When in the market for a fully-fledged luxury car, any model built by Cadillac will usually be on a keen gearhead’s list. General Motors‘ luxury brand has focussed on trying to provide the finest experience for over a century, and during this time it has come up with some amazing creations.

One of these was the huge Cadillac Eldorado, a luxurious two-door coupe that was first released in 1952. One of the most striking variants of the vehicle was the eighth generation, which was released in 1967 and was built through 1970. The last of these model years represents the most refined of the type, and also the most powerful as it gained the largest engine fitted to any passenger car at the time.

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The 1970 Cadillac Eldorado Is An Affordable Classic In 2024

1970 Eldorado Good Condition Prices In 2024

(Sources: Classic.com, Hagerty, J.D. Power)

The 1970 version of the eighth-gen Eldorado was the last of its kind before the revised ninth-generation model took over in 1971. As a parting gift, Cadillac offered the 1970 Eldorado with a monstrous 500 ci V8 and a few other small tweaks compared to the 1969 car. As per Hagerty, it also got a grille with more cross-hatchings, small Cadillac badges on the turning signals, and slimmer taillights. The bigger engine took the lion’s share of the attention though, being the biggest-displacement engine fitted to a passenger car at the time and all.

The Eldorado was only available in one trim level, the two-door coupe with the 500 ci V8, unlike the previous generations of the car that could be had in convertible form. This came in at a price of $6,903, which translates to a still-decent $55,567 in today’s money.

For that price, its new owner would be treated to a suite of standard equipment. Power windows and variable-ratio power steering highlighted the kit, with power drum brakes front and rear also included. A powered driver’s seat was also afforded, as were handy cornering lamps. These lit up the upcoming bend the vehicle was set to tackle, which the car engaged depending on which turn signal had been activated.

Despite all of these creature comforts, the Eldorado maintains a very reasonable used price in 2024. According to Hagerty’s Valuation Tool, a good-condition example of the vehicle could be expected to fetch $17,400 today. This ballpark figure is backed up by J.D. Power, which reckons an average condition Eldorado should achieve $14,450. Excellent condition versions of the vehicle could be expected to bring in $22,600, while poorer examples can be had for as little as $7,900. Here’s a really nice one in a gold metallic tone that sold for just $12,500 in 2019 on Bring A Trailer.

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Expert Opinion

as an enthusiast primarily of small, lightweight, nominally-efficient sports cars, the 500 cubic-inch powered, eighteen-foot long 1970 Cadillac Eldorado should be repulsive. And yet, the Eldo is a product of a uniquely American sensibility when it comes to luxury, and the 1970 model is perhaps the zenith. Or nadir, depending on your viewpoint on the excesses of Nixon-era personal luxury coupes. I can’t deny a brief pang of envy when I see one of these beasts on the road.

Auction Prices Back Up Expected 2024 Eldorado Prices

The auction site Classic.com also follows a similar pricing structure to Hagerty and J.D. Power. The outlet lists vehicles from a host of different auction sites, with the conditions of the cars listed tending to be of better quality than others.

The average sale price on Classic for a ’70 Eldorado currently sits at $19,668, with the cheapest example sold going for just $7,700. The highest sale seen is only $36,500. This puts it around $20,000 cheaper than its original MSRP in 2024 dollars.

A distinctive example of the Eldorado, which featured a popping dark green exterior and interior upholstery, sold for just $27,995. It had covered 91,000 miles at the time of sale, not bad for a 54-year-old vehicle that was listed as highly original. The only vehicle for sale at the time of writing was a beautiful metallic silver version of the powerhouse which, like the green Eldorado, was listed as highly original.

Its mileage was listed ultra-low at just under 13,000, though sellers Streetside Classics concede they aren’t 100% sure whether this is genuine. Featuring the original 500 ci V8 and three-speed automatic transmission, the ad also explains that it had recently been treated to a new vinyl top and pinstripes.

Interestingly, the artist who painted the decals by hand worked on Smokey And The Bandit, according to the listing. An asking price of $23,995 seems like a steal for a vehicle with such a purposeful look, with the powertrain to match.

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The 1970 Eldroado’s Fine Interior Is Matched Only By Its Massive Engine

1970 Cadillac Eldorado Specs

(Source: Hagerty)

Unsurprisingly for a car designed to boss the luxury sector, the Cadillac went to town making the Eldorado feel special. Alongside the expected toys like climate control and power windows/front seat, comfortable leather seats were included in a variety of colors. The same could be said for the body, so it was pretty easy to make a unique example when speccing the vehicle. Alongside the sumptuous seats, there was a ton of wood grain included throughout the cabin.

The 8.2-liter V8 included exclusively within the Eldorado took over from the brand’s 7.7-liter unit as the largest engine it had ever included within one of its products. It became available across Cadillac’s full range of models from 1975 onwards.

The 1970 Cadillac Eldorado Offered Impressive Performance

Despite producing 400 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, its hefty weight of 4,630 lbs meant that the Eldorado couldn’t exactly keep up with the tire-shredding muscle cars of the time. And that was fine, as the big Caddy simply needed to get its passengers to their destination in the most comfortable fashion possible, as opposed to the fastest.

That said, the Eldorado could still hit 60 mph in a respectable 8.8 seconds and complete a standing quarter mile in 16.37 seconds. Remembering to secure the box of champagne in the trunk before attempting this is advisable, however. The three-speed automatic gearbox prevented much in the way of spirited driving anyway, even if its driver felt otherwise. The Eldorado was also very front-heavy as a result of the large 8.2-liter engine, which powered the front wheels.

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The Eldorado had an advanced suspension system, which Cadillac called Automatic Level Control. It used a vacuum compressor to ensure the ride remained level at all times, which was handy when heavy loads were introduced to the trunk. Being able to pump the rear of the vehicle up meant Cadillac could continue to employ an ultra-soft suspension setup on the rear, allowing the ride to remain as supple as ever.

Bearing in mind the Eldorados current market price, it arguably illustrates one of the best-value classic luxury vehicles out there. The massive 500 ci engine gives it the cool factor needed to show off to your friends, the distinctive body will turn the heads of passers-by, while the smooth ride and luxury items included means it will be the ideal car to cruise in. For less than $20,000, the Eldorado represents a tempting package.

Sources: Hagerty, Classic.com, Streetside Classics, J.D. Power, Cadillac, Cadillac LaSalle Museum, Mecum Auctions.