Possible ‘64 Eldorado Purchase

[Kevin Williams]

I came across what appears to be pretty decent 64 Eldorado out of an estate.  Its no trailer queen but  appears to be a solid driver...say a solid number three unless I’m surprised when viewing.  I'm planning to view in person later this week as pictures don't tell the whole story.  What's drawing me is the color...it’s my favorite firemist color that cadillac had that year and I've always wanted an Eldorado.  Overall the car looks good in the pics but I've been told the car was repainted in its original color but some time ago, the top looks new, the interior shows some wear on the front seat but not terrible.  The wood trim has a few issues but not terrible.  The car shows 14,000 miles but I'm going to assume 114,000 as history of the car seems to be missing.  The engine bay looks very clean and what appears to be some new parts based on how it looks overall.  I am assuming the paint may be showing some age.
Based on the list below I’m trying to figure out what I should deduct in the offer to make the necessary repairs?  What they are asking is way too much based on my research. have no idea how they came up with the number they think the car is worth!

what do you all think I’m looking at to make the below repairs to bring the car to full functionality?

I’m also open to any thoughts on value.

 

• Horn does not operate
• Power locks do not operate
• Air conditioning does not operate
• Cruise control does not operate
• am/fm Radio does not operate
• Cigarette lighter does not operate
• Driver’s seat adjustment does not operate (the electric motor works with the switch, but there appears to be no mechanical engagement)
• Electric trunk release does not operate (though it works with the key)

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Hi Kevin,

     Some of the items you listed for repair for this 64 Eldorado could be very costly.  The air conditioning for one, could be myriad things; and expensive.  Also, the horn, if the wire is broken in the column, could require the steering column to come out to connect a new one to the brass bushing down below.  Look it over very well would be my advice.  Good luck with it and you will know more when you see it.

Dennis DiBari, NY  

[Kevin Williams]

Thanks Dennis and I plan to...

[Dennis P. DiBari]

Good luck Kevin.  Dennis DiBari

[Marty Smith]

  Kevin, we need a little more info, what is an outrageous price to some might be cheap to others, keep in mind you are talking about a low production car, the items you listed are all repairable over time. But specific trim to the 64 Eldo is very hard to find, is it all there ?  Is it a bucket seat car ?  Is it the original wood trim ? All the items you listed in my opinion are not really a basis for negotiating a lower price. Paint quality Chrome rust these are things that are really costly. Hopefully by now you have had a chance to view it , please follow up with pics and good luck !!

[Kevin Williams]

Marty,

You are correct everything is repairable but we never want to over pay otherwise you won't be able to fully insure it.  Any way they are asking in the mid 80's which I think is way too much based on the market and according to price guides.  The paint is decent actually better than I had hoped for.  All the trim and bright-work is in place and again good!  The wood trim is original and has some issues in a few places but not terrible.  The interior on the other hand needs some love especially the front seats.  As I mentioned above I also found other various electrical issues not terrible but do need to be sorted.  The tires have to be replaced and its sagging on the passenger side front either shocks or springs maybe both.  After a test drive it was smoking in the back end I think it has some brake issues going on.  You could smell it smoking and could see the smoke when we got back. Oh and the dash has a fair amount of cracking taking place!  Don't get me wrong the car is beautiful...its a '64 but it does need some love.  I'm seriously thinking about hiring a professional to go over it and get a full report.  I think she would look real good next to my other '64. 64.jpg

[Jason Edge]

Just to throw this out there, what has helped me evaluate a couple of care for friends is to use the CLC judging sheet.  Before I say more about that I will agree with Marty that Eldo specific items that are missing can be super hard to find and expensive.   I have several customers that have been looking for what you might consider simple trim like the front wheel well trim and lower rocker. There are some pieces shared with the 64 Fleetwood so that helps a bit.

Back to the car evaluation. It is hard to remember what all to look for from memory but the judging forms (even the shorter Touring form) will force you to look at everything and from an operational, condition, workmanship and authenticity stand point. If you have judged before it will be easy use the forms to comb over the car, especially given the fact you can spend as much time as you need. You often forget common things like wipers, lights, radio, horn, heat/AC, etc. but the form is a great guide!  I remember picking up on about 8 to 10 things I would not have found otherwise when I had use the form in this manner. 

While a non-working radio, wiper, horn, right rear qtr window is probably not going to mean you can negotiate $20K off the car, you should be able to use it to leverage price a bit. Use that judging form and you may find some items the seller doesn't even know about!  

And like Marty indicated, common items like these are fixable.

[Kevin Williams]

Jason,

I didn't even think of the form as a guide...excellent idea.  Visually the car looks good...the lines, no rust or at least not on the surface all look clean and straight.  Bright work looks good and I think all the trim is in place.  Its the mechanical and electrical is where the car has negatives along with at least the front seats and the dash has a lot of cracking but looks like someone tried to repair but didn't do a great job at it.  Someone installed an electronic fuel pump which runs all the time and is noisy.

Are the forms something we can get hold of?  I thought they kept those locked down?

[Marty Smith]

Kevin, you are correct mid 80's is way off from your description and its issues, I assume they are basing that off of the last few that have sold on Bring A Trailer. I am a big fan of color and have bought cars just for it and probably overpaid but not 10's of thousands over . https://www.affordableclassicsinc.com/vehicle/885526/1964-CADILLAC-...   This car was repainted and the interior isn't the best but is it comparable ?   As I said trim and rust are the big deals. Make sure to look underneath at the trunk area at the rear supports 

[Jason Edge]

Judging forms are in the judging manual available online on the CLC website.

Here is direct link: https://cadillaclasalleclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CLC_Offi...