News:

Due to a technical issue, some recently uploaded pictures have been lost. We are investigating why this happened but the issue has been resolved so that future uploads should be safe.  You can also Modify your post (MORE...) and re-upload the pictures in your post.

Main Menu

1971 Eldorado Convertible 31K miles

Started by suchan, October 15, 2017, 12:59:36 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

suchan

I purchased the car in June 2013 from Frank Nicodemus. Repainted in its original code 16 Oxford Gray January 2014, a striking and rare combination with its original code 488 red upholstery and code C dark blue top. Hankook Optimo 235/75xR15 tires have been mounted. The radiator, hoses, belts and trans cooler have been replaced. A major tuneup was done two months ago. The valve cover gaskets have been replaced, and the hood insulation has been re-installed. The front shocks have been replaced with KYB units, tightening up the handling considerably. The window rubber on the A pillars and front edge of the rear windows has been replaced. As the AM/FM radio wasn't functional, a CD player/radio with remote has been installed in the glove box, attached to new front and rear speakers replacing the originals in the original locations (no cutting). The original radio is still powered, but disconnected from the speakers.
Items that needed attention when I received the car and have not been addressed are torn CV boots (I was told by my mechanic that it would be nearly as expensive to replace the boots as the entire CV joint assemblies, so I chose to defer that work), and the clock doesn't work. In my opinion, the carpet needs replacing.
The current mileage is 31186. The car is registered in Washington state, and garaged at my house in Port Orchard, WA.
$21,995/BO. saa820email addresses not permitted.
Southworth, Washington
CLC #28060
1937 LaSalle 5019 Sedan
Cars that got away:
1930 Ford Model A Roadster and AA Flatbed
(2) 1938 Buick Sedans
1942 Chev Blackout Coupe
1953 Ford F100
1955 Ford Victoria
1956 Sedan DeVille
1962 Peugeot 403
1965 Peugeot 404
1971 Eldorado Convertible

NORTHPORTGUY

As they say on Wheeler Dealers:   "it looks a treat".  Image of vehicle tag unclear but VIN looks like it was produced among the first 1000 as is attested to with the early production trunk lid with 56? louvers.   Good luck w the sale!

ken wiebke  23013

suchan

Thanks. It's a super car, pulls like crazy, great to drive. I attached the build sheet. Built on 1/14/71, body number 851. Wish I didn't need to sell it, but just one bay in garage available, and my heart's in prewar stuff. Somebody's gonna be a happy buyer.
Southworth, Washington
CLC #28060
1937 LaSalle 5019 Sedan
Cars that got away:
1930 Ford Model A Roadster and AA Flatbed
(2) 1938 Buick Sedans
1942 Chev Blackout Coupe
1953 Ford F100
1955 Ford Victoria
1956 Sedan DeVille
1962 Peugeot 403
1965 Peugeot 404
1971 Eldorado Convertible

suchan

Southworth, Washington
CLC #28060
1937 LaSalle 5019 Sedan
Cars that got away:
1930 Ford Model A Roadster and AA Flatbed
(2) 1938 Buick Sedans
1942 Chev Blackout Coupe
1953 Ford F100
1955 Ford Victoria
1956 Sedan DeVille
1962 Peugeot 403
1965 Peugeot 404
1971 Eldorado Convertible

suchan

Price drop: $19950. Early 1971, striking color combination, 31K miles.
Southworth, Washington
CLC #28060
1937 LaSalle 5019 Sedan
Cars that got away:
1930 Ford Model A Roadster and AA Flatbed
(2) 1938 Buick Sedans
1942 Chev Blackout Coupe
1953 Ford F100
1955 Ford Victoria
1956 Sedan DeVille
1962 Peugeot 403
1965 Peugeot 404
1971 Eldorado Convertible

suchan

Just bought a '37 LaSalle, one garage space, this one has to go. There must be sunshine somewhere!
Southworth, Washington
CLC #28060
1937 LaSalle 5019 Sedan
Cars that got away:
1930 Ford Model A Roadster and AA Flatbed
(2) 1938 Buick Sedans
1942 Chev Blackout Coupe
1953 Ford F100
1955 Ford Victoria
1956 Sedan DeVille
1962 Peugeot 403
1965 Peugeot 404
1971 Eldorado Convertible

suchan

Southworth, Washington
CLC #28060
1937 LaSalle 5019 Sedan
Cars that got away:
1930 Ford Model A Roadster and AA Flatbed
(2) 1938 Buick Sedans
1942 Chev Blackout Coupe
1953 Ford F100
1955 Ford Victoria
1956 Sedan DeVille
1962 Peugeot 403
1965 Peugeot 404
1971 Eldorado Convertible

