After an eight-year absence, a convertible returned to the Cadillac fold in 1984. This time, it came in the form of an Eldorado called the Biarritz, Caddy’s traditional moniker for that body style. But it was a conversion done by ASC (American Sunroof Corp.) based on an Eldo coupe. This beautiful example from 1984 looks like a winner and comes with a nearly new V8 engine. Located in Wichita, Kansas, this fancy drop-top is available here on eBay, where the current bid is $8,100.
The Eldorado was a Cadillac fixture for 50 years (1952 to 2002). This variant came from the 10th generation using the same platform as the Oldsmobile Toronado and Buick Riviera. The cars were powered by a 4.1-liter “High Technology” HT-4100 engine rated at 125 hp, enough to help the Caddy reach speeds of more than 100 mph. When the convertible was reinvented in 1984, it turned out to just be a two-year venture with ASC. The conversion used the same interior as the coupes, and only 3,300 convertibles were sold in ’84.
We’re told this Caddy has had five owners over the ages, but the last (or current) has possessed it for 20 years. There is a fair amount of “marketing-speak” in the seller’s presentation, but when you get through it all, this Cadillac sounds like a solid proposition. The car has every then-modern convenience that GM had to offer. The vehicle’s original engine may have expired at 96,000 miles, replaced by a new Jasper engine that now has only 3,000 miles.
Only a couple of flaws have been noted. One is the radio antenna, which the seller will be replacing. The passenger-side visor needs help, and that will be on the buyer to fix. From what we can tell, this Caddy otherwise should be ready for any kind of trip you may want to take, with or without the top down.
Thank you Dixon. Forgot about these stylish offerings from Cadillac. That rear end treatment is pure elegance.
Sales were inevitably limited by the price – this was more expensive than a Series 75 factory limo. In fact the Buick Riviera version was too.
GM was sued over these by people who had bought the 1976 “Last Convertibles” and won.
As mentioned there had been a Riviera convertible since 83 but there wasn’t a Toronado version, nor a Firenza one leaving Oldsmobile as the only domestic GM car division without a ragtop by ’84 despite having two plug and play possibilities.
I own an ‘84 olds Toronado convertible. Not many were made and hard to tell how many are left now. I would guess less than 20 that are in great shape. Mine is in excellent shape with crème exterior and brown leather seats. The back seat had to be slightly smaller to accommodate the convertible top mechanism. Great parade car. I have seen one other convertible toro down in Naples, Fl.
Nice lines ruined by the Continental kit and the faux Rolls Royce grill
Are those sub woofers in the trunk? I wonder too how much bracing was added to compensate for the roof getting chopped.
Friend had an Olds based on the midsized body, don’t know what shop did the conversion, but they put a boxed X frame under it, painted it flat black, so car sat about 6″ higher than it was born, from a distance from the side you could see the extra framing. It had a power top, narrowed back seat from the coupe it was built from, all very well done, she drove it for many years. Fake wire wheels. Triple white, as they used to say. No Continental tire. Only car they still look right on is a ’41 – ’48 Continental.
I’m still here! Always have to comment on a Vintage Cadillac. Although several reasons (most health, or lack of) prevent a purchase, and my preference for RWD full size LAND YACHTS, I LOVE this 💙 beauty. The color reminds me of 59 Pontiac color (Heliotrope ?). Of course the grille and Continental rear end are perfect for my *TOO Much is NEVER enough * tastes. As mentioned above, strengthening the frame would seem to be a necessity. Since it’s in Kansas, I’d love to fly in on my Broughamstick and *get this pretty* 🧙♂️. Yes, I AM still crazy 🤪 after all These gears ⚙.
Auction is closed at $5000, no joy. Car relisted with a buy-it-now of $25,000.
Pipedreaming?
These were elegant, looking cars with the top down. They represented true Cadillac luxury. With the top up, they looked a little awkward. I’d like the Riviera version two. The downside of the Cadillac is the engine is prone to problems and is very weak on horsepower. But as a Sunday cruiser, this caddy would be very nice. One more thing, I saw a comment that it was not listed at $25,000. That’s funny!