Why?

So, why would I buy huge, gas-guzzling, money-sucking car like this?

The simple answer is: Because I've always wanted one.

When I was a kid, one of our neighbors bought a brand new white Cadillac Eldorado convertible with a red interior. I don't remember the year exactly, but it was probably a '76. He used to take us kids for rides in it occasionally. Here is a photo of a similar car:



Ever since I've been fascinated with the Eldorado convertibles made from 1971-76. I've always wanted one (and by "one" I mean "several"), but I could never justify spending the money. And if I had been thinking rationally, or told my wife about my plan, then all sorts of good reasons would have been presented to not buy this car.

After all, I know nothing about automobile repair, am not mechanically inclined, do not have an "awesome set of tools", don't have extra money to spend on repair or restoration, don't have time for a hobby and don't have space for it.

Every few years I'd surf around the web and kind of check out Eldorados. I saw a lot of info about problems with these cars, and it seemed like ones for sale were either fully restored and very expensive, or junkers that were good only for parts.

Anyway, I was looking at eBay a few months ago, and this baby popped up in the Atlanta area. It needed work, but ran, had most of its parts, fairly new tires, wasn't outrageously priced...

So, with the economy in a downturn, I felt it was my patriotic duty to spend money rescuing this fine classic American automobile.

At this point, I'm really happy that I did. I love driving this car - it fits me. Being a big guy, this car is just my size. I can stretch out, lean back and cruise in comfort.

I do feel guilty that I haven't yet put a coat of wax on it, put new shocks on it, or checked the rear brakes. And I'd really like to get it repainted, but this will all happen in time. I doubt I'll ever restore the car - I like to drive it and I plan on keeping it road-worthy, but to spend beaucoup bucks beautifying a car that is driven regularly and not garaged isn't in the cards.

This is my dream car and I wish I had bought one sooner - 'cuz now I'd have two! So, yeah, its silly to indulge in this, but I highly recommend giving in to frivolous feelings, if only for the big smile it puts on my face.