1971 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible review from North America

Top has torn in the back left corner.

A/C needs recharge.

Power locks need to be repaired.

I purchased this car after it had been sitting in a barn for 18 years. It has 88,000 original, the factory top and the original paint. When I bought it, I had no idea that it would run so well or be in such great condition. Even the air ride suspension still works. The windows work, the top performs flawlessly (despite the 36 y.o. material having pulled away from the body in one corner, simply from age.) When I bought the car I had it taken to the shop to have the engine rebuilt and put back on the road. It didn't need to be. It only needed a $200 tune-up and a new battery, and now it purrs down the road like it just rolled off the assembly like. The engine fires up as soon as the key is turned, and the longer I drive it the more things tend to repair themselves from old age (the climate control came on in October after a 2 hour drive, the horn just started working today when I went to move the car.) The body has minimal surface rust and no rust through, the estimate I got to have a complete exterior restoration and show quality repaint (the first repaint for the car) is only $1,200. Not one drop of fluid leaks from the vehicle, but I do wish the 8-track was a little louder. Even the gas mileage has been better then I expected, and for a while I thought the gas gauge was broken. But as I was using the car to go to college classes and was taking the highway, I was able to get nearly 18 mpg. My all time high has been heading to the beach in my old '69 DeVille Convertible in which I was able to get 22mpg out of by going 55mph and making slooooow takeoffs. I hope to beat that record with this beauty during the upcoming summer.