Featured here is a beautiful red 1972 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible. The Eldorado was produced for over twelve generations from 1952 until 2002. In 1972 the Cadillac Eldorado was offered in coupe and convertible body styles. The Cadillac Eldorado was a top of the line model and originally came out to mark the 50th anniversary of Cadillac. The 1972 model represented Cadillac’s 70th year and was a part of the ninth generation Eldorado.
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Styling Details
As is apparent, the 1972 Cadillac Eldorado is a large automobile. In fact, this model is over a foot longer than the first generation Escalade. There aren’t many luxury automobiles larger than this Eldorado. The model had a 126.3 inch wheelbase which among other things means it could easily seat at least five people. The 72 Eldorado had plenty of legroom for it’s occupants plus full vinyl seats.
The exterior of the 72 Eldorado had very minor changes from the previous year. There was a minor change to the grille pattern and some changes to the front bumper and rear bumpers. These were mostly safety related. The front bumper was now built to withstand a 5 mph front impact with no damage. The rear bumper was a bit larger and flatter and was built to withstand a 2.5 mph impact. For the 1973 model year the Eldorado would receive significant restyling.
The last year for the Cadillac Eldorado Convertibles was 1976. Cadillac sold over 14,000 Eldorado Convertibles that year. They could have built and sold even more but there was a lack of convertible parts such as the top frame. It’s said that speculators bought many 1976 Convertibles to just put them in storage and hopefully sell at a healthy profit to collectors some time in the future.
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Options
If a buyer spent the big money for a Cadillac Eldorado Convertible chances are he or she wanted many available options as well. After all, the Eldorado target buyer was someone with plenty of money along with a taste for luxury. These options were many and included climate control, heavy duty air conditioning, cruise control, six way power seats,telescoping and tilting steering wheel, remote control trunk lock, front shoulder belts,rear shoulder belts, stereo radio and eight track tape player. Today, some of these options are now considered standard equipment.
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Specifications
The 72 Eldorado was equipped with a 500 cubic inch V-8. This was the largest ever production V-8. This large engine was rated at 235 net HP and reportedly 365 horsepower gross. Net horsepower was used in 1972 due to new federal regulations. Net horsepower was what the engine put out in an automobile equipped with normal standard equipment. This of course was less than an engine measured stand alone outside the vehicle.
The 72 Eldorado had front wheel drive.
Transmission is a three speed automatic.
Brakes are front discs and rear drums.
The 1972 Eldorado was a big success for Cadillac. Total 1972 Cadillac production was 267,780 vehicles. Cadillac built 40,070 Eldorado’s for the 1972 model year. Out of that number there were only 7,975 convertible models produced.
1972 Cadillac Eldorado dimensions include a 126.3 inch wheelbase, 223.2 inch overall length, 80.0 inch width and 53.5 inch height. Empty weight was 5,000 lbs.
New car base price for the 72 Eldorado Convertible was $7,680. The Coupe sold for about $350 less. Both of these models could easily have cost several thousand dollars more with available options.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below..
1958 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
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Reference material for this article and some good reads include…The Cadillac Story: The Post War Years by Thomas Bonsall…..Cadillac: A Century of Excellence by authors Robert Leicester Wagner..The Story of the Cadillac Eldorado by Jim Mezzanotte..Eldorado Classic : A Source Book by Thomas E. Bonsall.
The 1972 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Collector Automobile
With only about 7,900 of these 72 Eldorado Convertibles produced, the models are somewhat rare today. This particular model is an excellent example of the size and luxurious appointments, always a part of the Eldorado.
As we mentioned, the Cadillac convertible disappeared after 1976 so any of these 1970’s era Eldorado Convertibles are popular collector automobiles.
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Convertibles in excellent condition listed for sale have asking prices in the $23,000 to $45,000 plus range. Restoration age and degree, overall condition, mileage and originality are pricing factors.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)