I was recently asked if my car was a Biarritz. Its a 75 Eldorado convertible. Title doesn't state anything but cadillac eldorado convertible. Can anyone explain what is or makes it a Biarritz? Thanks Tony
From wikipedia
Eldorado Biarritz
Unlike the Cadillac Sixty Special and De Ville, Eldorado did not have a unique luxury package to provide it with a title change (such as the "d'Elegance" package). This was rectified in mid-year 1976 with the Biarritz package. A unique trim feature of Biarritz, a name that had not been used since the 1964 model year (although the Eldorado was Fleetwood bodied from the 1963 model year on, the Fleetwood designation was only applied to all Eldorados produced from the 1965 through 1972 model years) was a brushed stainless steel roof covering the front passenger compartment for model years 1979â€"1985. This was a styling cue reminiscent of the 1957/58 Eldorado Brougham. The rear half of the roof was covered with a heavily padded landau vinyl top accented with large "opera" lights. The interior featured "pillowed"-style, "tufted" velour or leather seating, with contrasting piping, along with an array of other options available.
The 1978 Biarritz option packages consisted of the Eldorado Custom Biarritz ($1,865.00); w/Astroroof ($2,946.00); w/Sunroof ($2,746.00) and Eldorado Custom Biarritz Classic ($2,466.00); w/Astroroof ($3,547.00); w/Sunroof ($3,347.00).
For the 1978 Eldorado model year only, 2,000 Eldorado Custom Biarritz Classics were produced in Two-Tone Arizona Beige/Demitasse Brown consisting of 1,499 with no Astroroofs or no Sunroofs; 475 with Astroroofs; 25 with Sunroofs and one (1) was produced with a Power Sliding T-Top.[45] Only nine of the latter are known to have been retrofitted by the American Sunroof Company under the direction of General Motors' Cadillac Motor Division.[citation needed]
The Biarritz option stayed with the Eldorado through the 1991 model year. Some of the original styling cues vanished after the 1985 model year, such as the brushed stainless steel roofing and the interior seating designs, but the Biarritz remained unique just the same.
From 1953 - 1955 Eldorado was convertible only. The Eldorado was the premium convertible; standard convertible was a Series 62.
In 1956 the Eldorado was broken into 2 models - the Eldorado Seville (two door hardtop) and the Eldorado Biarritz (convertible). These two models ran until 1960.
The Eldorado Seville was was dropped in 1961 leaving the Eldorado Biarritz as the only model in the Eldorado line - and only offered as a convertible.
In 1964, the Eldorado Biarritz was renamed Fleetwood Eldorado (again only offered in convertible body style only) until 1966, the last RWD Eldorado convertible.
"Biarritz" name was later revived to designate an decor upgrade to the FWD Eldorado model beginning in 1976 and lasted until 1991.
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on May 11, 2017, 05:41:50 PM
In 1964, the Eldorado Biarritz was renamed Fleetwood Eldorado (again only offered in convertible body style only) until 1966, the last RWD Eldorado convertible.
Well Eric. This below is a copy straight from my original 1964 Shop Manual.
In 1966 Shop Manual its written Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible, style 68467 starting with VIN E610001.
Quote from: CLC 30326 on May 11, 2017, 06:16:36 PM
Well Eric. This below is a copy straight from my original 1964 Shop Manual.
In 1966 Shop Manual its written Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible, style 68467 starting with VIN E610001.
It is incorrect.
In 1964 the Eldorado Convertible was repositioned as a sister car to the Series 60 Special in the Fleetwood line. Biarritz name was discontinued after 1963. From 1964 - 1966 the car is officially designated "Fleetwood Eldorado" (convertible).
From the 1964 Catalog:
http://www.oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/New-Brochures---May/1964-Cadillac-Full-Line-Brochure/1964-Cadillac-Full-Line-12-13a
To elaborate on what Eric wrote, The Eldorado Biarritz from 1976 through 1978 were ALL hardtops only. There were NO Biarritz convertibles built in these years.
1979-1985............
There were Biarritz coupes 79-85. They had additional chrome trim on the fenders and doors which continued as a halo molding around the top of the roof which had a stainless steel cap on the roof. The Biarritz interiors were button tufted seats in a diamond pattern.
