Life is a rather funny thing sometimes. When you’re down in the dumps and feel like no hope is going to come, a mysterious savior can come in the most unlikely forms. Sometimes it can be a person who enters your life unexpectedly, other times it can be the smallest gesture or gift that’s completely unexpected. In my case, the mysterious savior came in the form of a car, which while looking pristine and clean on the outside, turned out to be broken and in need of fixing. It still has its problems, problems that will plague it and never go away even with the necessary TLC, but it’s a reliable and good friend. It’s certainly one of a kind and one that very few people tend to forget, for better or worse. This COAL is partially a story of me, but also a story of my first and only car, a car that I’ve formed a bond with and will certainly never forget.
The year was 2014; I was getting ready to graduate high school at some point late in the summer. As an avid video gamer with some Christmas money to burn, I picked up Forza Motorsport 4 for the Xbox 360. I had no interest in racing games before, but I picked it up because it was cheap and I thought it might provide some hours of fun. After playing the game for a while, something about it clicked on a switch in my brain that was covered in cobwebs and neglected. It re-triggered my car enthusiasm.
I was a car enthusiast in the loosest terms when I was little; I had plenty of Matchbox, Hot Wheels, and Maisto cars when I was a kid, and even had a book of cool vehicles that I read for a while, but over time that interest faded. I eventually sold most of that stuff to make way for other toys and more video games, even growing up as a gamer, I never played traditional racing games with real world cars because they weren’t of interest. That all changed when I played through Forza 4, and I can name the exact car in the game that triggered my car enthusiast lust once more: The 1965 Pontiac GTO. The second I laid eyes on that car, it started a renewed enthusiasm for cars that would not stop.
Because of my enthusiasm, I decided to do something I never thought I would ever consider; start looking for a first car. Naturally, because of my love for the GTO, I wanted a big old muscle car, something that my parents were very much against. 1: Because they were big old cars with low gas mileage and old-car steering, 2: Because they were getting expensive. I tried to find compromises though; I looked longingly at second and third generation Pontiac Firebirds and Chevrolet Camaros, a new Dodge Challenger, I even found a beat up 1968 Mercury Cougar on Ebay in the San Diego area for three grand, but alas, my parents wouldn’t budge. Probably for the best now that I think about it. I still looked for old-school cars, telling my parents about stuff I had seen on Craigslist, and the like, but to no avail, considering I hadn’t even started driving classes in any circumstances and it was too late in the school year for me to start, I just had to wait.
The only thing I told my parents was two thing: 1: I didn’t want a boring Camry/Accord/Prius/any four door, front drive, I4 or V6 car that was boring and dull. 2: I didn’t want an SUV or a Minivan, as the high ride height, limited visibility, and large size was something I was scared to try. I’m just more comfortable driving a big car that’s big in either length or width than I am in driving something that’s tall.
I started to think of what else I could go with instead. Sure enough, I found an unlikely alternative to my dilemma, but one far weirder than my parents, my peers, or anyone sane could’ve ever thought: A big luxury car. I thought about why that was, and realized it was the influence of two cars in particular. First was another car from Forza 4, a 1962 Lincoln Continental, one of the most iconic and revered American cars ever.
The other was a car was from my childhood, and one that long ago was my quintessential dream car, the Mercedes Benz W140 S-Class.
These two influences created an unhealthy alternative that gave my parents more headaches: ’66 Toronados, Buick Rivieras, ’67 Cadillac Eldorados, First Generation Lincoln Town Cars, Cadillac Broughams, Mercedes Benz W126s (that particular one wasn’t helped by the fact that my neighbor across the street had a beautiful gunmetal grey 450SEL in his front driveway that I lusted after. It’s visible in the top photo), even Jaguar XJ-S’ and XJ6’s. There was also a 1969 Ford LTD that was in my neighborhood for a while that piqued my interest, but that would’ve been shot down as well. All were shot down. Over time, when my interests and what I imagined grew, we started getting ideas. My parents were willing to indulge my interests so long as they weren’t crazy, but my dad however had one caveat: my first car had to be American made, since there was some family history to respect.
From the time he got shipped home from Vietnam until 2004, my grandfather had worked for the General to put food on the table. When you’re a blue collar worker from Toledo, Ohio, who never got any greater opportunities due to being drafted, and your job was what kept the lights on, it leaves a profound impact on your kids. My Dad took that attitude to heart; his cars were all American made. From his 1977 AMC Gremlin that was his first ride to his two Cavaliers, he had a big streak of domestic in his car buying choices. Growing up in Minnesota and having her dad’s friend owning a Ford dealer, my mom also drove a lot of American stuff.
From a Thunderbird, to an Escort, to a Fiesta, to a Jeep Wrangler, my parents were domestic people. It wasn’t until my Mom’s brand new Mini Cooper Countryman S that we finally broke that streak, but my dad wanted my car to be American made. That was fine by me; my tastes for the most part where domestic.
After I graduated high school, I got a job and was set to go to culinary school. I was still looking for a car, set up driving classes, and I was all set and felt like my life couldn’t get any better. Than all of a sudden all of that was taken away from me. My mom had been diagnosed with stage 4 Melanoma back in 2008; for the longest time she fought it and did everything to keep cancer free. Even when it came back, she fought every time. But, eventually it came back in the worst way and on September 14th, 2014, I dealt with the worst day of my life. I was let go of my job just two weeks after I had applied. An hour after I got home, my mother slipped away. I had essentially reached rock bottom. I went up to my room, and despite being an atheist, told god that he should’ve taken me instead as I wouldn’t have amounted to anything. Somedays, I still feel like he made the wrong choice.
All of my friends had gone away as well, so any local support I had was relegated to Facebook messages, and it fell to my dad to take care of me and my sister. I was not a fan of my dad—still am not—he was often away out at sea for the Navy for half the year. The half that he was home, let’s just say that my memories of him are not pleasant; he left a lot of scars that I don’t think will heal in any capacity. So, when you reach rock bottom, when all that’s going on is pain, you find some release for that. For me, that was immersing myself in searching for the car that I wanted.
I eventually narrowed it down to two: a Lincoln Mark VII LSC and the final generation Cadillac Eldorado. My dad was willing to indulge both for my first car, and we looked. Then, we came across it on Autotrader: a triple-black Eldorado, fully loaded, 78,000 miles on the odometer. The price? $5,500. It was too good to be true. We eventually met with the man who was selling it and took it for a test drive. I experienced the ride from the back seat, and as I sat in the driver’s seat, it felt right. We bought it, the title was ours, and my first car was bought.
Now, anyone who’s been here for a while and has been around longer than I’ve been alive knows an unspoken rule of car buying, “Never buy an old luxury car.” I tried to do as much research as I could, but that Cadillac had some problems we never knew about. The first problem we noticed was that the HVAC system was broken, which considering that it was approaching winter, wasn’t exactly a good thing. We got it fixed, but eventually, there was another big problem that both my dad and I never could’ve seen coming. One of the reasons I was leery about the Mark VII was that I knew about the foibles and problems of the rear air suspension, so I went with something that I thought was going to be not as problematic. Oh, how wrong I was. Not only was this car equipped with the air suspension, it was shot to pieces from age, resulting in a rough and truck-like ride that was not at all Cadillac smooth. We had to get it fixed.
I wanted to get a cheap air suspension set up that would mimic the original suspension, but my dad wanted coilovers instead, and ordered some over the phone, thanks to the ‘suggestion’ of the salesperson, without my consent. To say I was pissed, was an understatement, I felt like I was robbed of an important decision for something I had put so much pride and love in. We installed the setup, and it turned out fine, but that resentment was not something I was happy about.
