Featured is a beautifully restored 1964 Cadillac Eldorado. This was part of the sixth generation of Eldorado’s which began production in 1952 for the 1953 model year. There were a total of twelve generations for the Cadillac Eldorado.
The Eldorado originally came out with the 1953 model year to mark the 50th anniversary of Cadillac.It was derived from a show car for 1952 commemorating the anniversary and started production for 1953. The Eldorado model was discontinued by Cadillac in 2002.
The Eldorado was often the flagship model for Cadillac and it’s styling was first class. The Eldorado made a statement for Cadillac’s luxurious look. The rear styling was definitive. It was the end for the iconic tail fins The 1964 Cadillac was the last to use those well known tail fins that actually began as small fins in 1949. After 1964 the fins were tapered into the body’s overall design.
Changes and Upgrades for the 1964 Cadillac Eldorado
The 1964 Cadillac’s received a minor facelift. The main item that set apart the top ranked Eldorado Biarritz from other Eldorado’s was more luxurious appointments. Changes to the Eldorado grille for 1964 was a bi-angular grille that formed a V-shape along both its vertical and horizontal planes. Additionally, the main horizontal grille bar was now carried around the body sides. The parking and turn signals were again placed in the grille extensions. The 1964 Cadillac also represented the seventeenth straight year for the Cadillac tailfins, The fins continued with their fine pointed design. A significant upgrade to the 1964 Eldorado’s was a larger V8 engine.
Of special note regarding Cadillac models was that 1976 was the last year for Eldorado Convertibles.
Some of the more popular options for the 1964 Eldorado were air conditioning, adjustable steering wheel, cruise control, and power door locks. These options were about the same as those offered for 1963.
1964 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Specifications
The 1964 cadillac Eldorado was produced with a more powerful 429 cubic inch V-8 with sixteen overhead valves. Two configurations delivered 308 and 340 HP.
Transmission was a new version of the GM Turbo Hydra-Matic four speed automatic,
The 1964 Cadillac Eldorado came with power brakes with self adjusting shoes as standard equipment.
Front suspension included independent coil springs with rubber bushings and rubber mounted strut rods, Rear suspension included leaf springs, live axle. rubber bushings and a 4 link drive.
Dimensions include a 129.5 inch wheelbase, 223.5 inch overall length, 79.5 inch width. Curb weight was 4,600 lbs.
Total 1964 Cadillac production was 166,000 vehicles.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
1958 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
Reference material for this article includes..The Cadillac Story: The Post War Years by Thomas Bonsall…..Cadillac: A Century of Excellence by authors Robert Leicester Wagner…Cadillac: The Tailfin Years by Robert J. Headrick Jr…Complete Book of Collectible Cars by the Editors of Consumers Guide.
1964 Cadillac Eldorado Collector Automobiles
Classic Cadillac models are popular with collectors and some of the early to mid 1960 Eldorado models are the most popular. The Eldorado models were either at the top or very near the top of Cadillac’s lineup during it’s years of production.
Additionally, the 1964 Cadillac Eldorado’s sported a more powerful V-8 engine that produced up to 340 HP. The model year 1964 marks the final year of the sixth generation Eldorado, which ihas the reputation as being one of the best and most stylish examples.
Current market asking prices for excellently restored 1964 Cadillac Eldorado Convertibles are found in a range from about $32,000 to $45,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)