Perhaps with the renewed interest in the fuel economy benefits of diesel power this 1981 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz will find its place in the collector car world. Wonderfully preserved it's a rare survivor and a great example of Cadillac's flagship from a time when few folks were thinking about future values. As a one-owner car the 72948 miles are believed-to-be actual but are not documented. Having been in a single owner's care since 1982 it should be no surprise that this is one heck of a nicely preserved Eldo. The dark blue paint still looks decent and the squared-off styling has aged quite well giving the car a very upscale elegant look. Among today's rounded luxury models this one stands proud. The Biarritz included a brushed stainless steel hardtop hearkening back to the 1957 Eldorado Seville which was the most expensive American car of the time. It doesn't appear that this car has ever been wrecked or hit and even the important parts like the flexible fender fillers at the front end are in excellent condition. A light blue pinstripe highlights the snappy fender line from nose to tail and vertical taillights are a Cadillac theme that have been in constant use for decades. There's plenty of flashy chrome including heavy bumpers and a wonderfully ornate egg crate grille and the stainless rockers reinforce the car's long wheelbase. And yes there's a padded half roof with opera lights a trademark of the '80s that'll bring a smile to your face. Pillow-tufted blue leather is as opulent as you could get and the baroque interior styling certainly works with the Eldo's exterior look. Everything GM could think of was standard on this top-of-the-line model including power seats windows and locks automatic climate control a tilt wheel twilight sentinel and a bunch of other cool '80s tech. That tech includes a digital dashboard that was all the rage and yes that's a CB radio under the dash. Light-colored faux wood on the dash brightens up the interior and gives the Eldorado a continental flavor and all of the interior materials are in excellent condition. The seats have minor comfort marks but no damage the carpets are still protected by the original mat and the door panels look almost untouched. Closing one of the big doors and you can feel the oversized weather stripping sealing up the interior like a 747. The original AM/FM/cassette stereo is still in the dash complete with matching woodgrained knobs and the trunk is as luxuriously carpeted as the interior. GM's 350 cubic inch diesel V8 was a workhorse during this period showing up in all manner of passenger cars and if properly maintained they're not a bad choice. They make good torque and you can't argue with the fuel economy of a big luxury car like this. Fortunately this one has been well maintained and it shows with the engine bay looking particularly tidy and with all the original equipment intact. It starts easily (remember to wait for the glow plugs!) and once it's up to cruising speed it just loafs along at 75 MPH with nary a whisper. The Eldo's all-independent suspension is comfortable and competent and there's a disc brake at each corner too. Wire hubcaps on steel wheels should look familiar and they wear relatively recent 205/75/15 General whitewall radials. An inexpensive way to get some top-of-the-line luxury and perhaps score yourself a future classic at the same time. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Charlotte showroom. For more information please call or toll free . Price: $8,995