Other problems appeared. For a brief period of time, the inner door material on the passenger’s side started to fall out for some inexplicable reason. I drove the car through a car wash with the radio antenna up and bent it to such a degree that it won’t fully retract downward into the car, a problem I still have to address even though the antenna picks up a signal. I also ended up getting in to an accident where, in a panic and worried state over thoughts of leaving my wallet at the store, I backed into the rear door of my neighbor’s orange Mercedes 240D, leaving a huge dent in the door and a tell-tale of orange paint near my rear. And, after I took these pictures, I misjudged my parking angle in a parking lot, and accidently bumped into someone, leaving a thing of white paint in the front bumper of my car while the other car traded some of my black paint as well. I also had to replace the tires on my car, as they were six years old at that point and had developed huge cracks on the sidewalls. Talk about a mess.
As for my life, it had its peaks in valleys. I quit culinary school last March, two semesters in, worried about if being a chef was the career path of what I wanted to pursue. I saw a therapist for a while to deal with my depression, who ended up leaving her offices because of family issues, leaving me with no one to talk to. I found out I was nearsighted, requiring me to get prescription glasses for driving and other activities. I struggled to find a job, and I struggled to get my license as my permit expired in September. I failed my first test before that, leading to an infamous moment where my dad told me “I deserved to fail” for not practicing as much as he would have liked).
Now that I’ve written my autobiography in stone, time to actually talk about my car at hand. What I really like about this car is its design. While enthusiasts give plenty of praise to how revolutionary the ’92 Seville looked, I was always a fan of the Eldorado a bit more. I like how distinctly like a Cadillac it looks, even with its 90s aero roots and euro-style influence. There’s no mistaken it for something else. I also like that it evokes the beautiful 67 Eldorado in some areas, particularly in the massive D pillar in the rear. Granted that cuts into visibility a lot creating some bad blind spots, but you get used to it over time. I also found out later that 1998 was the last year the Eldorado had chrome trim around the sides, with Cadillac ditching it for body colored panels for the final years. I personally am a fan of the chrome trim, as it works with the beautiful side profile very well, and gives it a little pop to the design,. It’s just odd for me to think of a Cadillac without chrome in some way. I hand-wash it at least once every two weeks, and even try and get the wheels as clean as possible.
The rear view is where the car is vastly different from the Seville, the obvious being the two big rear lights that evoke the old school taillights of Cadillac’s of yore. It works well even with the body that it’s attached to. My car is very weird in that it has a spoiler on it, and not an aftermarket one either; apparently it was a very rare dealer installed option that could be had with the ETC. My car is one of only two I’ve seen that has this rare option available, so I feel really special about it. I’m a fan of the spoiler as well, as it adds an extra dimension to the rear end that makes it visually interesting, and when you have a unique option for a car you drive, sometimes you have to feel proud of what you have. It may be odd to imagine a Cadillac with a spoiler, but as weird as it may be, it works for me, and it works well.
The interior is rather typical 90s GM quality, it’s plasticky, it’s hard, some buttons feel like they belong on toys that I grew up with as a kid, and it feels like a joke for a brand that was touted as “The standard of the world.” But despite its faults, it serves its job for the most part, all the buttons are easy to reach and easy to press, all the gauges are easy to read, and the fact that it’s held up as well as it has is a testament that sometimes, cheap tough plastic does have some advantages. What I like about the interior is the simple and easy to reach steering wheel buttons, there are only four buttons and they control only four things, changing the radio stations/CD tracks, adjusting the radio volume, controlling the fan speed, and controlling the temperature. They all respond well, they don’t require you to break your concentration, and they’re solid to the touch.
I’m very anal about the interior; I try and keep it as clean as I can, I don’t eat in my car, I don’t drink anything in my car, and no one is allowed to eat or drink in my car either. The leather seats are supportive and comfortable, which considering I have no padding in my posterior is a welcome relief, and the interior is conducive to my frame. Speaking as a 6’3″ 20 year-old with skinny long chicken legs, the car certainly fits me comfortably, even if the sunroof cuts into the headroom a bit. The only complaint and regret I have is that it’s all black, which in the southern California climate is a bit of a hassle. I don’t wear shorts in the summer, but that doesn’t mean my car is any more comfortable when it gets to that time. You can fry an egg on my dashboard when it gets up to 100 and up outside, but considering my car has that legendary GM A/C that makes the car so cold you can hang giant slabs of beef in it, I certainly don’t suffer for long.
The most infamous aspect, and the proverbial elephant in the room that tarnishes these cars like a pungent smell, is the powerplant involved. Specifically, the 4.6 DOHC Northstar V8, the latest in a long line of rotten eggs that Cadillac had involving its engines, an infamous legacy that was preceded by the V8-6-4 and the truly abysmal HT4100. This engine is notorious for headgasket failures, burning oil like it was a Molotov cocktail, and just having a lot of teething issues in its early life. My example is low mileage enough that it hasn’t needed any major repairs or issues, but it’s always in the back of the mind and makes me worried. However, the engine, taken out of its infamous problematic context, actually does have some strong points. My example is a later revision of the original L37 motor that, starting in 1996, has 300 HP, and that’s more than enough grunt to propel this nearly 2 ton behemoth forward. It accelerates pretty fast; you put your foot down, and it will move with tons of authority. It’s also buttery smooth and surprisingly quiet when it needs to be, making the whole car very pleasant, I wouldn’t say it’s a total sensory deprivation tank, but it does do a good job of keep the outside out and the inside in.
Speaking of keeping the outside out, the suspension is really good on this car, even if it isn’t stock. It does offer a rather smooth ride and quiet ride, doing its best to soak up the bumps and potholes around the San Diego area. Admittedly, it’s not as soft or smooth as larger and older cars that I had my eyes on, but it is very good at making the car a great interstate cruiser and perfect daily driver. The handling is actually somewhat good, for a big heavy car; it doesn’t exhibit catastrophic understeer and while the power steering is rather soft, it does a good job of going where you point it and staying on the road. The only exception is taking a hard turn, as the obvious Personal Luxury Coupe roots of the car come into full play; it understeers hard and leans.
It also brakes very long and very slowly, and panic stopping causes the front end to dive like it was a mechanical bull wanting to throw you into the bar. But, those are flaws I can overlook because the car’s ride was all that mattered. Growing up with my mom’s Countryman, its harsh sports suspension was one of my most hated aspects, coupled with the unsupportive bucket seats that made my butt go numb in about half an hour and made interstate or long commutes miserable to experience. After that experience, I decided to focus on comfort; there’s no point in handling if you can’t take advantage of it in day to day traffic, and I’ve experienced so much uncomfortableness in my life that sometimes you need something that can offer you some comfort and peace, and my car provides that for me.
As for miscellaneous stuff, the backseats are actually very comfortable and offer some form of leg room, even if buying a car like this for the backseats is sort of like buying a garden hose for the potted fern in your living room. The use of premium fuel and admittedly less than stellar MPG means the car gets about $50 fuel-ups at the gas station, and it’s hard to park in the cramped areas of San Diego. Parking spots are seemingly still are designed for Metros despite the popularity of SUVs and Crossovers in the area.
