Benjamin W

Reviewed a 1972 Cadillac Eldorado on Jan 9, 2008

The early 70's Eldo's were kind of a strange car. They had early technology front-wheel-drive which gave them an enormous wheel offset that is impossible to find aftermarket wheels for. Also, the convertible top mechanism design is said to be the worst engineering mistake GM ever made. Being a scissor-action fully-electric top eliminated the hydraulic part of the system and allowed for full width rear seating and smaller top well area, but the complex movements and tiny pieces of the electro-mechanic system are a nightmare to repair or adjust. From 1970 to 1976, the Eldorados came with the largest engine ever put into a passenger car for production. It is a 500ci (8.2 liter) V8, and in 72 it was rated for 325 hp and 525 ft-lbs! The bottom line is that it gets about 8 miles a gallon, but will break the front wheels loose any time!