1961 Cadillac Eldorado

This 1961 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was exported to the Netherlands when new, and it remained in Europe in the care of its original owner for the ensuing 61 years. It was brought to the US by the current owner in April 2023 following a yearlong refurbishment carried out in Budapest, Hungary, during which the car was disassembled and the body was removed from the frame. Work included a repaint in black, replacing the soft top, and overhauling the 390ci V8 and the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission as well as various other mechanical systems. The black leather interior was refreshed and the carpeting was replaced, although the seats were not reupholstered, and features include a power-adjustable front seat, power windows, seat belts, an AM/FM radio, and air conditioning. This Eldorado Biarritz is now offered on dealer consignment in South Carolina with refurbishment photographs and a clean North Dakota title. The body was finished from the factory in Aleutian Gray (16), and it was removed from the frame, stripped, and refinished in black during the refurbishment. Exterior details include a power-operated black convertible top, quad headlights, a driver-side mirror, rear-wheel spats, and tail fins with integrated taillights as well as chrome bumpers, window surrounds, and trim. The 15″ steel wheels feature ribbed covers with Cadillac-crested hubs and are mounted with Maxxis MA-1 tires. Power steering was standard, and braking is provided by power-assisted drums. The cabin was disassembled and during the refurbishment, although the bench seats were not reupholstered and are trimmed in black leather. Interior equipment includes a power-adjustable front seat, power windows, seat belts, an AM/FM radio, and air conditioning. The carpeting has been replaced and the dashboard and door panels have been refurbished. The two-spoke steering wheel fronts a horizontal 120-mph speedometer and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 89k miles. The 390ci V8 was factory equipped with a four-barrel carburetor and was rated at 325 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The engine and transmission were removed and overhauled during the refurbishment. Power is routed to the rear wheels through a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Additional photographs of the underside are shown in the gallery below. Decoding the body plate reveals the following information: 03C – Third week of March production date Style: 61 – 6367 – 1961 Eldorado Biarritz Body: FW 1180 – Fleetwood body number Paint: 16 – Aleutian Gray paint Trim: 11 – Black leather upholstery ACC: E – Soft Ray Glass, H – Heater, K – Air Conditioner Additional images depicting various parts of the refurbishment process are shown in the gallery below.