The Cadillac Eldorado was all new in 1979 and while it was smaller, it was not less of a car than its predecessor. In fact, there’s an argument to be made that Cadillac’s personal luxury coupe got even better thanks to improved suspension, a more refined engine, a longer options list, and one of the most attractive designs of the period. Later years would keep the same striking look but Cadillac’s powertrain team kind of lost their way with the ill-fated 4100, making this early car the one to own if you prefer reliability and power to fuel economy and whatever else the 4100 was supposed to do. It’s not quite time to call these cars collectors’ items, but there is most certainly a loyal following out there who appreciate American luxury at its best.

With just 33,348 original miles and two owners, this striking Autumn Maple Firemist Eldorado is wonderfully well preserved. Its history is known back to day one, when Vivian Confer (her name is still on the glove box lid) bought it from Turner Motors in Lock Haven, PA. Since then it has obviously been treated as something special rather than a daily driver, and despite being sold new in Pennsylvania, there’s absolutely no evidence that it has ever seen winter weather. The very handsome Autumn Maple Firemist paint was an extra-cost option and it’s an attractive dark bronze with a lot of metallic so it glows in the sunlight. It does show a few signs of use and age, of course, but it has never been hit, touched-up, or otherwise refinished, making it a fine survivor in the truest sense of the word. Cadillac also included plenty of chrome on their redesigned Eldorado, including the bumpers, upright grille, and stainless moldings on the rockers and window sills. There’s still a stand-up hood ornament and the padded half-roof remains in excellent condition. Add a red pinstripe and this becomes a striking car.

Perhaps even more beautiful than the paint is that gorgeous caramel leather interior. It’s remarkably well preserved with few signs of use—even the driver’s seat is almost free of wrinkles. This car carries a very long options and features list, including automatic climate control, power windows, locks, and seats, cruise control, rear defrost, a tilt steering column, and much more. The burled walnut dash and door panel accents are somewhat convincing and help with the upscale feel, and digital information screens were discreetly integrated into the instrument panel. 1979 was the final year for Cadillac’s familiar dial-type climate control, which many enthusiasts prefer due to its analog simplicity, and it does still carry an AM/FM/8-track stereo—it was 1979 after all. The carpets are unmarked and are still protected by original Cadillac logo floor mats and the headliner is immaculate—no sags or crumbling foam like so many other GM cars of the period. Everything works except the power antenna, which is a familiar complaint but for something that’s now 40 years old, that’s a minor fault. You’ll also note that the trunk is fully upholstered, including the spare tire cover, and it carries its original rubber mat, jack assembly, and inflatable spare that appears to have never been used.

The ’79 Eldorados are bulletproof reliable thanks to an Oldsmobile-sourced 350 cubic inch V8 with electronic fuel injection. Like any modern car, it starts instantly and idles smoothly under any conditions, and the torquey V8 moves the luxury coupe with surprising verve. This one has been properly maintained, mostly by the original selling dealer, and all the factory equipment remains in place, from the air cleaner hose to the original hose clamps. Parts are still readily available, including fuel injection components and HEI parts, and they tend to run well for many thousands of miles before needing any notable maintenance. You can also see that this car has not seen salt and snow, as the aluminum components are still bright, the inner fenders are extremely clean, and all the wiring and metal lines are clean. We believe the underhood insulation is new, but beyond that it appears to be almost entirely original.

The front-wheel-drive system in the Eldorado had been perfected in the ‘60s and with the small block Olds engine, it’s virtually indestructible. In fact, that’s what GM engineers called their drive chain between the output shaft of the torque converter and the input shaft of the transmission mounted next to the oil pan: the indestructible chain. The transmission shifts smoothly with no issues and with 2.41 gears in the final drive, it remains the kind of car that’s built for long road trips. Look around under there and you’ll see clean floors, a mostly original exhaust system, 4-wheel disc brakes, and an independent rear suspension which was new for 1979. A new gas tank hangs out back and the rear air suspension keeps everything on an even keel. Wire hubcaps dress it up and it sits on relatively recent 205/75/15 whitewall radials.

The original owner’s manual, radio manual, brochures, and a show board are also included.

If you’re a Cadillac fan or just grew up admiring these cars, this Eldorado is a great way to enjoy top-of-the-line motoring for a very reasonable price. Given the finite number of low-mileage examples, if these become collectors’ items in the future this one will be in demand. In the meantime, you’ll have one of Cadillac’s best designs in your garage to admire any time you like. Call today!