A highly specialized 1973 Cadillac Eldorado convertible with direct ties to the Indianapolis 500 is set to cross the block at Mecum’s Indianapolis auction on May 14, drawing attention for its rarity and documented racing connection.
The vehicle is one of just 12 “high speed” Eldorado units prepared by Cadillac in conjunction with the 1973 Indianapolis 500. That year, the Eldorado convertible was selected to serve as the official pace car, prompting Cadillac engineers to extensively modify the platform to handle sustained high-speed operation. The base vehicle, weighing more than 5,000 pounds, required significant performance enhancements to meet the demands of pacing the race at speeds exceeding 125 mph.
Two specially prepared cars were designated for race-day duties, including the primary pace car and a backup. Both were equipped with modified versions of Cadillac’s 500 cubic-inch V8 engine, reportedly producing over 500 horsepower, along with weight-saving adjustments such as the removal of air conditioning.
Beyond those two, Cadillac produced a limited run of 12 high-performance “celebrity cars,” which shared many of the engineering upgrades. These models featured specially tuned 500 cubic-inch engines estimated to deliver around 400 horsepower, along with performance exhaust systems and mandated Goodyear tires. Additional details included hood pins and modified body trim mounting for improved durability at speed.
The example heading to auction is one of just two cars from this group equipped with a refrigerated front center console, originally designed for storing temperature-sensitive film equipment. Identified as Festival Car No. 22, it is noted as the only known surviving high-speed example with a complete and traceable ownership history from new.
The car is accompanied by extensive documentation and memorabilia, including authentication materials and historical records tied to the 1973 race. Adding to its significance, the underside of the trunk features signatures from more than a dozen individuals associated with the event, including drivers and engineers involved in the race and the vehicle’s development.
Finished as a convertible with a white exterior and red interior, the Eldorado represents a rare intersection of luxury, engineering experimentation, and motorsports history. Its upcoming appearance at auction is expected to draw strong interest from collectors seeking historically significant American vehicles. See it here.