The only Biarritz convertibles offered at that time were in 1984 and 1985. These are considered "Factory" convertibles because they were converted by ASC for Cadillac and carried a different VIN prefix which identifies it as a convertible.
To further complicate matters, there were other other companies that built convertibles based on Eldorado's and DeVilles, most notably Hess & Eisenhardt. These cars were custom ordered and also sold through Cadillac dealers. They were not Biarritz models but were standard Eldorado coupes that were generally nicely equipped.
So, contrary to what the often incorrect eBay sellers state, not every Cadillac convertible is an "Eldorado", and not every Eldorado convertible is a "Biarritz".
Brian
It is highly unlikely that a 76 eldo would be a biarritz but after the production convertible was discontinued in 76 there were biarritz cars made into convertibles. I have seen a few over the years. This continued on with Hess and others until the 84 and 85. I have never seen a later than 85 biarritz modified into a convertible.
FWD Eldorado:
1967 - 1970: 2 door HT only.
1971 - 1976: 2 door HT and Convertible but not called a Biarritz. *Final year for convertible.
Late 1976: Biarritz trim option offered on Coupe only.
1977 - 1978: Biarritz decor trim optional.
1979 - 1985: Biarritz decor trim optional (included SS roof panel)
Convertible reintroduced 84-85 - offered only with Biarritz trim.
1986 - 1991: Biarritz trim optional - (SS roof dropped).
The direct answer to the question - there was no Biarritz in 1975. It was simply an Eldorado - coupe or convertible.
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on May 11, 2017, 06:26:05 PM
It is incorrect.
In 1964 the Eldorado Convertible was repositioned as a sister car to the Series 60 Special in the Fleetwood line. Biarritz name was discontinued after 1963.
Are you sure?? The 1964 Cadillac data book also identifies an Eldorado Biarritz convertible plus attached is a sampling of various different 1964 and 1965 newspaper ads, mostly from Cadillac dealers, advertising 1964 Eldorado Biarritz convertibles.
Eric is correct. The 1964 Eldorado dropped the Biarritz and joined the Fleetwood Body series. The information on page 16-2 in the 1964 Cadillac Shop Manual is incorrect. It was a simple mistake, probably from copying similar information over from the 1963 Shop Manual. There is a ton of literature indicating the Eldorado was the Fleetwood Eldorado in 1964. Here are the scans from the 1964 Cadillac Data Book page 26 and 27 in the Body Styles Chapter:
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.ning.com%2Ffiles%2FrGMS%2AAPS1JRBL-WKu4up8nfj7sjCw5ObwkD4wvUXMj7LLess2nWA9enftBHbLTs1fIcQqVSBFwiuWw8gwwNiYgYiWkvGlMXP%2F1964DataBookpg26.jpg&hash=2c386df68a94f4511176230ecdb37ef820db65cc)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.ning.com%2Ffiles%2FrGMS%2AAPS1JTmXJ8S0QTX9EUQVNnLqgZbDq-9P%2Auo0QUIaU-6CXleZzKy%2A3W5OHhpBxtUWNI-dDjbcEoMLNMDv95lN2Fd9Mf8%2F1964DataBookpg27.jpg&hash=097192ec1e7b89c43e322ab23849c0c64ada31cb)
This is probably the 2nd most common area of body style confusion in the 1963 & 1964 Body style years. The #1 body style related area of confusion is the 63-6267 and 64-6267 convertibles:
The 1963 6267 convertible was a "Series 62" convertible but had "de Ville" interior styling.
The 1964 6267 convertible was formally moved into the "de Ville" body styles and was a "de Ville Convertible" even thought it retained the 6267 body style code.
Over the past 21 years I have been dealing with these model year cars I have heard and seen either body style interchangeably called either body style!
What about all those dealers, mostly Cadillac dealers, in my attachment that advertised 1964 Eldorado Biarritz models? They all incorrectly identified the cars back when these ads ran in 1964-65? Is it possible that a model name change occurred during the 1964 model year i.e. there were some 1964 Eldorado Biarritzs initially?
Great info fellas. Excuse my ignorance please :-[ but can someone tell me the difference between a Sunroof and an Astroroof? I would just like to know if my 78 Biarritz Custom Classic is 1 of 475, or 1 of 25? Thank you, Steve.
