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Custom Cadillac EldoRODo Hits the Auction Block
For decades, the Eldorado packed quintessential Cadillac panache into one stylish, two-door package. From the 1950s era of big fins and chrome to the magnificent 1967–70 model, which arguably had the brand’s best taillights, Eldorado was the Cadillac. The final generation of Cadillac’s flagship coupe, which lasted from 1992 to 2002, gave it a handsome design with front-wheel-drive V-8 power, a trend that had been in place since that gorgeous 1967 model switched from rear-wheel drive. And it’s elegant lines of the final gen that served as a jumping off point for a highly customized show car built by California Street Rods at the behest of General Motors. It’s now up for auction with a bill of sale at BringaTrailer.com.
This “EldoRODo,” as it was dubbed, features massaged sheet metal, a lowered suspension, and a set of custom wheels, all inspired by lowriders and ’50s lead sleds, but it’s still very much a ’90s Cadillac inside and under the skin. We don’t know where to start on the highly customized body, as it seems no panel was left untouched before the bodywork was sprayed in Ignite Orange paint. Perhaps the biggest change is the chopped top, which required the C-pillar to be reshaped. The final-generation Eldorado is what the Lotus Esprit might have looked like if it had been a front-engine luxury coupe instead of a mid-engine sports car. The Eldorado isn’t as wedge-shaped or faceted, of course, but both share a C-pillar with a nearly vertical leading edge and squared-off quarter glass. It’s a distinguishing design cue, and the new take on that look works quite well with the rest of the reshaped body.
Like the first FWD Eldorado, this custom features quarter panels with vertical taillights that lean forward and a decklid to match. They blend nicely with a roll pan incorporating vertical, rectangular exhaust tips. In addition to the forward lean, the quarter panels also feature reshaped wheel openings with skirts to further add to the vintage Cadillac vibe. Up front, a new, sleek lower bumper cover is complemented by headlight openings reshaped by fender extensions that seamlessly wrap around to the fascia. The painstaking bodywork manages to create a total package that looks like a concept car and a classic at the same time.
Inside, as well as under the hood, things were kept factory clean and pristine. Both the plush interior and 300-hp Northstar V-8 appear to be in great condition. Photos of the chassis also confirm that this one-off beauty has been well cared for its entire life. With just two days to go, bidding is at $12,500, which is almost exactly the #2 (excellent) value for a stock model. We wouldn’t be surprised to see it go much higher, as this sleek custom is a rare opportunity to own a one-off GM showpiece.
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A Hoovie classic.
Hoovie traded this car to the selling dealer for one of his three white Escalades. He does participate in the BAT comments outlining some of the work done on the car while he owned it.
Was making it look like a smug Cars character part of the plan?
That thing looks like it needs some baking soda; it is terribly bloated.
I’m not sure if the custom job or the original design is tk blame for that!
Different wheels and get the front down at least half an inch and it could be cool.
Two words…Ug…ly!
This is one Cool ride. Innovation takes people doing different things. Barris and all the O.G. free thinkers I suspect would approve. Even when I see a slammed Impala low rider, it may not be my particular cup of tea; but I do so admire the time, effort and new direction being taken with that part of car culture. This rocks! I’d love to roll in this Caddy!
Holy Hooviedoodle! It just sold for $55,000. I’ll bet Hoovie wishes he had auctioned it…
It’s not good looking. I am surprised with all the custom body, nothing was done to the drivetrain or the interior or at least we can tell from the pictures.