1971 Eldorado Convertible (Restored)

[ClassyEldo]

Here is a pic of my "Black Beauty" at a local Car Show this weekend.

[ClassyEldo]

Here is another picture.

[T-Type]

Awwww sweet. I loved those Eldo's, the '71s in particular. Weird thing is I normally don't care for FWD cars. But something about them always appealed to me. Nothing wrong with 501 cu in of Cadillac power either! I once saw a triple black one. That was really nice.

[EldoFan]

My kind of car!

[autofan]

That thing is stunning!

[RamJet502]

That's a sweet ride! Great job on the restoration.

[FoMoCo Fan]

I hate to disagree, but I think that the Eldorado's styling took a big step backwards for the 2nd gen FWD car. The 67 was AWESOME. This is just a big garish land yacht.

[ClassyEldo]

I can appreciate why you may have such an opinion, being an Eldorado enthusiast all of my life. I really debated getting a 1967 through 1970 Eldorado Coupe. I picked this particular car to "collect" for several reasons. Although the 1971 model appears larger than its crisply chiseled forebears (the 1967 through 1970 Eldorado Coupes), it is actually just 0.6 of an inch longer overall--but the wheelbase is several inches longer. The weight increased by about 70 pounds between 1970 and 1971. It is the rather "bloated" styling that makes the car look so much larger. However, for me, a Convertible model is much more desirable and fun for a "collector" vehicle than the hardtop, and I primarily use the car on only "nice weather days." Of the 1971 through 1976 Convertible Eldorados, the 1971 model has the most razor-like lines of its predecessors, and I liked the fake "side gills," similar to the first 1953 Eldorados. My Mom also had one of these, and growing up (age 7 to 10), I thought it was the coolest car, and I recall looking out over that long, sculpted hood, with the tri-color lamp monitors and stand-up hood ornament, and of course, the all flat interior floor. I also dislike the plastic body-filler panels (prone to cracking) near the bumpers on the 1973 through 1976 Eldorado Convertibles. Incidentally, there were only 6,800 of the 1971 model built, compared to 14,000 of the so-called "last" convertibles in 1976--partly due to the strike-shortened 1971 production period.

Thank you to the others who have posted compliments. The car drives great, with 48,000 original miles, and mechanical refurbishing where needed.

[MCGARRETT]

Nice 71!

Yes of course they are flashy showboats, look at the era that they came out from!

I actually like the 1972 a little more than the 1971, I think that the inch that they added to the grille "header" and the wider bars in the grille is what sways me. I also like the cursive "Eldorado" script and the different wheel covers.

I have been searching for the right 1972 Eldorado convertible to add to my collection.

I would love a loaded Coronation Red over white convertible, with the oxblood dash and carpets. Parade boot
Dimmer and Sentinel
Track Master
split power bench

Of course, I also have much love for the 1967-1970 Eldorado's as well. I consider the 1968 to be the best of the breed myself, the new 472 replaced the old 429, the wipers were hidden and the parking lamps moved up to the corners of the fenders where they should have been on the 1967's.

[AdmiralViscen]

Amazing, I envy you.

[91 s-10baja]

Beautiful!
I have the exact car only in diecast model size!

[FStephenMasek]

Nice job!

[bwnunnally]

Looks great! How does it drive?

[ClassyEldo]

Originally Posted by bwnunnally

Looks great! How does it drive?

Thanks! The car has had necessary mechanical work--including reseal of the transmission pan, new belts, hoses, water pump, battery, radials, fuel lines, brake lines, power steering hoses, rear air shocks (inflatable due to leaky automatic level control), etc. However, it has always had quite decent acceleration and cruises along at 75 mph with lots of passing power and no problems, but I seldom do that simply due to its age. Friends who have driven it comment on the great acceleration. The ride is quite smooth, and there the car can be steered with your little finger (it tracks very straight). There is, of course, alot of play in the steering, but it is so effortless--and the brakes are very sensitive. Overall, after about one mile down the road, one adapts very easily to piloting this cruise-mobile! It seems ready for a long-distance trip, but I confine it to local driving. All the power accessories operate fine--roof, windows, 6-way seat and the Tilt & Telescopic Steering Wheel, lamp monitors and both remote controlled mirrors. There has been a new HVAC programmer (rebuilt) and O-rings, and conversion of the Climate Control system. Although there are new speakers (with stock appearance), a new remote radio/CD player was placed in the glovebox for improved sound, but the original AM/FM (even with a hidden amplifier) was of poor sound quality. The front seat was re-padded with improved foam when reupholstered in White Leather, adding slightly more lumbar support. Nothing beats the special feel that comes over you when you get behind the wheel and look out over that long, sculpted hood, with its peaks and lamp monitors, and the large wreath and crest ornament! Overall, it leaves passengers thinking, "the only way to travel . . . is 'Cadillac Style!'"

[GMCSonoma]

Sounds great....beautiful car!!!!!!!!!!!