Have a Detroit Iron Informations System CD. On it is this attached document. Don't know who wrote it or when.
Nowhere in the 1964 Cadillac original sales brochure is the word Biarritz used. The most luxury models are under The Impeccable Fleetwood Series; Eldorado Convertible, Sixty Special Sedan and Seventy-Five Sedan & Limousine.
Wikipedia is wrong?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_Eldorado#Fourth_generation_.281961.E2.80.931964.29 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_Eldorado#Fourth_generation_.281961.E2.80.931964.29)
Based only on Cadillac Division publications (which I have and have reviewed), I can confirm:
The 1964 Cadillac Data Book lists a Biarritz model 6367 on page 367. (The designation may have changed soon after.)
In spring 1976 there was a small Cadillac brochure on the Eldorado Biarritz package. It shows a very lovely blue coupe. There was no convertible Biarritz. The details of the 1976 brochure are:
Eldorado Biarritz, 1976 Color folder, Blue Custom Biarritz. White covers, 6 sides, 8.5x4 inches
John Emerson
1952 Cadillac 6219X
Quote from: manxie on May 12, 2017, 03:07:10 AM
Great info fellas. Excuse my ignorance please :-[ but can someone tell me the difference between a Sunroof and an Astroroof?
The "Astro Roof" is the power tinted glass roof. The glass "Astro Roof" debuted in 1975.
The power sun roof is a solid steel panel. Which is covered in vinyl on cars with a full vinyl top option, although can be painted steel if ordered on a coupe with a half vinyl top.
Both type of power sun roofs were available for several years, but eventually the more popular power Astro roof won out and became the only option. Hope that helps.
Quote from: Tpicks55 on May 11, 2017, 05:24:31 PM
I was recently asked if my car was a Biarritz. Its a 75 Eldorado convertible. Title doesn't state anything but cadillac eldorado convertible. Can anyone explain what is or makes it a Biarritz? Thanks Tony
No Biarritz models in 1975.
The Biarritz package for hardtops coupes came out late in 76 after the convertible was dropped.
I've seen a few 75 and 76 convertibles with Biarritz seats taken out of a 77 or 78 Biarritz hardtop parts cars. Some people like the big fluffy pillowed seats. But they are just owner additions not factory.
But as pointed out by another earlier poster, some real 77 and 78 hardtop Biarritz coupes were chopped and modified into convertibles by coachbuilders. But not made by or sanctioned by Cadillac until 1984.
Quote from: D.Smith on May 12, 2017, 08:01:21 AM
The "Astro Roof" is the power tinted glass roof. The glass "Astro Roof" debuted in 1975.
The power sun roof is a solid steel panel. Which is covered in vinyl on cars with a full vinyl top option, although can be painted steel if ordered on a coupe with a half vinyl top.
Both type of power sun roofs were available for several years, but eventually the more popular power Astro roof won out and became the only option. Hope that helps.
Perfect Dave, mine has an Astro Roof 8) Many thanks, Steve.
The 1964 Eldorado information is off the main topic, but I hate seeing this misinformation continued to be propagated and will make one more stab at this. Here is some of the key documentation you need to be looking at, in addition to the reputable reference material such as Roy A. Schneider's Cadillacs of the Sixties (see page 100, there is a full page on the 1964 Fleetwood Eldorado).
Sales Brochures: The 1963 regular and prestige brochures refers to and illustrates the 1963 Eldorado as the Eldorado Biarritz. The 1964 regular and prestige brochures refers to and illustrates the 1964 Eldorado as a Fleetwood Eldorado, and goes on to explain that it is part of the Fleetwood body series.
Owners Manuals: The 1963 Owners manual refers to the to the 1963 Eldorado as the Eldorado Biarritz (page 47). The 1964 Owners manual refers to the 1964 Eldorado as simply the Eldorado (page 46), with the word Biarritz dropped.
Specification Manual: The 1963 Specifications Manual refers to the to the 1963 Eldorado as the Eldorado Biarritz (pages 3 and 120, 121a, 121). The 1964 Specifications Manual refers to the 1964 Eldorado as the Fleetwood Eldorado (page 1, 57, 57a, 58).
