Rockhead Diecast Collection Management

1968 Custom Eldorado

General information

The Hot Wheels Custom Eldorado was a member of the original 16 in 1968, but actually is based on the real 1967 Cadillac Eldorado two-door sport coupe.

The 1967 Eldorado was unlike every previous Cadillac, not only that it had front-wheel drive, but it had style and attitude. And no other Cadillac had ever looked like the hidden-headlight, aggressively modern '67 Eldorado either! Credit GM designer Bill Mitchell for the truly gorgeous, almost arrogant '67 Eldo.
Beneath its skin, the '67 Eldorado had the Turbohydramatic three-speed automatic transaxle, which essentially put the transmission beside the longitudinally mounted engine, with power transmitted by a chain. Other features included the A-arm front suspension incorporating long torsion bars instead of coil springs, and a solid rear axle with leaf springs.
The Eldorado used the same 340-horsepower 429-cubic-inch V8 as other Caddies, but with changes in the exhaust manifolds, oil pan and accessory drive system to accommodate the peculiar drivetrain.
Priced at $6,277 (more than any DeVille, but less than a Fleetwood), the '67 Eldorado carried all the luxury equipment of a Fleetwood and, despite its two doors, had room for six passengers. It was instantly the most popular Eldorado ever, and sold 17,930 units that first year (only 2,250 '66 Eldorados were sold). It was a bold, confident step forward for Cadillac!

The Hot Wheels Custom Eldorado was produced in both the US and Hong Kong factories for approximately two years and, although it was a very popular casting at the time of its release, it has continued to remain as one of the “original 16” favorites over the years. The two factories produced two subtle, yet distinct body casting variations between the US and HK models.
The hood of the US-made Eldorado is slightly shorter in length when compared to the HK version, although the hood scoops are the same in both productions. The longer HK hood was required to account for a larger engine compartment, as compared to the short US engine. The area between the HK engine radiator and front bumper is open, while the US version is a solid cast. There are no notable differences on the rear end of either casting.

A pair of purple Eldorados showing differences between the HK (black steering wheel) and US castings.

The US Eldorado has a clear windshield as compared to the blue-tinted windshield "glass" of the HK car. The windshield placement is different as well: the US windshield snaps into the rear of interior, and rests over the top of the dashboard, while the HK version rests above the front dashboard at the engine cowl and the rear portion extends back to insert over the rear rivet post.
The US Eldorado has a one-piece interior, with the steering wheel molded as part of the console. Laid out flat, the design of the attached dashboard molding becomes apparent, prior to being folded and snapped into place.
The HK interior’s main difference is the lack of rounded dashboard detail, and the black steering wheel is a separate mold inserted through the dash wall. The interiors from both factories have been found, so far, in white, charcoal, brown, and champagne-gold colors.

Above: HK (L) and US (R) Eldorado interiors and "glass".

Both the US and HK Custom Eldorados came with the standard wheels unique to each factory. The HK wheels are characterized by a bright chrome finish of the spokes and rims, and thinner red lines on the tires. It is thought that the HK Eldorado was not issued with deep-dish wheels. Although some Eldorados have been found with deep-dish wheels, it is believed that the wheels were likely “swapped”, since no deep-dish Eldorados to date have been found in a blister pack.

The base has been found in four variations; three have been documented for US Eldorados, and one for HK Eldorados: HK: base has the year 1967 stamped US variation #1: large copyright symbol with the year 1968 stamped, where the “8” is stamped off-center. US variation #2 : large copyright symbol with the year 1968 stamped correctly.
US variation #3 : small copyright symbol with the year 1968 stamped correctly.

Above: HK Eldorado base.

Above (clockwise from top left): US Eldorado base variations 1, 2 and 3.

In general, the outside of the HK base (below) is slightly more detailed than the US counterpart.

On the inside of the chassis base there are obvious differences between the US and HK versions, in the design and location of the mounted wire axles, as well as the differences in width and length of the custom side exhaust pipes.