Spotted in China: 1971 Cadillac Eldorado convertible
Published on July 4, 2012 by Tycho de Feyter
Here we have a brilliant 1971 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, seen in Beijing close the the Worker’s Stadium, parked next to a very pink BMW Z4 Coupe. The Eldorado belongs to the restaurant you see in the back ground, it was imported from California a few years ago. Sadly this monster isn’t road legal in Beijing but restaurant staffers drive it around the block sometimes.
The red machine is from the 8th generation Eldorado, made from 1971 until 1978. The Eldorado came as a coupe or a convertible and was a huge vehicle. Size: 5700/2030/1380, wheelbase was 3210. The Eldorado was available with a 7.0 liter V8 and a 8.2 liter V8. This red car has the 8.2, in 1971 good for 345hp and 680nm, mated to a 3-speed automatic gearbox. Amazingly, the Eldorado was front-wheel drive.
From sunny California to bone-dry Beijing, this Caddy didn’t show any rust and seemed otherwise in a great condition as well. Even details like the mirrors and tires looked like new and a glance inside showed a period radio and clean leather seats. Too bad it ain’t road legal, would be incredible to cruise to the Great Wall with this magnificent time machine.
Wednesday, 4 July om 15:44
Do you know where this was imported from? In the USA they never put an engine size on the side like that.
Still great find, awesome car. Very comfortable in a way modern cars can only dream about.
Wednesday, 4 July om 16:21
@ Dave.
It still has California license plates, I added a pic.
Wednesday, 4 July om 17:24
Unless someone has changed the front bumper and Hood it’s a 1972. There’s the rubber strips on the bumper and chrome strips above the headlights which didn’t come on the 1971.
The engine size on the front fender is correct for 71 and 72. What’s not correct is the door lock beside it.
Also the Eldorado script on the front fender is for 1972. The 71 did not have it.
I am lucky enough to own a 71 Eldorado.
Shayne
Wednesday, 4 July om 17:27
@ Shayne.
Thanks for the extra info! Yours is red as well?
Wednesday, 4 July om 17:32
Tycho,
It’s triple blue.
Wednesday, 4 July om 17:35
Why is the car not legal on the roads in China? I am from Canada.
Wednesday, 4 July om 21:19
@ Shayne.
Because in Beijing old cars like this Caddy can’t legally get license plates, the reason is fear for (more) pollution.
Thursday, 5 July om 00:07
@ Tycho; has the govt seen the other cars that are road legal in that country?
Friday, 6 July om 08:55
Tycho,
That is sad that old cars are not allowed on the road.