Dealer Data Books: As previously mentioned the 1963 Dealer Data book refers to the Eldorado Biarriz (page 26, 44, 44a, 45, 94, 95 and elsewhere), and the 1964 Dealer Data Book refers to the Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible (page 26, 27, 42, 42a, 43, 90, 91 and elsewhere)
The brochures and owners manuals were not introduced mid production year. Cars were delivered with owners manuals, dealerships would have received their dealer data books, brochures at the beginning of the model year, not mid-year; there was no mistake in dropping the name Biarritz in all of the 1964 literature; and there was no mistake in brochures and Dealer Data Books indicating that the Eldorado was moved to the Fleetwood body series.
I could go on and on, but you have to do your homework instead of relying on what Wikipedia says (I believe they are the source that says the new Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission was a mid year change for the 1964 Cadillacs..... WRONG!!), or "other references".
So as you move from the 1963 to 1964 model year, and everyone is familiar with saying the Eldorado Biarritz ... kinda rolls off the tongue doesn't it... people without knowing the details advertise it, copy literature over from the prior year by mistake (e.g. the one instance in the 1964 shop manual), but the fact is Day 1, when the very first 1964 Eldorado rolled off the assembly line, it was a Fleetwood Eldorado, not an Eldorado Biarritz.
Wow, thank all of you on clearing up that confusion. Tony
Cadillac should have repositioned its two convertible models to coincide with the major restyle of the 1965 model year when it would have made much more sense. The move would have been all the more logical since the Series 62 line was replaced with the Calais series that year.
Alas, they did not and has lived on as another example of the quirky decisions GM sometimes made - without rhyme or reason - of which there are many throughout Cadillac history.
Quote from: Big Apple Caddy on May 11, 2017, 10:41:10 PM
What about all those dealers, mostly Cadillac dealers, in my attachment that advertised 1964 Eldorado Biarritz models? They all incorrectly identified the cars back when these ads ran in 1964-65? Is it possible that a model name change occurred during the 1964 model year i.e. there were some 1964 Eldorado Biarritzs initially?
No Biarritz in 1964. Period.
No doubt, those newspaper advertisements were written so the public readily understood the model being offered, the majority still unfamiliar with the name change.
Being that the Biarritz moniker was still relatively fresh in the public mind, it simply made more sense to eliminate confusion for the purposes of an advertising blurb - and save the explanations for later when the customer appeared at the door.
Great vintage ad assortment.
Just add a zero to the prices!
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.cadillaclasalleclub.org%2Findex.php%3Faction%3Ddlattach%3Btopic%3D145198.0%3Battach%3D101685%3Bimage&hash=7e07f7217fe83ba67428e261218a3fa21dcd7c97)
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on May 12, 2017, 11:33:41 AM
Being that the Biarritz moniker was still relatively fresh in the public mind, it simply made more sense to eliminate confusion for the purposes of an advertising blurb - and save all the explanations for later when the customer appeared at the door.
Yep, sure looks that way. Similar tactics have been used other times too e.g., even though the 1987-92 Brougham was no longer a
Fleetwood Brougham, dealers would still advertise it as such for "familiarity" sake. Same over at Lincoln. Even though the Town Car became its own model in 1981, it was still sometimes advertised as a Lincoln
Continental Town Car.
...gee... all that "baggage" probably HELPED sales...
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on May 12, 2017, 10:13:30 AM
Cadillac should have repositioned its two convertible models to coincide with the major restyle of the 1965 model year when it would have made much more sense. The move would have been all the more logical since the Series 62 line was replaced with the Calais series that year.
Considering the Series 62 convertibles had deVille interiors (and equipment levels) for many years
prior to 1964, I would have thought they should have been moved into the deVille line up years earlier!
Agreed. The deville was born from the 62 series convertible.
Quote from: Walter Youshock on May 12, 2017, 07:27:51 PM
...gee... all that "baggage" probably HELPED sales...
Perhaps but this was decades ago.
I do hope you're going to Nationals. Can't wait to discuss Cadillac history in person!!!
Quote from: Walter Youshock on May 13, 2017, 11:03:30 AM
I do hope you're going to Nationals. Can't wait to discuss Cadillac history in person!!!
