A largely original example, this 1964 Cadillac Eldorado convertible was sold new on May 7, 1964, at Smith Motors Company — Cadillac Motor Cars in Elizabeth, NJ. This example would reside with the original family until 1998, when a collector of Cadillacs purchased it. The car was rarely driven by Mrs. Valiant, the original owner, and the new owner decided to keep that theme and only use it for sunny weekend drives. Today, the odometer shows just 25,538 miles, which are believed to be actual, and the Firemist Saddle paint has only received a few touch-ups, while the Saddlewood Gold interior remains original and untouched.
Documented by its original window sticker and various dealer documents, this ’64 Eldo was purchased new with an array of options. Those factory options include the desirable $494 air-conditioning, power steering, power brakes, Soft-Ray glass, door guards, adjustable steering wheel and front seat belts. Other items include power seats, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM radio and a power-operated white convertible top. Under the stretched hood lies the mechanically fit and ready 429-ci V8 engine that is backed by a Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission.
Adding to its drivability and desirability and making it the ideal example to use on driving tours like the annual Enthusiast Tour and following suit with the rest of the cars in The Great Outdoors Collection, this Eldorado received just under $30,000 in mechanical servicing in June 2024 by Motor City Solutions Hot Rods & Restorations. Documented on the accompanying invoices, some of those items include a front disc-brake conversion, replacing the rear-wheel cylinders, replacing the rear shocks, replacing the rear-wheel seals, an electronic-ignition upgrade, and installing and balancing four new radial tires. Other work documented on invoices includes a new convertible motor and pump in the fall of 2021. Along with the mechanical freshening, the engine bay and undercarriage were both nicely restored.
Items included in the sale of this automobile are the original window sticker, various dealer documents and the dealer document jacket, the original owner’s manuals, various invoices, and a convertible boot cover. A testament to its originality and charm, this example won the Cadillac and LaSalle Club Grand National Award in 2017. Freshly serviced, well documented and always cherished, this classic drop-top ’60s cruiser has many more club meets to attend and miles to give to its next lucky caretaker.
(Introductory description courtesy of Worldwide Auctioneers.)