The final area to talk about is the trunk, maybe not as cavernous as you would think, but it does fit a lot of stuff in it. I’ve managed to easily fit in a big rifle case for my occasional trips to the gun range. The big thing that I like about it, is the 12 disk CD changer, a popular dealer installed option that went away once iPods came about. I really like this concept of a black box that can fit all your mixed CDs; it gives it a lot of variety in music listening without having to resort to the radio, which considering that my passenger side speaker is not up to snuff, is pretty nice.
My family and friends have been very positive toward my car; they think that it’s a very nicely styled and cool car that I should be proud of. I’ve gotten positive reactions from total strangers as well as my coworkers, whenever I tell people I have a Cadillac. Surely, not everyone is as positive, but I find that negative comments are kept to themselves; Cadillac still has some prestige in the name. The phrase “I own a Cadillac” is usually met with praise and sayings of “Nice car/Cool car” rather than snorts of derision or eye rolls. For a beater like mine, it sure does gain some notice to people, in only a positive way.
As for myself, I’ve gotten a job, I’ve been learning to be happier, and life is okay for the most part. I’ve been thinking of applying for auto repair classes, not necessarily at colleges or schools, but just for a potential fallback; it would also help with not spending an arm and a leg if my Cadillac goes wrong. As for what car I’ll get next, that’s for the future to decide, I’ve often thought about saving my cash and getting a big 70s domestic barge as a fun car, but as for what may replace my daily driver, I’m not sure. I may not get another Northstar Cadillac, because, like the Mopar Lottery, it’s not a game you get lucky playing twice, but I’ll be sure to get another big V8 powered car. Impractical? Absolutely. But it’s what I like, it’s what I’m drawn to, and I don’t play it safe. I’m a bit of an oddball, and being an oddball means you don’t go for the practical choice, you go for the choice that feels right.
You would think that a 20 year old kid like myself would not get the chance to have the car they want, let alone get a car so odd and diametrically strange as the final line in Cadillac’s famous two door nameplate. But I’m not like other kids my age, I’ve done and experienced a lot compared to others, I hold different opinions, I hold different worldviews, and I like odd cars. I’m proud of this beast – the description I said at the start could almost parallel myself in some ways – but this car has left an indelible impact. Even if the engine goes boom, even if it gets wrecked, even if I sell it down the road, I will never forget this magnificent work of art.
It was bought at the absolute low point of my life, a place that I struggled to get out of and continue to struggle to get out of, and it was something that I could wake up to everyday and take joy in. It was something I was happy to have, it was something I was proud of, it was just that one thing that made my life that much brighter, and I’m grateful every day for it. They say you only get one chance to make a first impression; for this Cadillac, I’m glad that impression it left was a good one. It’s flawed, it’s a relic, it depreciated steeply for a reason, but I’ll always remember the good memories and proud moments of my big, black, Cadillac.
Related Reading:
Curbside Classic: 1986 Lincoln Mark VII – Aero Luxury
Curbside Classic: 1995 Lincoln Mark VIII – A Vision In Evergreen Frost
Curbside Classic: 1986-87 Cadillac Eldorado (With Touring Suspension) – In The Weeds
Car Lot Classic: 2000 Cadillac Eldorado ESC – Press Escape To Return To Main Menu
Nice car Man!. Just hope the engine holds together, one of the reasons that in the UK the
offical import RHD Seville sells for £500 on a good day. Lots o car for the money. Alot of problems!.
He’s braver than you and I, that’s for sure. I love these ’90s Eldorados and Sevilles but the looming spectre of unreliability and the inherent complexity make me seriously reluctant to buy one, even as a winter beater.
Those cars are better summer cars than beater winter cars. It needs just too much attention and knowledge to run right. In Michigan, beater car role for this generation of Eldorado is over, and those remains are the ones in St Clair or Grosse Pointe Park with million dollar mansions showing up in summer, sometimes with convertible versions.
The engine has a worse reputation than reality. About 20% (a high number,but not a majority) will have head bolt problems during a typical life. A rusted out freeze plug in a terrible spot is what claimed mine, at 20 years old and 159,000 miles.
I think there’s also a good chance that most of the “bad” ones are already gone, so the ones that have survived this long are likely to be good examples of the breed.
Well, there is such a thing as proper cooling system maintenance as well. On this car I would change the coolant ASAP, as it has likely never been done.
Nice ride.
The best thing you bring to this old car thing, Joseph, is that you have a broad appreciation of which old car you might want next. Rather than be fixated on one specific model, you have given yourself a range to choose from and with constant vigilance one is eventually going to pop up at a price that suits. Take your time though, this old eldoride is plenty stylish and enjoy the differentiation. Nice read.
You’re right, it’s a bad idea to fixate on one car. I recall being adamant with my penultimate car purchase on buying a VE Holden Calais and it ended up being a disappointment, although not a bad car. The next car purchase, even though my timeframe was just as accelerated, I took the time to consider not just multiple options but a wide variety of options from multiple brands and countries.
I guess that’s something I view as a positive. I think that people who have a super specific idea of what they want will end up getting disappointed, either due to a lack of options, or when it does pop up, it’s in far worse shape than expected.
I guess the only outlier I had for my next car (other than old and V8), was that I want a sedan. My needs may not necessarily preclude two extra doors as a necessity, but it would be nice to have four doors every once in a while.
What a moving piece. Thank you for sharing such personal recollections for our audience. It helps paint your COAL picture so vividly and makes me think of R.L. Plaut’s tremendous series. And this is a car I really appreciate reading a COAL about.
My first memories of this Eldorado, here in Australia, was in a PC game called Midtown Madness 2. I always picked the Eldorado and, in fact, I don’t remember a single other car from that game. I always thought these were beautiful and they were my first real exposure to Cadillacs and I’ve been a fan ever since.
Alas, with time, the sheen has worn off. While it’s not as pretty, if I had the choice today I would pick a Mark VIII. Perhaps it’s irrational. I love rear-wheel-drive, but it’s not necessary in all application, surely? Sports sedans, roadsters, yes, but is a FWD personal luxury coupe really inferior to a RWD one? Neither is going to be terribly dynamic, after all. And yet, I still lust for a Mark VIII, even with its flaky air suspension. RWD + V8 just feels right.
You are spot-on about the design, though. The Seville got all the attention for being such a design breakthrough for Cadillac while the Eldorado retained the traditional design cues. And yet, this Eldorado is arguably the best interpretation in the 1990s of classic design cues melded with aerodynamic lines. The ’94 Mustang has dated, the Mark VIII and Riviera were unusual designs… But this Eldorado was a stunner that has aged very well. The ’92 Seville still looks good, yes, but it’s a little less timeless. The ’98 Seville was even less effective. And the ’94 DeVille went too far with the traditional design cues and looks older than its years.
I thank the ’92 Eldorado for introducing me to Cadillac and they are beautiful cars. But for me, the Art & Science Cadillacs are where my passion truly lies. CTS, STS, SRX gen-1, XLR, ATS… The names are gibberish, the cars aren’t perfect, but they are my kind of Cadillac.
