Elite Dealer

1988 Cadillac Eldorado

Addison, Illinois

$9,994

Vehicle Details

Make

Cadillac

Model

Eldorado

Year

1988

Body Type

Coupe

Exterior Color

White

Interior Color

Red

Transmission

Automatic

Drivetrain

FWD

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Engine

4.5L V8

Condition

Good

Description

The Cadillac Eldorado is an old-school luxury coupe boasting V8 power and classic Cadillac styling. This Eldorado is a Biarritz model showing relatively low mileage and it touts some nice features, including four-wheel independent suspension, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and a fully digital instrument cluster. It also benefits from some tasteful modifications, like an aftermarket exhaust, handsome 15-inch wheels, and a trunk-mounted luggage rack something you don't see often anymore.

Plus, this Cadillac comes with a clean, accident-free Carfax report. Highlights THIS... is a 1988 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, finished in Cotillion White with a red interior. The odometer on this Eldorado currently displays approximately 50,600 miles.

The attached Carfax history report contains multiple reporting gaps, though it shows no accidents or mileage discrepancies during the given time period. This Eldorado is a Biarritz model. A partial list of notable equipment reported by the seller includes four-wheel independent suspension, leather upholstery, wood-look interior trim, power windows and door locks, a digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, and cruise control.

Notable modifications reported by the seller are limited to 15-inch Raceline wheels, an aftermarket exhaust, and a trunk-mounted luggage rack. Redesigned for 1986, the 11th-generation Cadillac Eldorado continued the downsizing trend among America's full-size offerings, cutting 16 inches from the length compared to the 10th generation. A facelift in 1988 tweaked the styling and added several desirable features, notably a new 4.5-liter V8 engine.

Production lasted until 1992, when a redesigned Eldorado was introduced. Power comes from a 4.5-liter V8, rated at 155 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Output is sent to the front wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Equipment This Eldorado is a Biarritz model, and a partial list of notable equipment reported by the seller includes: Four-wheel independent suspension Leather upholstery Wood-look interior trim Power windows and door locks Digital instrument cluster Automatic climate control Cruise control Modifications Notable modifications reported by the seller include: 15-inch Raceline wheels Aftermarket exhaust Trunk-mounted luggage rack Known Flaws Chips, touch-ups, blemishes, and scratches around the exterior Repaired chip on windshield Wear on seats and interior trim; panel separation on center dashboard trim The seller reports the HVAC only blows through the defroster, the vacuum-operated automatic parking brake does not function but has a manual override, the center armrest storage will not unlock, the side opera lights and passenger-side footwell lights are inoperative, and the passenger door only unlocks using the exterior key or the power switch on the driver's side door. Recent Service History The Carfax history report shows recent services have been performed: If you can dream it you can do it!? Check out my video for a full walk-around and start-up! MGM Buy It Now Price: $9,994 Financing Options: Down payment starting at $1000 Long-term loans available No prepayment penalties pay off anytime Monthly payments as low as $225 (with approved credit) Sales tax and delivery can be financed Good credit required How to Get Started: Apply today on our website Text your ZIP code for a delivery quote Call or text us at 847-848-1850 Vehicles are sold as-is Viewing by appointment only WHY BUY FROM MGM? Over 200 cars in stock We own our inventory no consignments No inflated commissions Buy with confidence: 100% positive eBay feedback Over 500 five-star reviews MGM Classic Cars LLC 150 S. Church Street Addison, IL 60101 Mon Fri: 9 AM 5 PM Sat: 10 AM 3 PM Visit: MGMClassicCars.com
Trim: FROM ARIZONA - SNOW WHITE - NICE CADDY
Body Style: 2
Fuel Type: Unspecified

Classic Cadillac Eldorado Buyer's Guide

Full guide

Sarah Whitfield

Pre-War Classics

1953–2002

~5 min read

Updated Apr 2026

Definitive buyer's guide for classic Cadillac Eldorado 1953-2002. Generation breakdown, fin-era cars, front-wheel-drive variants, current market pricing for survivors and concours examples.

This guide covers

✓ 10-point inspection checklist

✓ Common issues & what to avoid

✓ In-person inspection guide

✓ Market pricing by year & condition

✓ 5 FAQs answered

✓ History & fun facts

Read the Full Eldorado Buyer's Guide

Cadillac Eldorado Market Overview

Based on 59 Cadillac Eldorado listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

Listed Now

$26,103

Avg. Asking Price

1957–1999

Year Range

Price Position on Our Site — Below Average

This car: $9,994

Low: $4,500 High: $158,995

Transmission Distribution

Automatic 83% ◄

Manual 2%

Condition Distribution

Excellent 8%

Good 17% ◄

Fair 5%

Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 59 listings →

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What is this car worth?

