1978 Cadillac Biarritz Custom Biarritz

The Cadillac Eldorado has long represented the pinnacle of American personal luxury, and the 1978 model year marked the final chapter for the enormous ninth-generation design introduced in 1971. The Eldorado had transitioned to front-wheel drive in 1967, establishing a technical distinction from Cadillac's traditional rear-wheel-drive offerings. By the 1970s, it had become Cadillac's flagship personal coupe, combining imposing proportions, powerful V-8 engines, sumptuous interiors, and an extensive array of luxury equipment.

The 1978 Eldorado was powered by Cadillac's 425-cubic-inch V-8 producing 180 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, paired with a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Standard equipment included power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, electronic level control, power windows and locks, six-way power seats, automatic climate control, Soft-Ray tinted glass, AM/FM stereo with power antenna, quartz clock, cornering lamps, and steel-belted whitewall tires.

At the top of the Eldorado range was the luxurious Custom Biarritz, distinguished by its formal styling, padded roof treatment, opera lamps, special trim, and sumptuous leather interior. This exceptionally preserved example is finished in Colonial Yellow over Antique Yellow Leather and was personally ordered new by Joe Scott through Lindbergh Cadillac in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 21, 1978, as a gift for his wife. Scott ordered a second Eldorado for himself that same day. The car was subsequently placed into his wife's company, L.A.S. Land Corp., on July 17, 1978, where it remained under the family's care for decades.

Used only sparingly, the Eldorado has accumulated just 7,193 miles from new. It was exceptionally well equipped from the factory with a special-order ASC Astroroof, Equipment Groups 6, 7, and 8, outside mirror thermometer, trumpet horns, passenger-seat recliner, AM/FM/8-track cassette stereo with CB, and theft-deterrent system.

The factory Equipment Groups added a particularly impressive array of convenience features, including tilt/telescope steering, trunk lock, carpeted floor mats and trunk mat, Twilight Sentinel, rear-window defogger, cruise control, Guide-Matic, remote right outside mirror, illuminated vanity mirror, control-cycle windshield wipers, and illuminated entry.

The Antique Yellow leather interior remains highly original, with all electronics and features functioning properly except for the original dash clock. The car drives exceptionally well and retains the smooth, quiet character expected of Cadillac's flagship coupe.

Recent servicing includes an engine oil change, new power-steering hose, R134a air-conditioning conversion with new compressor, new brake master cylinder, rear calipers and pads, fresh brake fluid, lower control-arm bushing, idler arm, front shocks, cooling-system flush, and a new battery. The front and rear bumper fillers were professionally replaced around 2020.

Accompanying the Eldorado is an exceptional collection of original documentation, including the factory window sticker, owner's manuals, ASC Astroroof instructions and emergency key, and both sets of original Cadillac keys.

As the final year of the large 1971–78 Eldorado generation, the 1978 model represents the closing chapter of an era defined by enormous proportions, front-wheel-drive engineering, powerful Cadillac V-8s, and lavish personal luxury. With its one-owner history, remarkably low 7,193 miles, highly desirable Biarritz specification, extensive factory equipment, original documentation, and recent servicing, this Colonial Yellow Eldorado offers an unusually well-preserved example of Cadillac's traditional flagship personal coupe.