Learn me ...1967 Caddy Eldorados???

Yeah, I know that there's not much "Grassroots" or "Moorsports" about them, but I tried Google and there wasn't a whole lot out there.

Long story short:

My parents might be inheriting a silver 1967 Cadillac Eldorado from my great uncle who passed away. He bought it new back when he had a car dealership in the 1960's, and it was garage kept all its life. I saw it once about 13-14 years ago, and he had it under a cover in his garage. Back then, it was absolutely pristine, and I wasn't allowed to touch it. It currently only has 60,xxx miles on it.

My cousin called us yesterday and said that my parents can come and get it if they want it. But, she said that the battery is dead, it needs tires, and it "has mold". I know that they are based on the Olds Toronado and are FWD, and that they are HUGE. It has a 429ci Caddy V8. That's all I know about these Sinatra-approved beasts. Does anyone know anything else? What whould I look out for when looking at this thing? Should I even try to start it, or should I wait to get it home before doing that?

Thanks for any info and input in advance!!!

Wasn't that a front wheel drive number? They liked it on the Tornonado ....

914Driver wrote: Wasn't that a front wheel drive number? They liked it on the Tornonado ....

this pic elicited a somewhat girly ooohh! fwd could be tolerated in that condition and color.

In 1967, these Eldorados were know as the new small Cadillac (personal luxury car.)
By today's standards it is giant beast.
Very cool!

From the St. John's parade on Saturday:

The horns were functional as actual horns. I had hoped they would shoot fire.

I realize that I don't know if this is the correct year, but I couldn't help but post the picture.

914Driver wrote: Wasn't that a front wheel drive number? They liked it on the Tornonado ....

Imagine that but in silver with a black Landau roof. I could care less that it's FWD because it's a big, stupid cruiser. I think it's a beautiful car!

In highschool, my friend had a 67 Eldo. Yeah, Eldo's were FWD, revolutionary for the time. I mean, how can you tow a travel trailer with that? Anyway, it was a cool car. Expect about 6-8MPG. The axle seals go out at around 60K.

What you need to do is bag it, put massive box flares on it, paint it satin black and put side pipes on it.

It IS a beautiful car. Definitely take it if you can bring it back to life; you probably can, because those things were built to last. My Dad had two Toronados (a 66 and a 69) and his considered opinion was that you could spray salt water on the frame for a month and not make any significant impact. (Not that you'd want to test that theory out, of course, but they WERE massive.) I believe the chain-drive in the transmission was tested for a million miles during development. And you have to respect the sheer engineering arrogance of putting a V8 longitudinally in a FWD application. Happy motoring! But definitely do something about the tires before you sample the torque.

Hemmings Classic Car December 2006 had a huge article on the 66 Eldo and Toro.

If this post is a canoe, sink it. It isn't intended to be.

The biggest problem is that the 429 was a Cadillac-only engine, and it stopped production in 1967. Parts for them range from ridiculously cheap (distributor caps, shared with other GM 8's) to too expensive (Cadillac-specific bits like rings). The 472/500 engine that appeared in 1967 is a lot cheaper to work on from what I can tell. The nice thing about the 429 is that they do get better gas mileage than the 472/500 does.

But big old Cadillacs are universally loved. Nobody will ever be able to guess what year it is, but everyone will dig it. Resurrect the beast.

Cool car. I wouldn't try starting it there but rather wait to get it home before messing with it. If it's been sitting for any length of time the fuel system is all gummed up and the oil is all but worthless.

Oh yeah, it weighs 5,000 lbs. If you're going to trailer it home, keep that in mind.

BTW, I have a set of good 429 heads in the garage. Let me know.

The comment about mold is troublesome - hopefully that doesn't mean water has been leaking in and ruining everything - but a first year FWD Eldorado is definitely worth having.

If you're gonna drive that thing you'll have to start dressing like Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin.

Keith wrote: The biggest problem is that the 429 was a Cadillac-only engine, and it stopped production in 1967. Parts for them range from ridiculously cheap (distributor caps, shared with other GM 8's) to too expensive (Cadillac-specific bits like rings). The 472/500 engine that appeared in 1967 is a lot cheaper to work on from what I can tell. The nice thing about the 429 is that they do get better gas mileage than the 472/500 does. But big old Cadillacs are universally loved. Nobody will ever be able to guess what year it is, but everyone will dig it. Resurrect the beast.

Yep, I had a '65 with the 429. I was cruising down the highway one day and it uneventfully made a very small "pop", and died. I looked in the rear view and saw NOTHING but smoke. Popped the hood and there was oil EVERYWHERE! Took the air cleaner lid off and there were chunks of piston ring in there, amongst all the oil. I'm not exactly sure what happened, but it did some serious damage.

Great info so far. I'll have to relay this info to my dad.

The "mold" could be anything. the car is still garaged and I'm pretty sure it's still under a cover. I'm hoping at best the thing is dusty and needs a battery, tires, fluids changed out, and a tune-up. At worst, well, anything is possible. I'm really hoping my cousin knows absolutely nothing about cars, LOL!

Putting that aside, I'd take another one in a heartbeat, especially if it's free!

I had a 71 and LOVED it! I could manage double digit mpg on the highway....with a tailwind......maybe. (it had the 500 cid= 8.2 liters )

Massive car (longer than a Suburban!), but surprisingly easy to drive. One finger ps assist, fantastic leather couch to sit on, auto climate control and telescopic steering wheel! The torque was amazing, even at high altitude. (I owned it in Denver)

If it is solid, bring it back to life! Those are some of the coolest American cars out there that are still cheap to buy, and run.

beautiful cars... and really caddys when that name meant something

All I can say is if you don't want it, PM me and let me buy it from you.

I sent a badly rotted 72 deville convertable to the junkyard last year... cleared almost a grand from the scrap value alone

If you can successfully de-mate the engine and trans, congrats, you're the first guy in history to do so. That drive train is weird!

they are the ultimate cross country cruisers. change all the fluids, put a battery in it, and crank it over. treat it like a brand new engine for a while- bring the revs up to splash oil all over everything while the lifters get reacquainted with the cam, and change the oil after about 20 minutes of run time. don't be surprised if the carb needs to be rebuilt. ditch the stock points distributor for an HEI- i think the late 70's 425 Caddy distributor is compatible. hell, a 67 Caddy might even have some sort of electronic ignition in it already, but if it does, parts will be hard to find, so if it dies, just go HEI. being fwd, there isn't a tunnel of any kind in the car and you will have more leg room than you know what to do with while you sin on the most comfortable leather couch you have ever experienced. yes, it will drink a lot of gas.. and yes, it will corner like a fully loaded 1000 foot long container ship and take about as long to stop, but it will be your favorite car.

My son has a '63 Caddy convertible, black with white leather interior- basically a show car. Cruise in that thing and you are the center of attention. That Eldo will be very close to that. Accept the rotten gas mileage and enjoy the notoriety. His car has been in a couple of movies, you can do that, too. I'm jealous.