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Classic Cadillac Eldorado Buyer's Guide

The Cadillac Eldorado launched in 1953 as the marque's halo convertible — Cadillac's response to the new Chevrolet Corvette in concept, but positioned at the absolute top of the General Motors range. Across nearly fifty years of production, the Eldorado defined American luxury motoring through multiple distinct eras: the hand-built 1957-1958 Brougham (704 built across two model years: 400 in 1957 and 304 in 1958), the iconic 1959 Biarritz convertible with its dramatic tail fins, the front-wheel-drive 1967-1992 personal-luxury cars sharing platform with the Oldsmobile Toronado, and the final-generation 1992-2002 cars that closed the Eldorado nameplate. From a concours judging perspective, documented Eldorado examples consistently outperform the broader Cadillac market — the Eldorado was always the marque's flagship and the Cadillac Heritage records confirm it.

What to Check Before Buying

✓

Verify body style code on firewall dataplate — Eldorado was Cadillac's top trim across multiple body styles. Verify original equipment.

✓

Cross-reference VIN engine code with block casting — Cadillac 365 (1957-1958), 390 (1959-1962), 429 (1964-1967), 472 (1968-1974), 500 (1970-1976) each have specific casting numbers.

✓

Inspect frame at body mount points — Body mount bushings collapse over 60+ years. Frame rust here = $2,500-$5,500 minimum repair.

✓

Magnet test rear quarters and lower fenders — Body filler is non-magnetic. Driver-quality cars universally have filler.

✓

For 1957-1958 Brougham claims, demand specialist authentication — Hand-built Brougham (704 total across two model years: 400 in 1957, 304 in 1958) is the most desirable variant. Specialist verification mandatory.

✓

Check FWD drivetrain (1967-1992) — 1967+ Eldorados use front-wheel-drive. Test for chain noise, axle whine, smooth shifting.

✓

Examine convertible top mechanism — Hydraulic and electric top systems on convertible Eldorados commonly fail. $1,500-$3,500 to repair properly.

✓

Verify all power options — Power windows, power seats, climate control, AM/FM. Heavily-optioned Eldorados require expensive specialist repair when systems fail.

✓

Check vacuum-actuated headlight covers (1967-1973) — Vacuum lines crack at 50+ years. Hidden headlights drop at speed when vacuum fails.

✓

Compression test all eight cylinders — Should read 145-180 PSI uniformly across V8s. 472 and 500 big-blocks run slightly higher.

Common Issues

Eldorado rust patterns vary dramatically by generation. The 1953-1966 body-on-frame cars rust at the lower rear quarters, the rocker panels, the floor pans, the trunk pan, the lower fenders, and the cowl seam. The 1967-1992 front-wheel-drive cars use unibody construction and rust at the rocker panels, the floor pans, the front strut towers, and the rear quarter panels. Convertibles add structural concerns at the rear corners where the top mechanism mounts. Mechanically, Cadillac V8 engines are exceptionally durable when maintained. The 365 (1957-1958), 390 (1959-1962), 429 (1964-1967), 472 (1968-1974), and 500 (1970-1976) V8s commonly exceed 200,000 miles with proper service. Common issues include leaky valve covers and oil pan gaskets, worn timing chain on tired engines, and tired Quadrajet carburetors. The 472 and 500 big-blocks are exceptionally torquey but heavy — broken motor mounts are a known issue on hard-launched cars. The 1967-1992 front-wheel-drive drivetrain is the major concern unique to this Eldorado generation. Cadillac developed a unique Turbo Hydra-Matic 425 transmission with a chain-drive transfer case routing power to the front differential. The chain wears and stretches over time, and replacement requires significant labor. Worn chain symptoms include noise on light acceleration, harsh shifting under load, and eventual transmission failure if not addressed. Electrical issues are extensive on heavily-optioned Eldorados. Power windows, power seats, climate control, and AM/FM stereo were standard equipment. Failed systems on heavily-optioned cars require expensive specialist repair — budget $2,000-$5,000 for proper electrical refresh on any neglected Eldorado. Vacuum-actuated headlight covers (1967-1973) commonly fail when vacuum lines crack with age.

