Couldn't Resist...

[joeinbcs]

I've  been looking for some white floor mats for my Regent Maroon '68 Eldorado.
Perusing Craigslist, I came across a '72 Eldorado with white mats.  I called the guy selling the car, who happened to be in Dallas, and tried to buy the mats. He wasn't interested in my $200.  offer.  As I was passing through Dallas anyway, I thought I'd swing by and have a look at the car.  Not really my favorite year (I'm a '67-'70 fan), but the car was oddly compelling in person.  I guess its the fact that it is a factory original slick top with 59K miles and mostly original paint that attracted me.  Anyway, long story short, I made a deal.
Car is pretty decent, but I need to do something about the steering wheel.  It has a cover which looks OK, but I'd like to find a nice steering wheel.  I guess I may have to send it to Gary if I can't find one.  If anyone knows where I can find a good one, please let me know!

[76eldo]

That car is beautiful.  In my area you never see any 71-72's available unless they are really beat and rusted.

Nice find.

Brian

[Gene Beaird]

So you DID buy the mats!!   

I can see the attraction, that's a nice one.  Good catch.

[TJ Hopland]

What color is the interior?  The dash and such?  Green is what I had seen the most with the white. 

[joeinbcs]

Interior is red and in very good condition except for the steering wheel, which is covered.
I don't have the car here yet, but my hauler is bringing it Tuesday.  I haven't removed the steering wheel cover, but I know the wheels from these years usually fail.
And, yes, I did get the mats...they cost a bit more than I had planned though...

[TJ Hopland]

Ah, now I see why you thought maybe he would part with the floor mat. 

[walt chomosh #23510]

Joe,
  Awesome Eldo! I believe that Cadillac is the same one that I had made plans to view....but decided to pass because of a number of disappointments I'd had searching for that "special" Eldo.(I finally bought a 09 DTS instead) The red interior lifts the car up,and the lack of a vinyl top makes the car VERY desireable! (EVERY Eldo I looked at had excessive rust under the vinyl top!) I hope you enjoy your AWESOME Cadillac!....walt...tulsa,ok

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

Slicktops are very rare in this area, and so the cars look kind of naked. But they are lots nicer than the rust buckets with the vinyl tops. I was thinking/dreaming last night about the trade I made years ago. A guy with a '56 Fleetwood stopped me on 38th street in Indy and wanted to swap even up for my 1941 6127 coupe. I'd had it a while and needed a better family car, so we made the swap.

However, I was driving the '56 the first day I had it on my day off around town and found I had a transmission problem. The guy had conveniently forgotten to tell me that he had a major leak in the transmission. Later I found a box that had held a case of fluid in the trunk. I ended up at AAMCO the rest of the afterrnoon.

I think you lucked into a nice set of floor mats. Or at least "backed into" the deal. Merry Christmas.

[Scot Minesinger]

The no vinyl top is a huge plus to me.  If ever I was repainting a vinyl top Cadillac, would strongly consider removing it, which is not inexpensive.  Beautiful car!  The no vinyl top make the car look more massive and imposing.  Next time I want another classic, will tell my family needed to buy it for the floor mats.

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

In re-reading my post above, I was sure that my telling the story of the '56 Fleetwood had something to do with the thread. Evidently not. In any case, my congratulations on your purchase again, and for coming up with another good reason to tell your wife why you bought another car. If the floor mat story doesn't work, give it to her as a delayed Christmas present.

[joeinbcs]

LOL...thanks for all the interest and comments!
I'll probably take this car to GN in Las Vegas.  I was planning to take my '68 DeVille Convertible, but this one may actually be the better choice for that venue.
Hope to see you there!

[Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373]

At least the mats came pre-installed.

[Rich S]

It looks like a beautiful Eldorado! (I'm especially fond of the '71 and '72 models.) Congratulations and best of luck with your new classic!

[66 Eldo]

Something always interesting (to me) about low optioned Cadillacs. This one is unique. It has from what I can see only A/C, AM FM 8 track, right outside mirror but it has LEATHER! Curious if it was ordered new by the original owner like this or a "Spec" car the factory would make? This one for budget minded buyers.

I can see your attraction to this car especially the slicktop. Congratulations!

[TJ Hopland]

No cruise?  Split bench seat?

[joeinbcs]

No split front seat, no cruise.  But, It does have an 8-Track tape player...LOL.

[joeinbcs]

Something always interesting (to me) about low optioned Cadillacs. This one is unique. It has from what I can see only A/C, AM FM 8 track, right outside mirror but it has LEATHER! Curious if it was ordered new by the original owner like this or a "Spec" car the factory would make? This one for budget minded buyers.


Also has six-way power seats, power door locks, tilt/telescope wheel, door edge guards, soft ray tinted glass (can't believe this wasn't standard?), front and rear floor mats, as well as climate control, leather and right side mirror.   
The original owner ordered the car from the Cadillac dealer in Brownwood, Texas, and kept it there until he died a few months ago.  The owner's heirs traded the car in on a new Lexus. 
I wish the car had cruise, but if it has been ordered with a vinyl top, it wouldn't have interested me.