1968 Cadillac Eldorado

Description

The redesigned eighth-generation Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado represented a huge break from tradition. Sharing its E-body platform with the Oldsmobile Toronado, it was Cadillac’s first front-wheel-drive car, and it realized head designer Bill Mitchell’s desire to see Cadillac break into the burgeoning personal luxury car market. 

The 1968 model changed little on the outside from its ’67 sibling — with razor-edge styling, long hood, short trunk, formal roofline, and hidden headlights — but it received some serious mechanical updates. Chief among those improvements was a new 375-horsepower, 472 cubic-inch V8 engine, which received thicker castings, improved crankshaft stiffness, redesigned piston rings, larger bearing areas, and longer piston skirts, all aimed at longer engine life. 

The Eldorado’s already long hood was extended another 4.5 inches to make room for concealed wipers, and turn signals were moved to the forward edge of the front fenders instead of in the front bumper. Side marker lights were added, and the rear ones were hidden within Cadillac wreaths. Inside, the Eldorado offered a luxurious interior with plush seating. 

Cadillac sales increased for the fourth straight year in 1968, including a 36 percent jump for the Eldorado, which carried the Fleetwood designation from 1965 through ’72.

Highlights 

• Finished in Atomic Orange paint with black vinyl roof over black interior and reupholstered black/white houndstooth cloth seats 

• Powered by a rebuilt 472 cu-in V8 with four-barrel carburetor rated at 375 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque from the factory 

• Three-speed Turbo Hydramatic 425 automatic transmission 

• Service in October 2022 includes: 

  • Engine completely rebuilt 

  • New brakes 

  • New starter 

  • Electrical system updated 

• The chassis number (H8198350) decodes as: 

  • H – Fleetwood Eldorado 

  • 8 – 1968 model year 

  • 198350 – Sequential production number  

• The Body by Fisher trim tag decodes as: 

  • Build date: 01D – Fourth week of January 

  • Body: 68-69347 – 1968 Fleetwood Eldorado two-door hardtop 

  • FWD-10993 – Detroit assembly plant and Fisher Body unit number 

  • Trim: 451 – Black leather 

  • Paint: 97 – Rosewood Firemist (now Atomic Orange)

Features 

• Power steering, power front split-bench seat with fold-down center armrest, power windows, and power locks 

• Power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drum brakes 

• Dash instrumentation: 120 mph speedometer, gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level, and analog clock 

• AM/FM stereo radio 

• Automatic Climate Control with temperature dial 

• Cruise control 

• Chrome grille and bumpers with bright trim outlining headlights, windows, and lower body  

• Hide-away headlights 

• 17-inch Intro chrome wheels 

• Pirelli P Zero Nero P235/55ZR17 98W tires (less than 2,000 miles) 

Known Imperfections 

• Speedometer, air conditioning, cruise control, and clock are inoperative 

• Warning lights do not illuminate  

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Original hubcaps 

Ownership History 

The Georgia consignor of this 1968 Cadillac Fleetwood Eldorado has owned it since September 2022.