suchan

Southworth, Washington
CLC #28060
1937 LaSalle 5019 Sedan
Cars that got away:
1930 Ford Model A Roadster and AA Flatbed
(2) 1938 Buick Sedans
1942 Chev Blackout Coupe
1953 Ford F100
1955 Ford Victoria
1956 Sedan DeVille
1962 Peugeot 403
1965 Peugeot 404
1971 Eldorado Convertible

suchan

Price reduction: $18000 firm. If it isn't sold by May 10, it goes to a consignment house.
Southworth, Washington
CLC #28060
1937 LaSalle 5019 Sedan
Cars that got away:
1930 Ford Model A Roadster and AA Flatbed
(2) 1938 Buick Sedans
1942 Chev Blackout Coupe
1953 Ford F100
1955 Ford Victoria
1956 Sedan DeVille
1962 Peugeot 403
1965 Peugeot 404
1971 Eldorado Convertible

suchan

Southworth, Washington
CLC #28060
1937 LaSalle 5019 Sedan
Cars that got away:
1930 Ford Model A Roadster and AA Flatbed
(2) 1938 Buick Sedans
1942 Chev Blackout Coupe
1953 Ford F100
1955 Ford Victoria
1956 Sedan DeVille
1962 Peugeot 403
1965 Peugeot 404
1971 Eldorado Convertible

BJM

It sounds like the Consignment place offers you temporary storage so the older car can remain inside.  That's good.   It is a nice color combination and low mileage, 1st year of the car all help.  I have seen few cars cross-sold on the various forums of the old car hobby.  We mostly just browse and take interest in the cars and how they are sold.

Obviously, ebay, the Self Starter - would be a better determinant of value.   The torn CV boots - I would not defer that for $19,000.  A $19,000 price tag should get a person a turn key 1971 Eldorado convertible.  The fact this issue remains unrepaired through 2 owners may attest to it's difficulty and unpleasantness to replace them. 

The actual parts should not cost too much, I suspect rebuilt CV axles are maybe $100 to $200 a piece but labor is the higher cost.  Done right though, with improved rubber compounds of today and only leisurely driving ahead for this car, means it's a "one and done" type of repair.  Still for someone looking to drop the kind of money you are asking, it's tough to turn around and spend another $1500 on this repair (or whatever your estimates are, if you received estimates.)

It's been a pleasure looking at your photos, but for me spending the extra $10,000 over what it would cost to get a 71-76 Eldorado convertible in the marketplace, it would require provenance. 

suchan

The CV replacement was quoted at $700-800. Mostly labor.
I bought the car from a noted east coast Cadillac restorer, who seems to be more careful in his restorations than the cars he sells. There have been a number of undisclosed issues to resolve, and I worked it down to everything but the CV boots. The paint/interior combo is factory original and probably unique, and has a 30's-40's look to it that I find attractive.
I agree there are lots of  Eldorados available at $10K, each with flaws that need to be resolved, either something that needs fixing or non-authentic repairs (air shocks, upholstery, etc.) that can be left or restored to original. With a 50 year old car with lots of systems, expensive replacement parts and a dwindling number of techs trained to deal with them, I don't consider a $10K car to be a bargain for the long term unless the owner is a Cadillac mechanic.
Pictures don't do the car justice, and I wasn't marketing it effectively. It was time to let a professional sell it.
Southworth, Washington
CLC #28060
1937 LaSalle 5019 Sedan
Cars that got away:
1930 Ford Model A Roadster and AA Flatbed
(2) 1938 Buick Sedans
1942 Chev Blackout Coupe
1953 Ford F100
1955 Ford Victoria
1956 Sedan DeVille
1962 Peugeot 403
1965 Peugeot 404
1971 Eldorado Convertible

NORTHPORTGUY

just looking at this old posts may I ask if the consignment seller was able to sell it at close to the price you sought...None of my business I know but as an owner of a 71 convertible; just wondering .  thanks


Ken Wiebke 23013. 

suchan

I accepted an offer of $19K before the consignment house's commission.
Southworth, Washington
CLC #28060
1937 LaSalle 5019 Sedan
Cars that got away:
1930 Ford Model A Roadster and AA Flatbed
(2) 1938 Buick Sedans
1942 Chev Blackout Coupe
1953 Ford F100
1955 Ford Victoria
1956 Sedan DeVille
1962 Peugeot 403
1965 Peugeot 404
1971 Eldorado Convertible

NORTHPORTGUY

Sounds like both sides did well    THANK YOU.   K. Wiebke   23013