As a previous owner of Lincoln Mark VIII, I would say it has better fit and finish than Eldorado, a much better engine, better handling ( even though I didn’t drive eldorado, there is no way it handles that well. It handles good over 100mph, and it goes very fast ) overall a highly advanced car. However the transmission is really bad, with over sensitive wheels ( it needs balancing every 5k miles, or you will feel it ) and suspension components need very constant lubrication. Also, the front rotors overheat pretty fast, and it needs good synthetic oil or engine would make strange noise in 1993 and early 1994 models. Sunroof leaks and rusts pretty bad, and headlights are very tricky ( it fades very fast and not very bright. Later revisions are very expensive though ). And the rust resistance is pretty bad structurally ( similar to MN12 thunderbird ) not common among American cars, even though the body is well galvanized with extra thick painting in the lower body for extra protection. However, it really shows the technology advance above 70mph ( and shows more above 100mph ) and extreme aerodynamic design makes it very stable in strong wind. ( I once cruised at 75mph for 100 miles without realizing the wind was around 40mph sideways. I noticed something was wrong when other cars were blown into my lane that day ) you may appreciate Mark VIII much more than Eldorado but dislikes it more at the same time. Along with Riviera, retro thunderbird, I would say those cars are the grand finale models.
Right now, I drive a ’95 Fleetwood and a ’95 LeSabre for the winter, because I appreciate simple things more.
“even though I didn’t drive eldorado, there is no way it handles that well”
Logical. I’m sold…
Thanks for the kind words William.
I guess, when it comes to if FWD is inferior to RWD in a personal luxury car, that depends. I think the only advantage I can see in the Eldorado over the Mark VIII is interior volume. Ford is not really the best with Interior space and volumetric efficiency (My friend got a 2014 Focus recently, and I found I couldn’t comfortably sit in the back seat without my head up against the roof.), this is of course YMMV, but I found GM to be better with providing more interior room than Ford did, and I guess in terms of Eldorado vs Mark VIII, the FWD would be a factor in providing better space.
I’m a little less positive about the Art and Science look, it’s very much dependent on many factors, and it’s a bit stale. The only cars I like from the look are the DTS and XLR, though I have yet to see a CT6 in the metal, so maybe that could sway my opinion.
Thanks for sharing your story Joseph. I am much older than you (46) but your story brought me right back to my earlier years. My early 20’s were tough and it took me a while to gain the confidence that I now have. As far as career, my advice would be don’t discount the option of a 4-year degree—I tried other paths in my 20’s with no real success and then went back in my late 20’s to get a Bachelors and then Masters degree. 13 years later I have a highly rewarding and well paying career in engineering. Take your time to explore options, but don’t be closed-minded to traditional degrees. No matter what anyone says, there is still a real income difference in having one.
My first cars were much less expensive and so had to be repaired rather constantly, which is how I learned to work on cars. It has never been my vocation, but after I earned more and drove nicer cars it stayed a hobby and a way for me to save money by maintaining my daily driver. Buy yourself a set of tools and a factory repair manual for that cadillac and learn on your own!
I agree about the 4 year degree. It’s precious, and in your case few extra years of wisdom sets you apart and it’s even better in the late 20s. Some boys are still too boyish and jumpy in late teens, and it’s not very great for mechanical engineering.
Go the degree. University isn’t preparation for life. It is life. Live your life, enjoy studying and come out an even better person.
I bought a 1997 Lincoln Continental when I was 19, and my reaction was a lot like yours here. It was an amazing amount of car for the money, and none of my teenaged friend’s Hondas/Jeeps/Camaros were any match for it in terms of comfort, features, and just being responsible looking. I drove some French exchange students home once and they commented “This is a car, like for a President, yes?”. I’d never been so proud of it.
My roomates and I ended up taking that car on a 6k mile, two week roadtrip to Canada in college, with the air suspension, brakes and water pump failing the whole time. Old luxury cars are a lifestyle!
The only other cars I looked at when I bought it were a first generation Oldsmobile Aurora and a Cadillac SLS, but I didn’t want to deal with the Northstar head gaskets. Interestingly, blown head gaskets were what ending up dooming my Continental in the end.
Good luck with the ETC, it’s a beauty.
Great piece — and a great car. For a first-and-only car, this is good catch, even with its pitfalls. And many of aspects of your story brings back vivid memories for me.
When I was buying my first car (25 years before you), I also wanted a big luxury car. My father — a long-time import driver — was appalled. I still remember dragging him out to look at a 1967 Olds 88… he told me I’d never be able to afford to keep gas in it, and after that drive I reluctantly agreed to put my traditional-American-car dreams on hold. It took me 17 more years to finally buy such a car, so I’m glad you’ve been able to realize that dream much earlier!
And then there’s the black-on-black color combo. I bought an all-black car once, when I lived in sunny and hot North Carolina… and of course it was a car that had occasional a/c troubles. A good chunk of my life in those years was spent searching out shade spaces.
I’ve always liked these Eldorados, and it’s great to see one finding a good home.
Joseph,
Very well written COAL. Thank you for sharing your story and for being a part of our community.
That is eerie to me that your mom died Sep. 14, ’14 of melanoma. My mom died Sep 13, ’13 of melanoma. Goosebumps. My condolences, I can absolutely relate. It does get easier with time.
I’ve toyed with the thoughts of buying one of these Eldorados or Seville’s because nice examples are often available at reasonable prices. The Northstar always scared me away. I know there are others but found this firm specializing in Northstar problems that seemed like a repair solution. I would be interested in knowledgeable folks opinion of this facility and their service.
http://www.northstarperformance.com/ca_mb_hg.php
Welcome aboard!
Terrific piece and what a fabulous Cadillac! It’s also good to see that you are on the upswing. Having had some large life issues at 20 myself (but nowhere near the same magnitude), it does take a while to rebound, but rebound you will.
I hope to hear more from you.
+1 on all points taken!
“been thinking of applying for auto repair classes, not necessarily at colleges or schools, but just for a potential fallback”: good idea. Get involved with the Northstar crowd (it has its followers), learn your car and what makes it tick – in time, you will be able to do 90% of all maintenance including changing a gasket when and if it fails. Once you get to that stage. you may not wish to change it, given that you will know everything to be known about the car – I have a few friends who bonded with certain types of cars like this and they sorted out any potential issues long ago and won’t part with them now.
cadillacforums.com is one of the best forums around and has some very knowledgeable guys that are very willing to help you diagnose and repair Cadillac problems of all kinds.
I have a 1995 Cadillac SLS (Seville) with a Northstar, 88K miles. It has a small oil leak but really otherwise quite reliable. I don’t think these “ticking timebomb” issues are nearly as prevalent as people think. It’s a solid, smooth, powerful engine. I think you have a fine car there, and sounds like you’re putting together a fine life.
Everything will fall into place for you. Life is peaks and valleys, rarely is it “even” and when it is, expect a peak or valley! It’s how you deal with those low and high points that define you and the life you live. You have a lot of good things ahead of you!!
You may want to consider a school like UTI if you’re interested in being a mechanic / tech .. I am 40 years old, working in a office for most of my adult life, and wish every day I had done something like that. There is good money to be had working on cars, and tremendous satisfaction in having accomplished things.. or for that matter, being an electrician, plumber, etc. are all very solid moves. My very wealthy friend who was a master plumber said to me (on the stern of one of his boats…) “There’s money in muck!” No doubt..
Looking forward to more posts!
People go overboard with their old Lincolns and the air suspension.
You can buy all the parts easily and reasonably and if your mechanical AT ALL you can do it yourself.
There are videos and wakthroughs on the web to get you there and when your done you’ve got the OEM setup that’s usually good for at least another 7 – 8 years.
It’s not a big deal.
I know, it’s especially funny when you consider that almost every semi out there uses them. That’s like how many million air springs and compressors in heavy duty daily use on North American roads? And don’t forget the small ones supporting the truck cabins (several per truck, too). The problem is people tend to assume one of two things: (a) air springs never need to be changed, (b) air springs are unreliable and need to be changed all the time. When of course, the truth is, if you change them every 10-15 years you’ll probably be okay…
“Now, anyone who’s been here for a while and has been around longer than I’ve been alive knows an unspoken rule of car buying, “Never buy an old luxury car.”
