In the U.K., a 1972 Cadillac Eldorado station wagon previously owned by the iconic daredevil Evel Knievel has become available for purchase through Bonhams.
Evel Knievel was known for his flamboyant style, which extended to his choice of vehicles. In the 1970s, Cadillac did not manufacture station wagons, but there were aftermarket companies offering conversions. This particular car underwent the conversion process by the American Sunroof Corporation (ASC), also known as American Specialty Cars. The cost of this transformation was quite substantial, resulting in only eight ASC-converted Cadillac wagons believed to exist, as indicated in the sale listing.
What sets Knievel’s Cadillac apart is that it is based on the Eldorado coupe rather than a more practical four-door model like the 1976 Cadillac Castilian Fleetwood Estate Wagon that went up for auction in 2020. The Eldorado of this generation, introduced in the 1971 model year, was one of the few American cars at that time featuring front-wheel drive. However, Cadillac’s designers didn’t fully exploit the benefits of the more compact drivetrain layout.
With the wagon bodywork added behind the rear door pillars, the Eldorado stretches to a substantial length of 18.5 feet. Under the hood, it houses a massive 8.2-liter V-8 engine, producing a modest 235 horsepower. Considering the sheer size of the vehicle, this power output may seem relatively low.
Originally, the car was acquired by P.B. Burnett, the owner of a produce company, who later sold it to Evel Knievel in 1975. Presently, it displays only 36,000 miles on the odometer, although it appears to exhibit some signs of wear, including surface rust.
Despite its association with the famous daredevil, Bonhams estimates that the Eldorado wagon will fetch a price ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 British pounds, which translates to approximately $9,700 to $14,600 at the current exchange rates. Given its size and left-hand drive configuration, potential buyers may need to consider shipping it to the United States.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 1972 Cadillac Eldorado wagon
Q: Who is Evel Knievel, and why is his ownership of this Cadillac significant?
A: Evel Knievel was a legendary stunt performer known for his daredevil motorcycle jumps. His ownership of this 1972 Cadillac Eldorado station wagon is significant because it reflects his extravagant style and unique taste in vehicles, making it a piece of automotive history.
Q: What is the history of the 1972 Cadillac Eldorado station wagon?
A: Cadillac did not manufacture station wagons in the 1970s, so aftermarket companies, like the American Sunroof Corporation (ASC), offered conversions. This particular Eldorado wagon was converted by ASC, resulting in only eight such models believed to exist.
Q: How does this Cadillac differ from other vintage station wagons?
A: Unlike typical vintage station wagons, this Cadillac is based on the Eldorado coupe, which was known for its front-wheel drive, a rarity in American cars of its time. This unique configuration sets it apart from more traditional station wagons.
Q: What are the specifications of this Cadillac Eldorado wagon?
A: The vehicle measures a substantial 18.5 feet in length and is equipped with an 8.2-liter V-8 engine producing 235 horsepower. While powerful, this engine’s output may seem modest considering the vehicle’s size.
Q: Who were the previous owners of this Cadillac, and what is its current condition?
A: The car was originally owned by P.B. Burnett, a produce company owner, before being sold to Evel Knievel in 1975. Currently, it has only 36,000 miles on the odometer but shows signs of wear, including surface rust.
Q: What is the estimated price range for this Cadillac Eldorado wagon at auction?
A: Bonhams, the auction house handling the sale, estimates the price to range from 8,000 to 12,000 British pounds, which translates to approximately $9,700 to $14,600 based on current exchange rates.
Q: Is this Cadillac Eldorado wagon suitable for potential buyers outside of the U.K.?
A: Since the vehicle is left-hand drive and quite sizable, potential buyers from outside the U.K. may need to consider the logistics and costs associated with shipping it to their location.
More about 1972 Cadillac Eldorado wagon
- [Bonhams Auction Listing](insert URL)
- [Evel Knievel Biography](insert URL)
- [American Sunroof Corporation (ASC)](insert URL)
- [1972 Cadillac Eldorado Specifications](insert URL)
- [1971 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe Information](insert URL)
3 comments
any idea if it’s street-legal in the u.s.? shipping might cost a pretty penny.
cool ride! evel knievel was a real daredevil. wish there was more pics tho.
1972 cadillac eldorado, wow! love the unique look, even with the rust. bet it turns heads!