1960 CADILLAC ELDORADO BIARRITZ
ORIGINAL 390 ENGINE WITH TRI-POWER
60,700 MILE SURVIVOR
WITH BUCKET SEATS AND
WORKING FACTORY AIR RIDE SYSTEM
FIBERGLASS PARADE BOOT
STORED FOR OVER 31 YEARS
This car was purchased new in 1960 at a Philadelphia, PA. area Cadillac dealership. The original owner drove the car sparingly on weekends and nice days, never taking the car out in rain or snow. In 1977 a decision was made to purchase another new Cadillac, and this car was put away in the other side of the garage, carefully placed on blocks, where it remained for an amazing 31 years.
Reviving a car that has been parked for 31 years is usually a daunting task. Not so with this car. Because of the heated storage in a garage attached to the house, the car was never subjected to extremes of temperature or humidity, consequently, there is no rust on the car, anywhere. The car is absolutely rust free, like you would expect from a California or Arizona car. I had no difficulty in servicing any of the following parts of the car:
New Complete Tune Up, Wires, Plugs, Points, Rotor, and Special Dist. Cap For Tri-Power Equipped Cars
New Fuel Pump and Fuel Filter
Fuel Tank Drained and Cleaned
New Water Pump
New Thermostat
New Hoses and Belts
New Heater Hoses
Cooling System Completely Flushed And Tested
New Master Cylinder
Brake System Flushed And Tested
Brakes and Wheel Cylinders are like new, certified by PA inspection Mechanic
Exhaust Was Replaced Just Prior To Storage
New Properly Sized Battery
This an amazingly original car with just over 60,000 miles on it. The engine and transmission are original as the car left the factory. The interior is completely original with no rips or tears or wear anywhere. The car still proudly wears it's original convertible top, and when lowered is concealed by the color keyed three piece fiberglass parade boot.
In 1960, Cadillac produced 1285 Eldorado Biarritz Convertibles. It is estimated that only 200 or so had Bucket Seats from the factory. 1959 and 1960 experts will tell you that almost no one gets the Factory Bucket Seats correctly reupholstered due to the shape of the side bolsters. This car need NO work to the seats, or anything else in the interior, and you will see by the photos below.
1959 and 1960 Cadillac Eldorado convertibles are extremely sought after cars, with the 1959 models leading the way as far as value. A lot of people feel that even though the 1959 was the ultimate in 1950's styling excess, the 1960 is a more refined and tailored design, and a better looking car. The problem in obtaining a 1959 or 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible is that un-restored examples that remain for the most part, are picked-over parts cars, or are so rusty that is is not economically feasible to restore them. Between the cost of rust repair to the body, and/or the frame, and the cost of a gigantic and complex full leather interior, many of there cars end up as unfinished projects, or fully restored by very wealthy individuals.
This car is one that does need new paint, and you will want to re-do some of the chrome, but please understand that this car will need only some VERY minor bodywork prior to repainting it because I will state once again, there is NO RUST anywhere on this car. A proper paint job will make this car a stunning example of one of GM's finest designs. It does not need a full body off restoration, but if you were so inclined, you will never find a better car to restore. The driver's door glass does have a crack in it, but it is stable.
With new paint, this car will most certainly be a constant show winner, and fellow Cadillac owners will pester you to comb over the car in search of original features like fasteners, markings, etc. This Eldorado has never been apart, never been repainted, never had a new top installed, never had any interior work, and only has 60,700 miles on it since new.
I searched for years to find a car like this, and was very lucky to find it. Due to the current economic situation, I have seen some real estate holdings diminish in value, stock market take a big dive, but still need to pay for 2 children in college, so reluctantly, I will be selling this car. If you can appreciate what this car is, if you realize what you are seeing here, I would advise you to bid like you really want to own this car. You will never find another one like it, so if you are looking for one of these, now is your opportunity to own a car that will absolutely appreciate in value.
