Having a big, fuel-thirsty car in a country like Austria, where narrow streets and high fuel prices prevail, might seem insane to some. But for Maximilian Elsinger, it was a dream come true. He had always wanted to own a classic American car, like the 1968 Corvette his father had when he was young. However, fate had different plans for him.
Instead of a Corvette, Elsinger found himself drawn to the allure of a 1968 Cadillac Eldorado. It was love at first sight when he stumbled upon the razor-like taillights of the first-generation FWD Eldorado. Its stylish design and powerful 7.7-liter V8 engine captivated him, despite never having sat in a Cadillac before.
The history of Elsinger’s Eldorado is somewhat elusive, with little known about its past. It was built in 1968 and spent nearly two decades with one owner in Florida. Later, it was repainted by a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America in Virginia. Eventually, it ended up in the hands of a Hungarian auto dealer who auctioned it off in Florida. After crossing the Atlantic and going through customs in the Netherlands, the Eldorado found its way to Hungary, where it sat untouched and unregistered for two years.
For Elsinger, finding a good, almost original classic car on a budget was no easy task. It took months of searching until he came across two equally fine 1968 Eldorados for sale – one in Finland and the other in Hungary. Choosing the closer option, he and his dad embarked on a journey to Budapest, unsure of what they might encounter at the border during a global pandemic.
Related Post
Arriving at a lot on the outskirts of Budapest, Elsinger was greeted by an American flag and two old Cadillacs housed in a hut. He was blown away by the condition of the car, with minimal rust and only a minor issue with the driver’s seat. However, they soon discovered some other issues, such as a non-functioning heater and a bumpy ride due to tired leaf springs and a faulty air suspension.
Despite the challenges, Elsinger and his dad were determined to bring the Caddy back to its former glory. They negotiated a price with the dealer and left a deposit on the car, with the rest to be paid upon delivery. Since then, Elsinger has worked on fixing the suspension and ensuring the car complies with European laws, such as installing amber blinkers and non-sealed-beam headlights.
However, a major issue arose last summer when Elsinger attempted to adjust the timing of the engine. He ended up rebuilding the entire engine, replacing pistons, camshafts, bearings, and other components. The first start-up was nerve-wracking, but they eventually resolved an issue with a knocking sound, which turned out to be a bent dipstick.
Overall, the engine rebuild was a success, and Elsinger has since put 1,500 miles on the car. Despite the challenges and setbacks, he is happy he took the leap and bought the Cadillac Eldorado. It may not have been the Corvette he initially desired, but it has brought him joy and fulfilled his dream of owning a classic American car.
Elsinger’s story is a testament to the passion and determination of classic car enthusiasts. Despite the obstacles and doubts, they continue to pursue their dreams and find joy in the process of restoring and owning these timeless machines. Each car comes with its own unique story, and Elsinger’s journey with his Cadillac Eldorado is one that will be cherished for years to come.
