Sometimes it is amazing the impact a single, simple change can have on a car’s appearance. Take the 1964 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz as an example. The company elected to ditch the rear fender skirts for that single model year. In my humble opinion, the presence of genuine rear wheel arches gives the Caddy a more balanced and elegant appearance. This Biarritz needs a new home, and the seller is realistic in their expectations. They say it isn’t a high-end show car but is a tidy driver with minimal needs. It presents well and is ready to cruise into the sunset with a new owner behind the wheel. The Eldorado is listed here on Craigslist in Los Angeles, California. It could be yours by handing the owner $26,900. I must send a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this stunning classic.

This Biarritz presents beautifully in Firemist Blue. The seller indicates that the body and paint underwent a restoration, but it is unclear when this occurred. The overall appearance suggests that they recently completed the work or that it has led a sheltered life since. The paint displays a consistent shine, with no patchiness or visible flaws. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but the lack of visible rust is the best news. That can be a problem with these classics, but spending its life in California has preserved this Cadillac’s steel. The seller states that the Dark Blue power top is in as-new condition. It operates as it should, and the plastic rear window is clear and free from cloudiness. The chrome is spotless, as is the glass. The Biarritz rides on its original wheels with their factory hubcaps, and the new whitewall tires add the perfect finishing touch.

If this Biarritz has a weakness, it is the visible deterioration of some interior trim. There is nothing horrendous, and it remains presentable. There is no significant wear or signs of physical damage on the upholstered surfaces and no crumbling plastic. The dash and pad are free from faults, and there are no issues with the carpet. Thankfully, nobody has sullied the interior with aftermarket additions that could compromise its potential value. The sticking point is the woodgrain trim. Many pieces have lifted around the edges and begun to curl. I’m unsure why the seller hasn’t tried gluing the trim back into place, but it may have shrunk after detaching. It would take an in-person inspection to determine whether the buyer could salvage the woodgrain. However, I had little trouble locating a high-quality kit that would allow the buyer to replace every piece of the woodgrain to retain a consistent appearance for under $400. That path may prove the best to follow to lift the presentation to a higher level. This is a Cadillac, so it naturally comes loaded with comfort features. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, and an AM/FM radio.

At 4,605lbs, the Biarritz is not a light classic. Therefore, it required something special under the hood to ensure respectable performance. Cadillac came to the party with a 429ci V8 producing 340hp. New for 1964 was the TH-400 automatic transmission, while power assistance for the steering and brakes was part of the package. It might be heavy, but it is not particularly slow for a vehicle of this type. I admit a ¼-mile ET of 16.6 seconds isn’t in muscle car territory, but it represents a rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. For potential buyers, there is nothing but good news. The seller claims that this Caddy doesn’t just run and drive well but feels exactly as it would have the day it drove off the showroom floor. The V8 fires into life with the first turn of the key, it rides and drives perfectly, and the transmission is smooth. If someone seeks a luxury classic where they could fly in and drive home, this has to be a strong contender.

I don’t often have a chance to write about the 1964 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, but this is the second I’ve had the privilege to feature in just over a week. The other car had come off the back of a recent restoration and was stunning. This Caddy may not be in quite the same league, but it is still a classic that a new owner could drive with total pride. Adding to its attraction, the asking price is less than 40% of the previous car’s auction opening bid. In a vehicle of this caliber that appears to need very little, that has to make it a tempting proposition.