As long as you go in with your eyes wide open and are willing to turn a wrench and get dirty then a old luxury car is a fine buy.
I have a 1995 Deville with the 4.9l V8 that I bought a few years ago for $1000. In the time I have owned it, I have had to replace the tires, front brakes, front wheel bearings, plugs/wires, crank position sensor, ignition sensor, drivers and passenger front door latches(divers side because the door ajar sensor went bad(it is integrated into the latch)) Pass. side due to lock issues. Basically about $600 for everything(the tires cost the most) and about a few hours of my time and it has been a good car. I use it for my winter beater.
As you have the 4.6l Northstar, you can actually use regular unleaded from time to time as the engine has the knock sensor(my 4.9l Deville does not)
As for the antenna, it is very easy to replace and it takes more time to remove it from the box then to put it in. If you have a local pick a pull junk yard, you can get one from there, The same antenna is in the 94-99 Deville, 92-2000 Seville and Eldos like yours.
If your radio is the Bose model then the radio is in the trunk (next to the antenna) and the radio looking unit in the dash is the control head so aftermarket radios are a b*t*h to install.
Buy the GM factory service manuals for your car(not Chilton but the one that the GM techs use) and you can do a lot of the work yourself(such as HVAC issues etc)
I can attest, the Chilton manual is exactly like the Haynes manual. Neither are worth buying because they’re full of boilerplate and short on assistance in common issues and cover far too many dissimilar models in one manual.
As a counterpoint I’d say get both. The factory literature has, by far, more comprehensive technical information on every component as well as troubleshooting guides but I’ve found that the aftermarket books contain valuable service bulletin information issued after the factory books come out.
Nicely written…very nicely. As for being 20 with no future; been there, done that, couldn’t afford the T-shirt. I had a friend who was driving a beer delivery truck for a while after graduating college with his neatly framed diploma hung in the cab. Me? I ended up in the Air Force when the job market said, ‘no thanks, Lokki’. Still, eventually things have a way of sorting themselves out, and they will for you too. You obviously have good writing skills, and that’s the one of the most important parts of being a manager. Of course you are going to have several sh*t jobs until you find something that suits you. That’s just the way of the world. Hang in there, I didn’t have a decent job till age 30 and I managed to retire at 55. Trust me, if I can do that, it’s pretty well possible for anyone.
I like cliche’s so here’s my favorite: Everything will be fine in the end, and if things aren’t fine, it isn’t the end
As for the Eldorado – I always liked these cars. My wife’s Japanese boss had one here in Dallas back when they were new, and I thought it the perfect executive cruiser. These Eldorado’s have an understated presence and power about them, and the interiors are nice. The Northstar is a sweet engine, smooth and torquey. I wouldn’t worry too much about the engine, frankly. Look it it this way: you know it going to fail one day, but all engines do eventually, just some sooner than others. With that in mind just enjoy it now but start preparing for the day when you have to kiss it on the hood and let them tow it away.
Finally the sun, the sun, the sun. Here in Dallas, the sun is the enemy. I always use a windshield screen when I park. I like this company’s products https://www.heatshieldstore.com and have used them for years. They’re custom fit and sturdy. The advantage of a sunscreen is that the dash and seats don’t heat soak and so, you only have to cool the air in the car; cool car in 45 seconds.
Consider writing some more for us please; I like your writing style and your objectiveness.
Thanks for the kind words.
Ah yes, a windshield screen. I always told myself during the summer I would get one, but I just never got around to it. I’m very much guilty of being a chronic procrastinator, another big flaw that I have. Though in that case, it cost me big time.
Nice car. It’ll be to your benefit, no matter what may come of that Eldorado, to have really bonded with your first car and had pride of ownership. It’s easy to get a bit reckless or take risks as a younger and newer drive, but if your car is one you’re proud to own and have an emotional investment in it helps in learning to respect the machine and its limitations, and it’ll inspire you to want to learn what makes it “tick” and how to keep it going.
When I had my learner’s permit in 1983 my dad had a 1980 Olds Toronado in the driveway that was going to become my first car. It was also black with a black vinyl half top and deep burgundy leather interior, and was a really pretty car that I was excited to own (I drove it more times than I might want to admit, clandestinely when nobody was around to find out). Alas, by the time I was licensed it had been used as a trade on a new car and I ended up with something different, although by many accounts something more suitable for a young guy. I always lamented that I hadn’t owned that car though, as it just spoke to me. Even though cars are just “Things”, they represent freedom, and when times are tough it can certainly help to have that “Thing” that you connect with. If it makes you feel good to look at and to drive, and it lifts you up when things are not-so-great, then it’s worth every penny and every frustration.
My grandfather had one of these in a cream color. He was a longtime GM man, but switched to Lexuses after the Eldorado, though it had more to do with the service experience than with the car. Ion fact, Joseph, if you’re from So Cal, you’re probably familiar with Casa de Cadillac, where Grandpa’d go every three years like clockwork for a new lease.
I always thought this was the last truly handsome and elegant Caddy. I remember the smell of the leather and the smooth shifting as he’d drive us around; it was a regal car. My brother may have been inspired by it too, as he got a used Catera some years later. What a turd that one was, though!
Glad you can appreciate what a unique car you have and hope you’ll hold on to it for some time to come.
Great story and a beautiful car, GM had it’s styling act together for these cars, and it looks great. Model specific forums and U tube videos are a great way to get step by step information on specific repairs, they are a great help.
20 is a age when it’s not easy to get along with dad, it’s likely been a tough period in his life as well, losing a life partner is tough to handle, and dads are only human, they make mistakes and say and do things that are selfish and hurtful at times, sometimes speaking before thinking!
The first car I wound up with, at age 16 was a ’66 Beetle, which was in the family since it was new. Dad allowed me to make payments I could afford with my after school and weekends job making pizzas and sandwiches, and priced it low. I already was learning how to repair these simple to work on cars with my older brother starting at age 12. He owned and worked on his old VW’s (Beetles and Buses) and put me to work as well. But a world of difference in complexity between your Deville and that four wheeled lawn mower!
Thanks for the CC COAL contribution, great read.
Lovely looking Cadillac. This has always been my favourite generation of the Eldorado. IMHO, it’s the last of good looking Cadillacs. All of the Cadillacs I’ve seen since this have looked just hideous.
Thanks for a great write up and sharing your story and the story of your Eldorado. Having lost a father to cancer and a son and daughter-in-law in a collision six years ago I know your pain. Life has its ups and downs. My faith has strengthened me and I strive to move forward because I have a wonderful wife and grandchildren that give me much joy. I’ve learned over the years people are the way they are because of what they have experienced. They weren’t born that way. Love and respect your father he has challenges in life too.
The spoiler on the trunk lid as a rare option is not something I would have expected on this model. I saw a car almost like yours the other day. Very handsome in styling.
Very nice, I’ve been looking forward to reading this. And while I hope to read more COAL’s from you, in other ways I hope I don’t as it’ll mean that this car continues to serve you well!
I had a co-worker who bought the twin to this car NEW, this was in the 90’s and we were both in our 20’s in San Francisco and both of us were looked at as a little out of the norm at the time – he had the ETC and I had my LeSabre T-Type, neither of which were common around there. He had moved out from New Jersey so that explained it to my co-workers and his Dad owned a successful plumbing supply house which explained the means (he owns it now and is back in NJ). That Cadillac though was fantastic as a new car – so roomy, so smooth, so sumptuous which I;m sure yours still is. This is still one of my favorite Cadillac shapes since the 80’s (along with the sister Seville).
