performance and is considerably quicker than you'd expect. The engine bay is tidy, with Cadillac Blue paint on the engine itself, and there are no signs of rust or neglect. The A/C system has been converted to R134a refrigerant, and you'll be pleased to learn that power brakes and steering are part of the deal, so you can navigate this land yacht with just your fingertips. Underneath, it's extremely clean, with no rusty floors and a single exhaust system that's suitably hushed for convertible duty. Air shocks have been installed out back to help level the ride when you've got the homecoming queen in the back seat, and the unique Eldorado wheels wear 225/75/15 whitewall radials and stock hubcaps. Arguably the most collectable of all the '70s Eldorados, the '71 remains a relative bargain to the later models, despite its superior performance. This one is extremely well-preserved and ready to enjoy immediately. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Dallas/Fort Worth showroom. For more information, please call (817) 764-8000 or toll free (855) 877-2707.
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