Like most of its predecessors, the Sixth Generation Cadillac Eldorado remained in production for two model years. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1964, and the owner feels the time is right for it to find a new home. The buyer won’t need to spend a dime beyond the purchase price because this classic has recently been the subject of a meticulous frame-off restoration. If a luxury drop-top seems too tempting to resist, the Biarritz is listed here on eBay in Matthews, North Carolina. The seller has set their auction to open at $75,000, but there have been no bids. I must thank Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this stunning classic for us.
While I acknowledge that classic cars draped in Black paint make a bold visual impact, it is not necessarily a shade that does every vehicle justice. That isn’t the case with this Cadillac because the Ebony cloaking its exterior is stunning. That is no surprise because the Biarritz recently emerged from a meticulous frame-off restoration. As you will see, no aspect has escaped this owner’s attention. The paint shines like glass, with no evidence of flaws or defects. The Black power top is equally impressive, with no marks and a fit that is as tight as a drum. The panels are laser straight, and the gaps are as consistent as you could rightly expect on a prestige model. There isn’t a spot of rust anywhere, and the sparkling chrome adds a welcome contrast to the acres of Black. The car rolls on a set of wire wheels that perfectly suit its character. The seller includes the original wheels, hubcaps, and a near-new set of whitewall tires for those craving a factory appearance.
While exterior styling changes on the 1964 Eldorado were minimal, the same wasn’t true under the hood. The 390ci V8 that saw service until the previous year made way for a more powerful 429ci unit. The four-speed Hydramatic transmission also received the flick in favor of the more robust TH-400 three-speed. The engine upgrade increased power from 325hp to 340hp and torque from 430 ft/lbs to 480 ft/lbs. While the improvements may appear modest, the driver could feel them under their right foot. The 1963 Biarritz took 17.4 seconds to cover the ¼ mile, but the new engine slashed that figure to 16.3 seconds. Considering the vehicle is a luxury model tipping the scales at 4,605lbs, the performance rates as impressive. If this Caddy’s presentation and overall condition aren’t enough to capture your attention, the included documentation could seal the deal. Not only is the restoration process covered in minute detail with photos and receipts, but the car’s service history and receipts from Day One are included. There is also the original Bill of Sale and Title, all subsequent Titles, and all Inspection Stickers. The owner indicates that the collection comprises more than fifty pages, making this one of the best-documented Cadillacs of this era on the current market.
It is no surprise to find a car of this caliber with an interior sporting perfect presentation. It represents another aspect of the restoration where the seller spared no expense. The seats wear beautiful red leather upholstery, with the remaining vinyl and plastic perfectly matching that material. The restorer recreated the woodgrain highlights in African Baku, which was the same veneer Cadillac utilized in this car’s construction. If a 1964 Biarritz isn’t already a rare creature, the seller claims it is 1-of-135 ordered with bucket seats. I cannot confirm this, so I will take them at their word. It is no surprise that this luxury classic comes well-equipped in a 1964 context. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, and cruise control.
The 1964 model year was a sales success for Cadillac, with 165,909 vehicles rolling off its production line. However, only 1,870 of those were the Biarritz, and our feature car is a stunning example. The harsh reality is that even at the opening bid figure on this car, it doesn’t represent a cheap investment. That fact alone will limit the seller’s potential market. It is worth noting that values are following the trend of many classics and continue rising at an astounding rate. That could mean that while the initial investment may not be cheap, it might pay dividends in the long term. As compensation, you would spend time while this happens behind the wheel of a vehicle perfectly combining luxury and breathtaking looks. That sounds like a winning combination to me.
Stunning car.I wonder if would look even better with
thinner white walls.
My Dad bought a ’64 Coupe de Ville in 1967.I love the
lines of the ’64,but would never want to own one.These things
literally float down the road.
If I bought this magic Caddy the first thing I would do is to put the original wheels and hubcaps back on and fit wide whites to top it all off! If you want wire wheels then buy a sports car, not a Cadillac convertible.
No mention or pic of a spare tire along with ITS accessories.
The last time I saw one of these was at Sam’s Cadillacs, a used car dealer on 82nd in Portland, Oregon, circa 1962. The store was across from Buxton Rambler and we used to get cars from them once or twice a year. A city block of used luxury. They would let me sit in them all, with the proviso that no playing with the seats as that was the only hot accessory without keys. I cannot recall seeing any Cadillac of the era with buckets. Even if it sells for $100k, he will lose money would be my guess. Beautiful
Bucket seats were an option on Eldo’s and DeVilles. Dad had a 64 Eldo and 66 & 67 DeVilles, all convertibles with buckets and console.
My 64 DV convert was also a bucket/console car.
What a nice cruiser
we always had imperials with this car was new as my stepfather was a Chrysler dealer. and despite the level of luxury of a Lebaron, our next door neighbor had a Cadillac (new) and I always thought it was far more “up town”. so jaded as a child. Harvey Firestone traded in his cloud and my SF drove it for a week or two, that was living! but this car is just stunning.
I’d bet that the top has never been lowered, is that rear window glass?
No. Glass windows not std. until 65. A plastic window extends all the way down to the pinchweld. Glass windowed tops have a band of top material below the glass.
I love the ’64 Eldorados because they are the only year to have the rear fender openings like this instead of employing fender skirts like the others. This makes the ’64s unique and beautiful to me.
I’ve seen every form of the slab sided GM and this particular one is the best for reasons I can’t explain. Clean, big, smooth, 60s, and looking tight , this one is top of the heap.
When Cadillac was a real Cadillac Today a total joke as idiots with more money than brains buy Escalades which are just dressed up Suburbans and cost $30,000 more.
like this, like this alot.
The vert just makes it that much more special.
And it’s gotta be so for this ‘ford wagonman’ to say so. It’s right up there (in my book) with the 1 I call the ‘Kennedy Limo’ – 4th gen L.Conti (1st & 2nd gens were smash hits too). I’d just remove the white walls on the tire to all black…
Larry D, Thanks for your comment ,I was trying to figure out why this car looked so different. I knew it was because of the wheel openings and lack of skirts, I just didn’t know the history. My first thought was it looked like a Pontiac from the rear.