Anyway, I hope you keep enjoying the car and that things improve for you, I have no doubt they will as long as you keep applying yourself, my 20’s weren’t anything great either, but my 40’s are pretty good. It gets better, just wait.
Nice Eldo. And I appreciate your willingness to open up to us.
Life on this earth can be hard, but there’s so much beauty and good in it too. I hope you continue to enjoy that Eldorado for a long time.
I liked this body from the start. Seville, Eldorado…it finally showed Cadillac out of the design doldrums when they looked like overblown Caprices or (not even that much) tarted-up GM N-body compacts. It was a good-looking car of a time when sleekness and good visual design were making a comeback (Olds Aurora, Dodge/Chrysler/Eagle Intrepid/Concorde/Vision).
I wanted one when they were new, before the Northstar issues cropped up, but they were expensive and I went Chrysler LH instead…I still have never owned an import brand, though I’ve bought “Canadian.” The Intrepid has held up well under my own care but I do wonder whether these Cadillacs hold up better if they’re cared for meticulously, in a manner that most American car owners eschew, while owners of German cars routinely write big checks to Dieter, the Teutonic-Car Specialist.
Thank you for the good writeup on a good looking land Yacht =8-) .
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You sound like a good head on your shoulders so sally forth and grab life by the b@lls, ENJOY IT ! .
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-Nate
A very nice COAL.
I was 18 when I bought an old (14 years) Cadillac. Mine was black too, but a 1963. Had I started with one in better condition, my story would probably have been happier.
These may have been the last Cadillacs I really liked. A client got a new one and he drove us to lunch in it. It was very impressive for its time.
Glad to hear that your life is moving forward. My father always told me that if someone pays me $100 for work and I give $110 of value, I would never be without a job, because so many others seem to only give $90 of value or less. I have found him to be right.
Joseph, I’ve been looking forward to reading the full version of this COAL since you posted the “mini” version as a comment on my Lincoln Mark VIII writeup. Very much enjoyed the read, and I sympathize with many of the “old luxury car” glitches. But as I enjoyed every minute of my Lincoln ownership, I’m glad to hear that you’re still enamored with the Eldorado and hope it continues long-term. They really are sharp cars, especially in black, and kind of a yin to the VIII’s yang–angular (in a rounded-corners way) versus curvy, FWD versus RWD, conservative versus futuristic. Yet both were like-minded, American, V8 powered personal luxury coupes of the classic idiom. As the Eldorado made it all the way to 2002, it really was the last of the old guard. Thankfully the CTS coupe and now ATS coupe picked up the mantle, but they’re much more international in flavor.
Sorry to hear of the tough times you had to go through, but it was good that the search for and purchase of the Eldorado helped keep your mind occupied…glad to hear that things are looking up for you now and hopefully the upward trajectory will continue! Best of luck, with the Cadillac and with continuing to move your life in the right direction!
Thanks Chris, I had a feeling I was going to see a comment from you.
It is interesting how intertwined the Eldorado and Mark VIII were despite the obvious differences. The Eldorado was an (arguably) better looking design, but the Mark VIII had the better mechanicals. It’s also interesting that both these cars represented the last in a long line of cars from nameplates that had competed against each other since the late 60s.
Before I got my driver’s license, I had seen a red Mark VIII in a Target parking lot, so I parked the Eldorado near it and took a picture of the two. The Mark VIII was in worse shape (the air suspension was clearly blown out), but it’s one of those moments you never get to experience often, so I had to preserve it.
I’ll echo other comments… Joseph, this was such a well-written, and yes – moving, autobiographical piece. I hope to read (much) more from you. You are rightly proud of your ETC.
Among the young drivers, few drives very nice old cars. Not many, just few, both boys and girls. When I commute a long way through Michigan, I see handful through the years, mostly during snow free seasons. On top of that, most likely for nostalgia reasons, few families have cars from their old countries, like FSO Polonez or Dacia, and occasionally younger family members drive those cars too. Maybe for a 16yo boy, experience isn’t there for driving an M3A1 half track, but driving-age younger people can still enjoy those vehicles by taking a ride.
From the ones I see, Eldorado is a rather common model among young drivers, maybe for the inherent attraction from a coupe to young individual. However the time is running out as Eldorado is getting too old for a young driver soon, and the only replacement in the distant future is probably Cadillac ELR. A very young looking male drives one in Huntington Woods, and his Eldorado is metallic tan, and I saw him smirking at me, when I was driving the navy blue Fleetwood. Another very young male was waving at me when I was driving dark green Mark VIII, and he was driving a metallic tan early ’90s Buick Riviera around Flint. Few very pretty girls around the neighbor drive the aero Riviera in snow free season, and one chubby boy drives a metallic brown Valiant few blocks away ( I occasionally drive a cheese Volaré too ) The team captain of Hybrid SAE next the door, besides his brand new Porsche after a well off job, he keeps his teenage year Toyota MR2 most likely for sentimental reasons.
I currently drive Fleetwood because I appreciate the simple mechanics, and comfortable ride, when I put 700 miles weekly in the summer. Underneth is straight-forward when the old bones are shared with Caprice, and I assume you would very enjoy it too, with pretty decent reliability. You may find it same on Brougham, but if parking isn’t easy for your Eldorado, it’s going to be very hard for D-Body, considering they are one of the largest sedans.
The car is more or less a reflection of the life. Despite many disagreements between me and my dad, Buick LeSabre is a good car for me in the winter, and we still talk about how his high school friend got married in a Fleetwood in the ’90s. And life isn’t easy at your/my age, when the world is so dynamic around you.
Nice car, and I don’t know too many 20 year olds who write with such a clear and thoughtful perspective. Yours looks particularly good since its classy: triple black is ALWAYS a win, no excess chrome, no whitewalls and no stupid carriage roof.
Ive always liked these Eldos for some reason. Luxury cars, Cadillacs in particular were never my thing. But Im a die hard fan of a lean muscular coupe. These seem to have the right ‘classic’ cues of the American luxury cars of the ’60s but with just enough of a modern twist to be right for the times. And even now, the design has aged well. A comparable Lincoln Mark coupe (I don’t know the roman numeral designation) looks by comparison very dated….like your typical blobby organic ’90s lump. Shame that the Caddy has fwd as opposed to the Lincolns more robust RWD layout.
The comparable Mark VIII, is one of the first design in that kind around late 1992 when it was released, and Ford pushed the aerodynamic obsession too far afterwards with the rest of the industry. In 2016, it looks older futuristic, and itself is a retrofuturistic design.
RWD sounds really robust on paper but it has that 4R70W. Wish the transmission is as good as the Turbo-Hydramatic on Eldorado.
Joseph, I hadn’t had the time to write a proper comment earlier and now there are already 40. I am liable to repeat some things that have already been said, but I hope to add something new.
First of all your relationship with your parents, the most important people you will ever know, has a profound effect on your life. The relationship with your dad has its edges. With time and distance you will come to grips with it. You are still young (I think you said 20) and that means you are in the process of finding your own ways. As this happens please consider that your dad had to go through the same process under different circumstances. I hope his inability of providing emotional support is more a matter of lacking communication skills than lack of motivation. You can always work on communication skills to avoid repeating the pattern. And there is a chance at reconciliation down the road even if it seems too far away.
