1971 Cadillac Eldorado

2dr Hardtop Coupe

8-cyl. 500cid/365hp 4bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$13,500*

+14.4%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

Calculate the price

Please select all adjustments that have been made to your vehicle

Value Graph04/2407/2410/24$5k$10kJan 2025
Let us watch the market for you

We update the Hagerty Price Guide each quarter. Sign up for alerts and we'll notify you about value changes for the cars you love.

1971-1978 Cadillac Eldorado stats
Number produced **
** Number produced is specific to this year and configuration.

Photos

35 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1974 Cadillac Eldorado 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
insurance

Protect your 1971 Cadillac Eldorado from the unexpected.

Better coverage built for classics at a price you can afford. Online quotes are fast and easy
More 1971 Cadillac Eldorado values

Model overview

Model description

Unintentionally perhaps, Cadillac signaled the end of the 1960s when it redesigned its entire lineup at the same time. The entire range was bigger, smoother, more elegant, and less powerful. The engines lost about 15 percent of their output, with compression ratios dropping in preparation for unleaded gas. The cars didn’t have battering ram bumpers and pathetic performance – yet. That was still two or three years away.

This was also the first year where horsepower was calculated in net SAE terms. The reduced numbers may have cheered insurance companies, but they were depressing after the ebullient 1960s. The 365 bhp claimed for the Eldorado in 1971 would be calculated at 235 net SAE horsepower only two years later.

The redesigned 1971 Cadillac Eldorado was an over-the-top statement with a long hood and short deck. The wheelbase extended 6 inches to 126, and the car was much more massive than its predecessor.

A 365 bhp, 500 cid V-8 was standard and power was delivered through the side-by-side, chain-driven Turbo-Hydra-Matic transmission like the previous Eldorado. The rear suspension was now by coil springs, though the front still featured torsion bars. Front disc brakes were standard, but had plenty of work to do given the increased weight. Automatic level control was fitted and anti-skid control at the rear was optional.

The body was heavily sculptured, especially the rear, while the vertically textured rectangular grille was a new development. Front fenders were chiseled with a vertical crease, and wind-splits behind the enormous doors looked like they came from the mid-1950s. Fender skirts made a reappearance, and to top it all a convertible was introduced just when everybody else was deleting soft tops from the lineup.

Base price for the Eldorado Coupe was $7388 and $7751 for the convertible, though it was easy to approach $11,000 with numerous options. Thanks to the convertible, sales rose to 27,368, with 20,568 Coupes and 6800 convertibles. Even so, a three-month strike by auto workers lasted from the announcement of new models at the end of September until mid-December. Cadillac sales overall fell to the lowest total in several years.

The Eldorado was available with an optional leather interior and a bench front seat with folding center armrest. Other popular options included air conditioning, power sunroof, tilt/telescopic steering column, remote trunk release, rear window defogger, special carpet package, AM/FM radio, AM/FM stereo with 8-track ($416), vinyl roof, power seat, power door locks, cruise control, and tinted glass.

Magazine road tests indicated that 1971 Eldorado had slowed down from the 1970 model, since it was larger and heavier. From a standing start, 60 mph came up in 9.8 seconds and a quarter-mile in 17.06 seconds at 83 mph. Gas mileage was estimated at 10 to 12 mpg.

Vehicle specifications

  • Vehicle Length221.6 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches126.3 in
Find more values
Search for prices of other cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles
Classic car

Common Questions

The value of a 1971 Cadillac Eldorado can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,050 for a 1971 Cadillac Eldorado in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1971 Cadillac Eldorado at auction over the last three years was $23,100. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1971 Cadillac Eldorado at auction over the last three years was $5,670. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 7 1971 Cadillac Eldorados sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1971 Cadillac Eldorado was $10,450 on May 12, 2024 by Mecum Auctions.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.