1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

Description

By 1984, it was clear that the convertible was making a comeback, and even Cadillac, whose entire 1976 marketing campaign surrounded "the last convertible" had to concede that it was a pretty good idea. This 1984 Eldorado convertible is a highly original luxury cruiser, and is a reasonably-priced way to get some high-end luxury sunshine in your life.

The 1984-86 Eldorado convertible (and its stable mate, the Buick Riviera) was actually built by ASC, and the workmanship involved in the conversion is impressive. In fact, the only way to tell a real convertible from a hardtop with a fake convertible top is by the size of the rear window: ragtop windows are smaller. THAT's how accurately the convertible mirrors the original design. The build quality is quite good; in 1984, this was by far the most expensive car in the GM stable and it shows. Paint and bodywork remain in good condition, with straight factory-issued panels, doors that still open and close easily, and paint with a nice soft shine that's typical of '80s cars. All the Eldo's chrome is also nice, including the bumpers, grille, and stainless trim that runs along the sides of the body. There's more bright stainless trim along the rocker panels, which is probably more style than function, but it gives the luxury car a timeless look that connects it to the great Cadillacs of the past, which were always heavy on the brightwork.

The interior features button-tufted burgundy leather that is still in remarkable condition. Yes, it's the '80s version of luxury, but that's the whole point, and the leather itself remains supple and smooth with only light wear and minor signs of age. Matching red carpets haven't been baked by the sun, and the door panels show none of the cracking that these cars often experience. Digital gauges were all the rage in 1984 and even Cadillac was not immune to the call of technology, and they're all fully functional. Of course, every comfort and convenience feature was standard: climate control, power windows and locks, a tilt wheel, cruise control, and power seats, and all of that equipment is functional as well. A high-end AM/FM/cassette stereo still sounds great, and the cabin is nicely protected from wind buffeting when the top is down, a tribute to the ASC engineers' skill. The white top remains in almost new condition, and unlike many coupes that are turned into convertibles, this one retains a spacious trunk.

Power comes from Cadillac's 4.1 liter V8 with digital fuel injection, a powerplant that has proven its reliability with Cadillac fans for years. It starts easily and runs down the road with a subdued V8 rumble that's muscular and luxurious. It's extremely tidy under the hood, suggesting great maintenance over the years, and thanks to heavy reinforcements throughout the car, it feels substantial and solid, just as a Cadillac should. The chassis is in good order with a light dusting of undercoating to help protect it, and it rides beautifully thanks to 4-wheel independent suspension with disc brakes at all four corners. Original steel wheels with correct wire wheel covers give it a pure 1980s luxury look and it rides on 215/75/15 whitewall radials.

Look for these cars to be future collectables, offering V8 power, limited production (only 2100 were built '84), and classic good looks. They were also quite well-engineered, making them the best of the new crop of ragtops. Call today!