You consider taking classes at auto mechanics. Not a bad idea. Education and knowledge, no matter how you achieve them, can never be taken away from you. At some point though you will make a decision to do one thing and dive into it so it becomes part of you. Culinary arts or auto mechanics or what ever else strikes your fancy…it’s a decision and from that decision springs passion.
Your car: I always like it when someone makes a car “his” or “her” car as you did. While I am not a fan of the Cadillac brand you eloquently described how it fits you and how it is a machine worth of enthusiasm.
Well done, Joseph, well done!
Joseph, I am adding this comment under Wolfgang’s as he has hit many key points with which I agree and I want to add a few more cents to this discussion.
I enjoyed your COAL very much and it struck a number of chords with me. My first experience with a Cadillac was a new 1961 convertible, beige paint, beige top, beige interior, and a Cocker Spaniel hood ornament. I wonder if it would feel as good now as it did then in 1961.
You are young and the options that lay ahead of you are infinite, but there are a few things I have seen and learned over the years that may be of some use. Or not; I’m not sure.
I am sorry to hear of the death of your mother. That can create a void in anyone’s life that takes a long long time to heal, and marks a sad and major point in one’s life.
It is also sad that your current relationship with your father is less than desired.
I have two sons from whom I am now physically and socially estranged, and that sad fact makes me capable of saying to you that no matter how bad you feel about the gulf between you and your dad, that pain and sadness is probably as great as, if not more difficult, for your father. Father and son issues are complex and unique for each family, but a father usually feels a separation from his son as a painful reminder of one of his life’s most important tasks (being a father) having going awry. (Going awry is a nicer term than failure, but fathers can be very hard on themselves).
As other commenters have said, try to cut your dad some slack, if not now, later, but not too much later.
A college degree is not always for everyone, but it represents to the world that you were able to take on a complex and difficult task over a long period of time, and complete it. It is a major, and very visible, accomplishment.
Some people have found that a two year associates degree at a community college is a good way to explore your options without an initial major time and financial commitment. Many of these schools have relationships with traditional four year colleges that allow you to transfer all of your course credits towards a four year degree once you have a better idea what you want.
Thank you for a well written and heartfelt COAL, and good luck to you.
THANK YOU rlplaut ~
*Very* well said .
My Father died and we were never close nor able to bridge the gap he deliberately built between all his Children .
I am keenly aware he wasn’t a happy man and must have had some awful daemons he struggled with .
On the other hand, this motivated me to make damnsure my Son and I are close as can be .
To – morrow he’s invited me to drive way the hellandgone to Johnson Valley for a pig roast in the freezing wind .
I know I’ll enjoy it =8-) .
My point being : try not only to look at the other point of view but also to use adversity as a catalyst to make your own life better .
-Nate
450s came in 116s. Hey, I like your car, kinda like an even more classy Fox Thunderbird.
Thanks for the great contribution, and for sharing your story. Really nice to get this type of fresh perspective.
Back around 2009 I went with a friend to look at a super low-mile, seemingly pristine El Dorado of this vintage. We both loved the look, and it held a sort of contrarian hipster appeal. We entered the car for a test drive, and when my friend closed the door, the entire door panel completely separated from the sheet metal. There were other problems, but I remember that one best. Oddly, my friend didn’t seem too deterred, and it looked like he’d be able to score an astonishingly good deal. My friend also works in sales, and it was apparent to me that it wasn’t about the car, but the amazing deal he would be able to negotiate. I had to talk him about of it, telling him “you really don’t want this car.” He ended up buying an LS430 a few weeks later. Not meant to rip on Joseph’s car, again I love the style and share the love for big comfortable cruisers.
I remember that it was also oddly popular to add a second engine to these Eldorados, in the trunk.
I have to echo Wolfgang’s comment above – I read this early this morning when there was only one comment and wanted to say how wonderfully written and moving it was, but I had to get going for work. Now there are many comments that echo this, and understandably so.
Well done Joseph, on the article, the car, the rising up from a low point in life…and as in life, this Eldorado is not perfect but it’s what you make (made) of it.
Great, well written COAL, and congratulations on your car.
I agree the chrome sets it off, and is nicer than later versions without it. It’s funny how there was a race toward every car being monochrome (yet chromeless!) in that era, and the moment each vehicle hit zero chrome, it seemed the next year the vehicle would get a bit again. My 2002 Dodge Durango is like that. The chrome grill surround available on some trims in the final years of the first generation really set it off, especially against its dark blue paint.
I also bought my first old luxury car when in my teens, a 1965 Riviera. Things were a bit simpler owning the car during the 1980s. While it had “more things to break” as the old-timers would worry, the technology was still pretty simple even when the car was new, and servicing things like air conditioning and power windows wasn’t a very big deal.
The final Eldorado was worthy of the name. After Cadillac lost the plot with the ’86 – ’91 version, this was an excellent comeback. Too bad this wasn’t the successor to the generally liked ’79 – ’84 Eldorado – Cadillac would have been regarded in an entirely different way during the ’80s.
You have good taste in cars, sir. That 62 Lincoln Continental in burgundy would be my choice but your Eldorado, in black on black, is a very handsome car and reminds me of a friend back in the 60’s who had a 64 Thunderbird convertible in black on black. I identify with you in that at age 16 (in 66!) when I was shopping with Dad for my first car I also wanted a used luxury model. We looked at old Cadillacs and drove several Thunderbirds (definitely my make of choice) but nothing fit my very limited budget that was in even remotely acceptable condition. Ironically, I ended up with a decent 1960 VW Beetle, which led to years of VW obsession and three Beetles in total. Fortunately Dad bought a 65 Thunderbird around the same time and I got to drive it a lot and found that on my high school job’s wages, the VW’s fuel habits were way more suitable.
Joseph, the ability to be honest with yourself and others is very admirable. It is an important part of your personality that comes through in this piece and all of your posts and will carry you far in life. Your dad is lucky to have a great kid like you and I’m guessing he also passed on something of himself to you. It’s always risky to give anyone advice about their relationship with family but I’ll take a chance and chime in with others to say that your dad is probably doing the best he can – we all have limitations – and you should capitalize on the good things and let the rest go. You write with skill, sensitivity, and intelligence. If you want more positive reinforcement, continue to contribute here – clearly we’re all fans.
Very nice write up. It sounds like our early adulthoods have some parallels albeit from different generations. My dad nixed several dream car purchases of mine early on for seemingly arbitrary reasons including a ’71 Plymouth Barracuda and ’71 Pontiac LeMans that were going for $250 and $200 respectively. He did finally approve the purchase of a decent fully loaded ’71 Pontiac Grand Safari wagon which, surprisingly, I developed a similar special relationship with. When the relationship with the parents became contentious to the point of making living under the same roof intolerable every possession I owned was packed in and on top of that car for the journey to my new home. I spent a lot of time stumbling around during that time but always new that a field in the automotive industry was where I wanted to be and went to school to pursue auto repair. After entering the field, though, I started second guessing the choice. I had always enjoyed working on cars but doing it professionally proved to be something less than satisfying. Between flat rate times, bosses who valued quantity over quality, demanding and ungrateful customers and the poorly designed cars of the era it seemed a big part of the joy was sucked out of it. I worked a number of temp positions while reevaluating until finally finding a vocation that fit. My manager saw my potential there and asked me to stay on permanently. That was 30 years ago and I’m still there but now in a professional capacity. These experiences built maturity and I would not trade my vocational education for anything. I now have the small car collection I dreamed of as a kid and have saved who knows how many tens of thousands of dollars being able to do most of the work on them as well as family member’s rides myself. I guess if an MTV loving simpleton like myself can make it anyone can.
