1985 Cadillac Eldorado Limited Edition Roadster
In the 80's eccentric fashion preferences and the idea of visible luxury were all the rage, and the tops of cars became beacons of design influences. Whether it was landau roof, exterior opera lights, portholes, or even a complete mock convertible, the roof is where designers were able to exercise the prevailing consumer tastes, and this was often extended to special editions such as designer series cars.
For consignment, a 1985 Cadillac Eldorado Limited Edition roadster with a title verified 49,679 actual miles and a complete canvas top made to look like a convertible but without the cost and without the complicated mechanisms needed to lift and lower a true convertible top. The car will come with the build sheet which lists in detail all of the options included on the car and was the winner of its class at the July 2024 National Cadillac and LaSalle concours.
Exterior
Somewhere between gray and black is a charcoal based color called Dark Gray Firemist and it covers this Cadillac in fine style, complemented by a polished rocker panel, chrome bumpers, and an upright stately grille in front of a long hood. The era of right angles was far from over in 1985 and the dual square headlights, rectangular marker lights, and vertical taillights accentuate the sharp edges. The black canvas top is smart looking and convincing, with ribbed protrusions that mimic the bow braces that support a convertible top. The realism is further enhanced by the trim piece that follows the shoulder line, rising up where a convertible would store, and the stitching around the rear window and snaps around its base will have you convinced this top can move. A twin pinstripe of gray and red flows down the length of the car, adding another touch of luxury. The paint and metal are fantastic with imperfections that include some crackling in the paint and a minor scratch by the body molding.
Interior
The door panels exude class, and this is the Cadillac of door panels. Woodgrain appliques abound, embedded in vinyl panels with reflective hardware over a gray carpeted base, and it all looks spotless. The split bench front seat is clad in gray leather with an embossed Cadillac insignia and pleated inserts. Aside from some minor usage creasing on the driver's seat, the condition is very good, and the back seat with folding armrest, barely looks used, and is illuminated with vertical courtesy lights on the inner C-pillar. A leather wrapped steering wheel contains a bit of woodgrain too and shares the column with the shifter, all leading to a richly appointed dashboard replete with woodgrain applique. In keeping with the angular theme, all gauges, readouts, and switch panels are rectangular, and digits are displayed in period green digital letters and numbers. The center stack is where we find A/C controls and a Delco AM/FM/Cassette radio, and this one has the EQ option. High pile gray carpet is in good condition on the floor and the foam formed headliner has a few dimples but is intact, with an overhead console with courtesy lights.
Drivetrain
Open the big hood and we find a very clean engine bay housing the 4100HT 4.1 liter V8 rated at 135 horsepower and fuel injected. A TH325-4L 4-speed automatic transmission is on board and keeps power at the front wheels where 3.15 gears are found. Power brakes are on all four wheels, and they are all discs. Our consignor states that the radiator is newer.
Undercarriage
The underside has been well preserved and there is minimal surface rust underneath, no build up grease or road dirt, and no errant fluids or leaks. A single exhaust travels down the center, bisecting a stock style muffler, then exiting discreetly under the rear bumper. Torsion bar suspension is equipped up front and coil springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
From the very comfortable cabin, the test drive demonstrated adequate acceleration, straight tracking, and comfortable turn-ins. The brakes perform well and so did all the functions, which doesn't always happen with mid-80's cars from GM. This one has obviously been pampered and operated wonderfully. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
The lap of luxury in '85 was the Eldorado, and the canvas top added an extra touch of class. An upright interior was common at General Motors and Cadillac stepped it up a bit with colors and materials that were just a notch above your average commuter GM car. Here's a well preserved Eldorado that many of us remember fondly from back in the day, and now you can relive the good times with a time capsule from 1985.
1G6EL5780FE615541
1-USA
G-General Motors
6-Cadillac
E-Manual Belts
L-Eldorado
57-2 Door Coupe
8-4100HT V8 DFI
0-Check Digit
F-1985
E-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
615541-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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