What to Look For

Cadillac Heritage records are the gold-standard verification for any Eldorado priced over $40,000. The Cadillac Heritage Center maintains original production records and can verify chassis number, engine number, original paint code, original interior code, options, and delivery destination. For 1957-1958 Brougham claims, the Eldorado Brougham registry maintains additional authentication standards. Without proper documentation, treat all Brougham claims as unverified until proven through Cadillac Heritage and the marque registry. For body-on-frame Eldorados (1953-1966), inspect the perimeter frame at the body mount points and the front kick-up. Body mount bushings collapse over 60+ years and water pools above them, rotting the frame from inside the boxed sections. Replacement is $2,500-$5,500 per side if needed. For front-wheel-drive Eldorados (1967-1992), inspect the unibody at the rocker panels, floor pans, and cowl seam. Test the chain-drive transfer case for noise on light acceleration. Worn chain replacement is a major drivetrain job — $4,000-$8,000 in parts and labor depending on year and configuration. Body style verification is essential. The 1957-1958 Brougham (hand-built four-door hardtop with stainless-steel roof) is dramatically different from the standard Eldorado convertible of the same era. Verify the body style code on the firewall dataplate. Specialty body styles command significant premium pricing — particularly the Brougham, the 1959 Biarritz convertible, and the 1976 final-year convertible. Convertible top inspection is the second non-negotiable for convertible Eldorados. The hydraulic and electric top systems are complex and commonly fail. Test the top operation through full open and close cycle. Failed top systems require $1,500-$3,500 in specialist repair. Document the car. Photograph every panel, every chassis number stamping, every interior detail. The unrestored survivor in original livery is consistently preferable to the freshly-restored car of unknown provenance from a concours judging perspective.

Price Guide

1953-1958 first-era Eldorados are the most desirable. Driver-quality 1953-1956 convertibles run $45,000-$85,000. Documented 1957-1958 Brougham four-door hardtops: $200,000-$500,000+ depending on condition and originality. The 1958 Brougham (with the rare gold-anodized exterior trim option) approaches $700,000+ for documented examples. 1959-1966 fin-era Eldorados: driver-quality 1959 Biarritz convertibles run $55,000-$120,000. The 1959-1960 cars (with the largest fins) command 15-25% premium over equivalent 1961-1966 cars. Documented original-paint, low-mileage 1959 Biarritz cars: $130,000-$220,000+. 1967-1970 first-generation FWD Eldorados: driver-quality cars run $22,000-$45,000. The 1967-1968 cars are the most desirable years of this generation. Documented original-paint cars: $40,000-$70,000. 1971-1978 large FWD Eldorados: driver-quality cars run $14,000-$28,000. The 1976 Eldorado convertible (marketed as "the last American convertible") commands premium — driver-quality 1976 convertibles: $25,000-$45,000, documented original-paint examples: $35,000-$75,000+. 1979-1985 downsized Eldorados: driver-quality cars run $8,000-$18,000. The 1984-1985 Eldorado Biarritz convertibles (the rare convertible-revival cars) command $12,000-$25,000. 1986-2002 modern-era Eldorados: driver-quality cars run $5,000-$15,000. These represent the bargain entry into Eldorado ownership. Project Eldorados start around $5,000-$15,000 across most generations. Brougham project cars are the exception — even rough Broughams command $50,000+ due to their rarity. Restoration costs are higher than equivalent Chevrolet restoration due to specialty Cadillac parts and trim.

Did You Know?

The 1953 Eldorado was launched as Cadillac's halo convertible at the same New York Motorama auto show that introduced the Chevrolet Corvette. Cadillac positioned the Eldorado at the absolute top of the General Motors range — sticker price was $7,750 in 1953, more than twice the price of the standard Cadillac convertible. Only 532 1953 Eldorados were built, making them among the rarest production Cadillacs of the era. The 1957-1958 Eldorado Brougham was Cadillac's response to the European luxury market — particularly the post-war Mercedes-Benz 300 series and Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. Built by hand at Cadillac's Detroit plant, the Brougham featured features unique in 1957-1958 American production: quad headlights (Cadillac's first), brushed-stainless-steel roof, individual memory front seats, and self-leveling air suspension. The Brougham's air suspension proved unreliable in service and was dropped from production after 1958. The 1976 Eldorado convertible was marketed as "the last American convertible" — Cadillac's response to expected federal rollover safety regulations that were widely predicted to ban open-roof passenger cars. The regulations never materialized, but the marketing campaign drove dramatic price speculation: some 1976 Eldorado convertibles sold for $20,000+ over MSRP, and surviving examples in original condition continue to appreciate. Convertible American passenger cars eventually returned for the 1982 Chrysler LeBaron and 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz.

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Elite Dealer

$9,994

1988 Cadillac Eldorado

Addison, Illinois

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Model History

How the Cadillac Eldorado evolved (1953–1978) — 4 generations.

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