Harry's Thoughts
THE ESSENTIALS
This is a rust-free California car from new, being delivered new to Los Angeles and spending its entire life there. Featuring its original triple black color scheme, this is a stunning tour quality 1963 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. With a mere 1,825 Eldorado Biarritz’s produced in 1963, it is a rare find to have a triple black Southern California rust free example with air conditioning.
HISTORY OF THIS ELDORADO: According to the factory build records, this Eldorado Biarritz was built on March 4th, 1963, and delivered new to the Los Angeles W Seventh Street Branch (Outlet Code 811910). Still retaining its original engine number 089852 (build records matches present engine). Build records and the Trim Tag show original Ebony Black paint, black convertible top and black leather interior.
Sold new in Los Angeles and lived its life in Los Angeles until acquired by Classic Promenade in May 2024. By January 1991, the Cadillac was owned by Don Tonks of Sepulveda, CA. Don proceeded to commence a driving restoration. There is a stack of receipts for the work he performed on the Eldorado. The mileage reading on the odometer on January 14, 2000, was 37,807. Don sold to Roy Tonks of San Dimas, CA on February 8, 2001. The odometer reading was then 38,754. The Eldorado now has 43,158 showing on its odometer.
OPTIONS & STANDARD FEATURES:
- Power Convertible Soft Top and Convertible Top Cover
- Custom tonneau cover
- Power Bench Seat
- Power Locks & Windows
- Power Steering & Brakes
- Factory AM/FM Stereo with Power Antenna
- Air Conditioning
- Remote trunk opener
- Tilt steering wheel
- Factory 15” Wheels w/ Wheel Covers
- 235/75-R15 White Wall Tires
- Fender Skirts
The Ebony Black livery has been beautifully wet sanded and polished. The shine and luster are fabulous. Much of the chrome has been replated over the years and is overall in good condition. The rear bumper has a couple of dings and the rear taillight surrounds have some pitting, but the overall presentation of the Eldorado is beautiful. The Black vinyl power convertible top looks as new and works perfectly (the black vinyl top boot cover is original and has shrunk, no longer fitting properly). The wide white walled radials are new and look great.
The interior has new black leather in the correct style and the seats have been rebuilt to provide original support. The black carpeting was replaced earlier and looks great. The wood veneer is in overall very good condition and is correct and original. There are no cracks in the steering wheel nor on the dashboard cap. The AM/FM stereo and power antenna work well and the air condition also blows nice and cold. The interior also features tilt steering wheel, power door locks, power windows and front seat as well as a remote truck opener. Overall, the interior looks very sharp and is correct.
The engine compartment has been well detailed, and we have performed a substantial amount of recommissioning work. The venerable 390 cu in V8 has 325 hp and is driven through the four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. The ride is very smooth on its 129.5-inch wheelbase. Restoration and service work performed by Don Tonks from 1992 through 1998 included body and paint work, seat and carpeting, chrome plating, convertible top, new tires, custom tonneau cover, mufflers and radiator re-cored and more.
Work performed June through August 2024 includes new leather seating front and rear, wet sanded, buffed and polished the Ebony Black paint, five new Hankook 235/75 R15 white wall radials (Winston Radials on it upon purchase were from 1996- photos in the photo gallery), replaced the intake manifold, new intake manifold and carburetor gaskets, rebuild the carburetor, new fuel pump, front end rebuild (strut rod bushing kit, ball joints, control arm bushings, center link assembly), air conditioning servicing, fixing vacuum leaks, clean and paint the undercarriage, major service with oil change and lube service. At present, everything works with the exception of the clock and Autronitic eye.
We have priced this Eldorado Biarritz very well. The Hagerty Value for this model (with the 10% premium for air conditioning) is $108,240 for a No. 2 example and $75, 130 for a No. 3 example. We would say that this is a No. 2-. See the Values here: 1963 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz | Hagerty Valuation Tools
This Eldorado comes complete with 33 years worth of restoration and service records, California registrations, old bills of sale and more. Also included is a black vinyl custom fitted tonneau cover that covers the interior completely.
For more information and details, please call or text Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com. This Eldorado is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom. We have financing partners if you wish to finance its purchase.
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