1962 CADILLAC ELDORADO BIARRITZ

This 1962 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz is a sound example of the rare American classic, which is now in need of some mechanical recommissioning and would benefit from cosmetic rejuvenation. It is powered by a 6.4-litre V8 engine driving the rear wheels through a four-speed ‘Hydra-Matic’ automatic transmission. The odometer indicates 69,545 miles.

The Eldorado Biarritz benefitted from a luxurious specification from the factory, with standard equipment including power-adjustable seats, power brakes, power steering, and electric windows. This example is understood to be one of only 1,450 built for the 1962 model year, and of course far fewer have survived. It has been in the care of the vendor for around 30 years since being imported, and it was re-registered in the UK in 1993.

During this time the vehicle has been resprayed from its original Neptune Blue and Grey colour scheme and has been in storage for the last two years. While the car is running and driving, it will require recommissioning before being used on the open road.

The exterior condition of this ’62 Eldorado is very good given its age, though in the past the bonnet has had to be panel beaten back into shape after it blew open and was damaged. While not the original colour, the red paint finish is presentable, and the chrome detailing exhibits an honest patina, commensurate with the age of the vehicle. The folding roof has been replaced in the past and is in very good order, with no rips or tears in the material, and the mechanism works as it should.

Inside, the seats and door panels have been re-trimmed in the white and red scheme, which is in great shape. The seats are all free of any rips, tears or notable wear, while the bright red carpets also appear to be free from damage – though there is staining around the driver’s footwell in. The red paint around the dashboard and steering wheel rim is chipped and flaking, and there is general patina and wear to other original parts of trim. While all the electrical systems work, the vendor notes that the seat adjustment switches are sticky, and the electric window mechanism is slow.

This Eldorado Biarritz was last serviced around two years ago before the car was put into storage, during which time the engine received a general service; however, the tappets were not adjusted and will need attention before the car is used again. During the vendor’s ownership the transmission has been rebuilt, a new windscreen has been fitted, the suspension has been refurbished, and the vehicle has been converted to run on regular unleaded fuel.

The car has not received any MOT test since April 2016 – which it passed with no advisories – and has not been serviced since the aforementioned work two years ago. While largely complete, the vendor notes that the under bonnet insulation, engine rubber shields, and bonnet spring are missing, while the bonnet hinges also need re-pinning.

Offering the rare opportunity to buy a true American ‘land yacht’ in need of some ‘TLC’ to bring it back to a high standard, this 1962 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz would make a fantastic improvement project for a keen enthusiast or experienced specialist, with obvious potential to be an income generator as a wedding and event hire vehicle once recommissioned.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.