1975 Mandarin Orange Eldorado SO $18,000 Spokane WA

[Bryan J Moran]

https://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/d/spokane-1975-cadillac-eldorado-true/7444586293.html

On August 8th 2021 this 1975 Cadillac Eldorado was literally pulled out of a barn after a 37 year sleep! There are less than 45,000 original miles on the car....the last photo in the series is of the car the day it was brought back to Spokane after a 37 year nap.

In 1987 this 1975 Cadillac Eldorado was driven into a barn where it slept for nearly 40 years. The car was untouched in all that time, it was stored in a nice dry environment with plenty of felines around to control the rodents - seems to have worked. I had acquired a few cars from the family already, but, this one I kept walking past. There was so much dust on the car that I thought the car was brown, leaving me uninterested. Leaving the barn one day, I turned and thought... "have a look". As I opened the door I was surprised to see an Orange leather interior in basically new condition, even smelled new. I then noticed the door jam was also orange. I thought to myself, "Cadillac never produced an "orange" car"! I pulled the 'ol phone out and googled "1975 Eldorado, Orange". To my surprise Cadillac did indeed offer an Orange Eldorado, the color is called Mandarin Orange and it was a "special order color" only.

The car was trailered to Spokane where the task of cleaning the car and getting her to run again seemed daunting, after all it had been nearly 4 decades since she "cruised" the freeways of the Inland Northwest. At 18 feet long and a CURB WEIGHT of 5100 lbs, she's a big girl. (you might want to measure your garage) She is also the last Cadillac offering the 8.2 liter or 500 cubic inch V8. What seemed a "daunting" task ended up being remarkably easy........the cars engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid were all serviced just prior to the car being stored.

Spark plugs were removed, Marvel Mystery oil was added to the cylinders and allowed to sit for a couple of days. The fuel tank was drained of about 9 gallons of NON ethanol fuel (the fuel was still good, in fact, I dumped it into a suburban and ran it) Fresh fuel was put in the tank, a new battery was installed, plugs were reinstalled (they still looked great) and the car started, instantly! No smoke, no scary noises, she started and settled to an instant smooth idle.

Cleaning and detailing were next. The car was washed about 5 times just to remove the years of dirt but, It became apparent that the car was and is in remarkable original condition. A lube sticker on the drivers door dated in '86 confirmed the miles at 41,000 back then. The cars leather was cleaned and conditioned with a product called "Leatherique" (a very expensive and excellent leather restoration product) and turned out "as new". I pulled the cars original floor mats to vacuum the carpet, no need. News papers from the 1980's were found in the trunk, a good read, some great deals on used cars

The cars paint was cleaned, clayed, compounded, polished and waxed to what has resulted in a fantastic paint finish. The cars chrome and stainless brightwork turned out just as nice. New tires were mounted, the 40 year old tires had squared off. Everything.... I do mean "everything" on the car functions as designed. Windows, lights, turn signals, radio, 8 track (yes, it has one) antenna, door locks, trunk release and trunk soft close, even the clock works and keeps correct time. The only exception right now is the cars Climate Control system which is being worked on as this is written. I have the blower and heat working again, not the AC yet, but, I have R12 Freon

I have made an attempt to find out just how many 1975 Eldorado's were produced and finished in Mandarin Orange but, as of yet I have had no success. I have located other '75 Mandarin Orange Eldo's but, ALL of them have been equipped with white interior's and white landau tops. I have yet to find another triple Mandarin Orange coupe - paint, interior leather and landau top. IF.... IF....IF you can find another triple Mandarin Orange 1975 Eldorado coupe on the planet ANYWHERE.... I may listen to a reasonable offer...up until now, THIS is the only one I know of ANYWHERE in the world.

This is one very rare Cadillac with just over 43,000 original miles, sold here locally in Spokane at Utter Cadillac. The pictures are good, the car better. Low ball offers will be ignored. Scammers will be reported, no bullsh*t ! Thanks but, I don't need any help with the sale. Title is clean, clear and in my possession.

You'll never find another........

[Bryan J Moran]

Not mine - is being discussed on the AACA Forum so I thought I would throw it over here. 

I love it.  The comments on the other forum were that it was over-priced at $18,000.  But that appears to be the top price.  Meaning if it goes unsold for a bit, would he consider a $16,000 offer? 

I also like his description even though there is some hyperbole in there.  I believe if they/he did what he said - the cleaning - replacement of some parts/tires - then that adds up to $2,000 right there.

How many times do we see "barn find" ads where the "next generation" seller wants to do absolutely nothing, they don't even want to air up the tires, yet are asking (asking I know) premium pricing? 

A lot! 

So with the work they have done, and the true rarity of "triple" Mandarin SO Orange on a 1975 Eldorado, this may be a coupe worthy of $15,000 +   

I am not in the position to purchase now, or I would at least investigate.  I prefer the "wild" colors of Cadillacs from 1973 to 1981, Lime Greens, off Greens, Orange and so on.  This is in my wheelhouse. 

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Mandarin Orange is a regular production 1975 Cadillac Code 34 paint and is NOT a Special Order color!

Where advertisers come up with this nonsense I have no idea.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

1975 Eldorado in that "Special Order" Mandarin Orange shown in the brochure.

[Bryan J Moran]

Thanks Eric.  Yes there is some mis information in that ad.  Last year for 500...

[V63]

Further 'mandarin' orange was offered as a new 'spring color' for 1974 models. Commonly seen with a plaid fabric.  Mandarin was One of 5 new color offerings  if memory serves.
I have a 1974 CDV in mandarin with plaid cloth, white leather. Orange dash and carpet
It's 'moving' even  while it's standing still 🤣

[kkindor]

Not being a "Cadillac" man, when I researched the car, I had to rely on the information available .... EVERYTING on the internet is true, right?

I found an article that stated "mandarin orange" was a special order color only. Thanks for the clarification. I have been in the car business and around cars for many more years than I care to admit, though I am really a Porsche guy. I love this yacht!  I have never seen an orange Eldorado coupe.... not ever, but again, I thank you for the clarification.  I have spent HOURS on the internet in an attempt to find another triple Orange '75 Eldorado, all to no avail. I have found numerous mandarin orange over white coupes and convertibles but, not another single triple orange coupe on the planet. I doubt seriously that I own the only one but..... can anyone show me another?

Thanks for your concern in regards to my "over paying" for the car. I can assure you the price was very fair. The car had sat for 37 years, the seller was well aware that recon could be an expensive adventure and a proverbial "roll of the dice" and priced the car to me accordingly. I won't disclose how much.... I can tell you that I acquired a dozen cars out of that same barn Up next, a Persian Green over tan leather 1974 Sedan DeVille 4 door hard top with 45k miles.... SO COOL!

Thanks again for your comments and informative posts

[James Landi]

Klaus,   
You've been infected with the Cadillac affliction.  Once you get it, you've got to live with it for life!  I've owned so many used Cadillacs, I've lost count.   As the saying goes, "Enjoy the ride."    James

[Bryan J Moran]

This is SOLD as well