• Address: 1918 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 (map)
• Date Posted: 09/18/09

West Coast Classics presents an absolutely exceptional and rare example of this Biarritz model with convertible-like padded vinyl top, unique script, accent stripes and distinctive chrome body moldings. The Cabriolet roof accented the Eldorado's distinctively shaped quarter windows, which tapered downward at the front and sported a vinyl-insert molding across the fully padded elk grain vinyl top. Black accented brushed stainless steel belt moldings stretched from the rear to the hood, terminating in a spearlike design at the front. Special stripes accented the front fenders, doors and rear quarter panels. All had opera lights, a remote control passenger side mirror and color coordinated wheel discs. This was the last year of production of this legendary seventies bodystyle - 1978 was the last year for the large, front-wheel drive Eldorado weighing in at 4,906 pounds and a wheel base of 126.3 inches and overall length of 224 inches (18.66 feet). In 1979, the down-sized Eldorado weighed in at 3792 pounds with a wheelbase 13 inches shorter and an overall length of 10 inches shorter than the 1978 Eldorado. The engine was a cast iron block and head V-8 with displacement of 425 cubic inches (7.0 liters). The engine had a compression ratio of 8.2:1 and developed 180 horsepower at 4,000 rpm. The high benchmark for the Eldorado was a 1970, which was before the fuel economy requirements, with a 500 cubic inch V8 (8.2 liter) engine and horsepower of 400. The big "Eldos" got about 10 mpg! Cadillac produced 46,816 Eldorados in 1978. Cadillac started off with three Eldorado models: the Coupe, the Eldorado Cabriolet, and the Custom Biarritz. These are the three models that Cadillac started with for the model year in 1978. About 40% of the total Eldorado production was of the special Custom Biarritz (also called the Special Edition). The complete line sales brochure mentioned all three of the Eldorado models. There was also a separate sales brochure for the Eldorados which just mentioned the three models. In fact, in a press release probably before the 1978 model year started, Edward C. Kennard, general manager of the Cadillac Motor Division and vice president of General Motors, noted that the "special edition" Biarritz package would be offered in five colors and easily recognized by its unique, padded vinyl roof, wide body moldings, opera lamps, distinctive Biarritz script, special accent stripes, and color cordinated wheel disks. The Biarritz interior highlights plush appointments with 50/50 pillow type leather/vinyl seating. This particular model has only 14K original miles and still sports its gorgeous original 'Demitasse brown' paint with a matching Dark Brown vinyl padded elk grain roof. This particular example was purchased new and always serviced by its original southern California owner, a Los Angeles car collector, at 'Naber's Cadillac', of Costa Mesa, California and has always been garaged and covered since new in sunny southern California! Only sold due to the owner's age and liquidation of his estate, this car was always garaged and meticulously maintained and is in completely original and pristine condition throughout! As stated, always garaged since new in sunny southern California with absolutely no rust whatsoever with the typical rust-prone areas of the floor boards and trunk area being obviously completely original, solid and rust-free! The car is in a virtual time-warp in completely original condition throughout with original 'Demitasse Brown' paint, original dark saddle leather interior and an unbelievably low original 14K miles! The car looks extremely impressive with only minor imperfectionsnonly noticeable upon very close inspection (see detailed photos below) and the car has had no accidents or any history of any body damage. The car has it's original spare wheel in the trunk along with the car's original jack and tools. All the options are working including the power windows (fast and swift as when new!) and heater and the A/C! The car's original 8 track cassette/radio is working as new! The original engine is extremely strong and powerful with only 14K original miles and this particular 'collector owned' example drives absolutely magnificently apart from it's original tires which will need changing! The car was recently serviced at 'Morejoy Automotive' of Santa Monica, California prior to sale and has a new power steering pump, new axle shaft assembly and outer boot kit and new fuel hoses and fuel lines. This is obviously a very rare opportunity to own a never abused and cherished example of this always garaged southern California driven 1978 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Coupe in completely original condition throughout and owned since new by only one very careful and mature owner - a great investment for the Cadillac enthusiast or simply a great daily driving and rare example of a great seventies American classic for any classic American car collector. Call 310-399-3990. Test drives by appointment. Viewing appointments recommended. 1918 Lincoln Blvd. Santa Monica CA, 90405 VIN: 6L47S8Q236646 ASKING PRICE $14,500