EVERYTHING on this car works properly:
The engine and transmission perform perfectly
No noises, taps, knocks, or smoke, car runs cool and smooth
The factory air ride system works flawlessly
All windows work quickly and quietly, including power vent windows
Vacuum operated door locks work perfectly
The power seat works perfectly
Power top operates properly
Power Trunk and Pulldown operate properly
AM Wonder-Bar Radio plays beautifully, front and rear speakers sound great
Power Antenna Works Properly
All Lights, Wipers, Horns operate perfectly
Windshield Wipers work Properly
Heat and Defrost and Fan Functions Work Perfectly
Power vent windows work perfectly
All weatherstripping complete and serviceable
MORE PHOTOS...
The interior of the car is simply stunning. The carpets are a little faded, but that's the easiest and cheapest thing to change in the interior. New carpets and a set of reproduction floor mats would be a great addition. Please note that the seats have been cleaned and treated with Lexol cleaner and Leather conditioner. No oils or dyes have been used to enhance the appearance of the leather.
Rear seat speaker works perfectly, and chrome is excellent.
Rare 3 piece fiberglass parade cover is in nice condition, all tabs and mounts intact.
The center section does have a small stress crack, easily repaired.
Many years of careful ownership. Look at the condition of the dash covering around the key...
There is recent paint on the valve covers because I took them off to make sure that the valvetrain was moving properly and cranked the engine over by hand before trying to start it up after it's long nap. The fresh paint on the water pump is because it's a new pump.
It is hard to find a Cadillac from this era with a complete and working Air Ride system. The system has a lever on the dash which, when pulled out, raises the car, front and back to the maximum lift height for servicing certain components. This photo illustrates the car in the maximum lift position ( lever pulled out). When parked for more than 3 days, the system bleeds down, but the car levels out in about 3 or 4 minutes after you start it. Once again, this feature, in proper working order, adds considerably to the value of this vehicle.
Here are a few photos of the car's original top in the UP position.
This is the original top that was installed on the car when it left the factory.
Interior top hardware and latches are beautiful
Finally, the trunk.
The trunk lining is in excellent condition, and the spare, spare cover, jack, handle, and base are present.
The original bag for the 3 piece fiberglass boot is there also.
VIN stamping on left front portion of the frame
*60E105979*
Matching VIN stamping on driver's door jamb
Cowl Tag
If you have been considering owning a Cadillac Eldorado convertible, I can't think of a better opportunity than to purchase this car. If you have ever driven or perhaps owned a 1960 Cadillac, you already know what I mean. The Eldorado Biarritz is the ultimate 1960 Cadillac. This one is original, complete, solid, rare, and fully optioned, except air conditioning.
Do not be timid. Bid to win, this opportunity may not be available to you for a very long time. If you wish to "Buy It Now", please be prepared to furnish a 10% deposit, and make arrangements for the balance to be paid within 7 days.
I will sell to international bidders, and assist in preparing the car for shipping.
You are invited to take a look at the car in person, or to have it inspected prior to your purchase or bid. The car can be stored here for up to 30 days after the close of the auction, and we will provide assistance in coordinating the shipment of the car if you are going to have it delivered to you.
The car is located in Huntingdon Valley, Pa, just outside of Northeast Philadelphia. I am located close to I-95, The PA Turnpike, and Route 1. Only 35 Minutes from Phila International Airport.
The "Sheffield Garage" is not a commercial establishment. I am not a car dealer, just a hobbyist and car enthusiast. I am fortunate enough to have a 6 bay garage behind my home, and I collect Cadillacs and Packards as well as other interesting cars. Occasionally, I sell some of my cars, and I also assist other friends and hobbyists in selling their special cars too.
Please email me for more information.
TERMS:
10% Deposit within 48 Hours of close of the auction, balance due at within 7 days
Thank you for looking!
Keywords: Cadillac Seville Low Mileage Eldorado Deville Sedan Deville Coupe Deville Fleetwood Brougham Talisman 1959 59 1960 60