1964 CADILLAC ELDORADO BIARRITZ CONVERTIBLE
HIGHLIGHTS: – Rare top of the line Eldorado convertible – Full ground up, nut and bolt restoration – Factory 429ci V8 engine – Automatic transmission – Factory air conditioning – Power windows and convertible top – Airbag suspension – 20” Detroit steel wheels
This 1964 Cadillac Eldorado Barritz Convertible was the top-of-the-line luxury Cadillac in its day. If we’re being completely technical, the name was changed for 1964 and these cars are technically called Fleetwood Eldorado’s rather than an Eldorado Barritz however most people commonly refer to them as a Barritz. The big news for the 1964 model year was that Cadillac introduced an all new powertrain. The 429 CID engine with 16 overhead valves in the V8 configuration and a new version of the GM Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission. The Fleetwood Eldorado series now consisted of one model. This was also the finale for the legendary Cadillac tail fin. Motoring had achieved a new “Standard of Excellence” in the 1964 Fleetwood Eldorado convertible.
This particular example was purchased out of the US from a gentleman in Victoria who owns a large sand blasting and powder coating business. He has restored a number of cars over the years including this one which took him eight years of blood sweat and tears to complete.
The car has been through a full nut and bolt, rotisserie restoration to an extremely high level. The body was stripped completely where there were some rust repairs required to the floor and lower doors. These were professionally completed with great car to ensure the heat in the welding process didn’t get too hot and warp the long panels. We are told that the gent went to great expense of making up a factory style stamping to stamp a new floor for the car because one wasn’t readily available at the time. Once complete the car was complete, it was professionally repainted in its original colour Aquamarine. A colour chip was sourced from the US to ensure it was the correct factory shade. All of the chrome and stainless trim (and there is a lot!) was completely refinished or replaced. To make the car stand out from others, the decision was made to add air suspension which allows the car to be slammed to the ground for a custom look or driven at standard height like a factory restored car. Air suspension is something that Cadillac themselves used in many of their top models but wasn’t available for the 64 model year. To go with the lower stance, rather than the original wheels and caps, the car now sits on 20” Detroit steel wheels which were finished in an off white to contrast the paintwork.
Inside the car, the interior was completely redone in white leather. The floor and inside of the doors were coated in Dynamat to both sound proof everything and protect from heat underneath before being covered in plus Aqua coloured carpet. Being an Eldorado, its loaded with options including air conditioning, power windows, power seats, power brakes and power steering. An aftermarket Bluetooth head unit is hidden in the glove box with amp under the seat and splits in the front kick panels. You will notice a controller in the pictures which is the digital control for the aftermarket air suspension system. The convertible top is power operated and was restored during the restoration with a new white canvas.
Under the bonnet is a fully rebuilt, 429ci Cadillac V8 engine paired to the original style Turbo Hydra-matic automatic transmission. The engine bay is extremely well presented in a factory style with the same level of detail extending to the underside of the car. We are told that as the gent who restored the car owned a powder coating business, he opted to powder coat everything he could rather than painting them. The extended to almost everything under the car including things like the chassis rails, radiator support, cross members, suspension parts, even the inner guards and splash guards. Since the restoration, the car has never been driven in the rain or on a wet road. Take note of the custom stainless steel exhaust that runs the length of the car.
With only 1,870 of these cars produced for 1964, there wouldn’t be too many remaining on the road today and very few restored to a level like this one. The countless time and money invested in the restoration of this top of the line Cadillac is evident in its presentation. Car’s like this rarely become available to purchase so if you are looking for one of the best restored Cadillacs in the country, this one certainly one to consider.
PLEASE CALL LOCKY MCCANN WITH SALES ENQUIRIES ON 0403 935 488
IMPORTANT: Vehicle information is provided to us by the consignee. We do everything we can to qualify the best cars in the Australian market to represent on consignment for private sellers however, they are still old cars and we can’t capture everything in the photos, we don’t drive them any significant distance and can’t know everything about them. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied themselves as to the condition and value and to purchase based upon that judgement solely. Vehicles may have been sitting for some time and it is suggested that to protect your investment, you allow to change fuel, oil, fluids, filters and inspect brakes prior to use. All vehicles are sold under standard auction conditions, consignment and auction vehicles are sold as is, without registration unless otherwise stated and there is no cooling off period or warranty expressed, written or implied. All sales are final. Independent inspections are welcome and strongly encouraged to help with your decision making.
Located at 2 Palings Court, Nerang on the Gold Coast. Inspections by appointment during auction and public openings/viewing as advertised.