What a great COAL. I liked how it was as much about you as the car. The father-son dynamic is so often fraught with tension; I often compare my father to the fictional one Jack in “The Wonder Years” – a tacitern man who gives you what you need, not want – and who is sparing with affection, support or praise…
Oh, that’s a really sweet car! I’ve loved these since receiving a full line catalogue from a colleague who travelled to the US around the time. The dealer couldn’t have been friendlier even knowing a tourist would never become a sale (this is in contrast to these parts where you virtually have to leave a deposit to get a brochure).
I recall liking a deep green paint sample very much and thinking how cool it would look with the pale beige leather.
I like your car, and even more that it’s what you wanted and are still enjoying the ownership. Knowing the potential faults, would having the gaskets renewed and the head bolts changed prevent the problem? If everything else is OK that’d be cheap insurance compared to the drama involved in sourcing another car at short notice or dealing with warped heads or bottom end damage. And, sensible man that you obviously are, the next car will likely be older, more special and perhaps less practical for daily driving.
In SD I think the black leather would appreciate regular applications of hide food. Just wrap the seat belts in cling film before application. I’m with you on the no eating/no drinking rule! I don’t drive in your dining room, you won’t eat in my car.
There’s actually one of this generation running about town, RHD, red and very sharp looking. This design is immediately identifiable as a premium Cadillac without resorting to stylistic cliches and has aged very well. Art and Science? I’ll leave them, thanks.
Thank you for the read. Best wishes for the car and your future.
I’ve always liked this style Eldorado.
I like this era of Eldo but I always really had a thing for the very early ones with the hood ornament. Same for the same era Seville.
If I had disposable funds out the wazoo, I’d have a couple early Eldos and Sevilles and a boatload of 2000-2005 Devilles in all sorts of color and top combinations. They just grew on me, though objectively they are kind of blah.
From work ( I’m a mortician) the best Northstar is one you have full access to but don’t own. I’ve had a considerable amount of windshield time in Northstar Devilles (leads, hearses and limos) and they are thoroughly enjoyable. Great road cars, especially the unaltered sedans. I’ve bested a few kids in fart can equipped 4 banger Toyotas and Subarus who just assumed the big Caddy is an old geezer car with no power. Au contraire, mon ami!
It’s just a lot more fun driving these things knowing I don’t have to pay should the head gasket blow or other issues creep up. I have the money, but I have a wife that is unsympathetic to luxury car babying…
Very nicely done. My 20s were rough too. I had a 4 year degree but wasn’t making any money in my chosen field. Just hang in there and keep an eye open for opportunity. You’re also lucky to be going through this at a relatively young age. I know people in their 40s, 50s and even 60s going through the same uncertainty, just because they’ve never had to deal with what seem to be dead ends before.
There is a similar Caddy down the street from me in white. It needs some love but I don’t think I can afford THAT much love. So glad you’re keeping yours in tip-top shape.
Thanks for your piece – I enjoyed reading it. I’ve been attracted to this generation of Cadillac Eldorados for a long time, and was sorely tempted when a very low-mileage maroon on maroon one was advertised locally at what I thought was a quite reasonable price. But as so often happens the timing wasn’t right.
Life definitely has its ups and downs – when you get to my age the sum of your life experiences and how you’ve dealt with them will determine who you are. I wish you the best!
Great story, Joseph!
Like Chris, I read your comment I’m his story and been long awaiting for your COAL… Just like R.L. Plaut’s stories the bit of autobiography just made it an even better read.
Best of luck for the ride of life, you can be sure the whole CCers community is with you 🙂
Great piece, Joseph. And a great car. It’s nice to see one of my nemeses (I’m a Mark guy personally) in good health and in good hands. There should always be Eldos and Marks on the roads in America.
I’m a little worried about your brakes though, what you’re describing doesn’t sound right and suggests several things to me:
– it might need a brake flush (when’s the last time that’s been done, if ever?)
– it might need new and better pads and rotors (I apologize if you’ve already looked into it)
– it might need stiffer and just flat out good new shocks up front (what a lot of people don’t realize, shocks actually do contribute to braking)
All three of those conditions – if not met – could and probably would create a dismal braking performance.
Something to think about! You shouldn’t ever have to stand on the brakes in one of these cars, or calculate the stopping distance. These were highly expensive luxury cars when new, and one of the selling points to the CEOs, lawyers, doctors and such was (as it remains today and always will be) safety. Sloppy braking distances would not have been accepted from an Eldo when the nearest competition (Marks VII and VIII) stopped on a dime. I’d look into it.
Happy (and safe) motoring!
Well, I wrote this article back in February, and revised it a bit in June or July. Before I submitted it in, the car was taken up to Firestone (Yes, I use Firestone for car repairs) and it turned out my Brake Fluid was completely boiled. It had been two years since we bought the car, so it probably needed a flush at that point in time. It does brake much better than it did before, though there is still some travel due to the pedal and the fact that, it’s still a big car.
Outstanding. Congrats, and enjoy! 🙂
Appreciate your COAL essay, well written & interesting. I am thrice your age, pity you dropped out of culinary school as it is one of the few careers in the USA that cannot be outsourced or automated. (The others include licensed plumber & electrician). I hear you on the “big 70s domestic barge” but you’d be better off looking at 50’s & 60’s domestic barges as they were for the most part better built & mostly lack pollution gear*. When you hear malaise directed at the 70’s & 80’s US autos believe them, the cars were pathetic. Good luck & best, BTW my ride is a 1953 Chevy 3100 series panel w/a 2004 Chevy Suburban 6.0L & 4L80-E trans, cool old rat rod w/modern internals…
*pollution controls are great for a build of 1M but not so important for a build of 1.
Very nice COAL entry there Joseph, I enjoyed reading it along with the story of your life around when you purchased it. I’m sorry to hear of your moms passing at such a young age. I recognize a lot of similarities of myself at your age in reading about you. Tall lanky kid, I too had several odd ball cars that I was very proud of regardless of what anyone else said and kept them running and looking very well.
When these Eldos came out, I really liked how they looked. I tend to be more on the sportier side of automobiles, and I liked the combination of the big luxury and the Northstar V8. Yours looks very well. I’m not a fan of the spoiler, it looks off to me. But I always say, it’s your car and do what you want with it. That being said, I would not have figured it to be a factory option. In that regards, I really like it. I love having rare cars or cars with rare options, so that when you see it you know that you have something just a little bit more special.
Finally… a big shout to another San Diegan.
Your write-up reminded me of the saying, “Writing is simple. I sit down at the typewriter and open a vein.” An online search didn’t really tell me the exact wording, or who said it first. You remind me of rlplaut in your willingness to open up about your inner life, and that’s a compliment.
My relationship with my parents wasn’t great either, so I can relate.
That’s not the kind of car I’d expect a guy your age to want. I say that as a statement of fact, no snark intended. But then my first car (by choice) was a ’68 Saab 95 V4.
I’d have to agree with many of the author’s findings. Ever since seeing its grand introduction on the short-lived TV series “Human Target” back in high school, I’ve always wanted one of these last-generation Eldorados. Even if I don’t ever own one, I’ll try to make sure to at least drive one once at some point, if possible. There’s something attractive about the “heavyweight muscular” architecture and modern (for the time) design language that really surpasses anything else that came out of GM in the 1990s.