Cadillac's history also includes small cars with one-cylinder engines and model names like Model A, Model B, Model C, etc. Perhaps you think they should go back to building cars like that? It's part of Cadillac’s history after all.
What worked well for a company in the past doesn't mean it continued to do so or would work as well, if at all, today. Just ask Smith Corona, Kodak, Blockbuster Video, Borders, etc. Whether it be due to changes in technology, tastes, preferences or something else, companies sometimes need to move away from their past if they want to have a future.
I don't, however, it seems those types of cars would be more attractive to yourself. Also, the examples you cite were the earliest Cadillacs long before it was destined to be a luxury car...
" If the leader truly leads, he remains the leader..."
Again, I look forward to meeting you in DC!
Quote from: Walter Youshock on May 13, 2017, 12:20:22 PM
I don't, however, it seems those types of cars would be more attractive to yourself. Also, the examples you cite were the earliest Cadillacs long before it was destined to be a luxury car...
Huh? As I've stated before, my preferences as far as Cadillacs go are midsize and large sedans, or coupes (
not crossovers or SUVs, not compacts), with names like DeVille, Fleetwood, Seville, etc but what I may prefer or be nostalgic about doesn't necessarily mean it's right or best for today's new vehicle market. We're not in the 1990s, 80s, 70s, etc anymore.
Many companies have had wonderful histories as leading manufacturers/sellers of certain products (e.g., Kodak with photographic film) but that doesn't mean strongly sticking to that history is a wise or viable business model. Technology, engineering, tastes, preferences, etc can change and companies need to change and adapt too. Time doesn't stand still and companies can't afford to either.
As Jason noted, there is a lot of confusion over the proper series designation of the non-Eldorado convertible, which was a "Series 62" in 1963 and earlier years, and a "deVille" from 1964 through 1970. I have a theory as to why the series name of the convertible was changed in 1964.
In 1964, Cadillac introduced Turbo-Hydramatic transmission for the deVille, the Fleetwood Sixty Special, and the Fleetwood Eldorado. The Series 62 and the Series 75 continued to use the older version of the Hydramatic transmission, with the "P-N-D-L-R" transmission quadrant. It would not have been appropriate for the convertible to use the older transmission, while the Coupe deVille and Sedan deVille got the new Turbo-Hydramatic. Hence, the convertible had to be brought into the deVille series. (This is just a guess on my part, but it makes sense.)
During all the years when Cadillac offered both a deVille and a Series 62 or Calais, I am not aware of any other instance when the two series used different mechanical components.
Curiously, the 1965 Series 75 received the new Turbo Hydramatic transmission even though it was a carryover 1964 body.
I ts an Eldorado trim package most convertible s don't have it
"Biarritz" customizations also seem to have been popular on the 90s Eldorado after Cadillac stopped shipping.
My '97 Eldorado ETC was sent pre-delivery to pick up a half-top, extra upper chrome, wheel chrome, chrome grill with vertical bars, and pedestrian site (err, hood ornament).
It was ordered by the sales manager for one of the local dealerships. It then went in monthly for maintenance per its carfax. Oddly, he didn't order the sunroof. (*sniff*).
I've seen many others done with different levels of quality, such as a '98 with window ports that don't line up with the rear windows . . .
We just purchased a 1961 Eldorado Convertible with original leather seats. The name plate says the style is 61-6267, and the Biarittz style number I found online was 6367. However I can't find any 1961 Convertibles with leather seats that were not a Biarritz. How would I know if this is a Biarritz or not?
6267 is a Series 62 Convertible.
All convertibles have leather upholstery whether a Biarritz or not.
Upholstery design is different between the two models. (Consult sales brochures). Biarritz cars have "Biarritz" script on the front fenders, just aft of the headlight buckets. Series 62 Convertible has crests on the lower front fenders, just forward of the doors.
Biarritz has thin stainless steel trim along the the upper body crease along the full length of the body and continues across the upper lip of the decklid.
Also, a number of accessories were standard on the Biarritz which were optional on the Series 62 Convertible.
Here is the door panel of a '61 Eldorado Biarritz.
This alone will help make the distinction at a glance.
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldcarbrochures.com%2Fstatic%2FNA%2FCadillac%2F1961_Cadillac%2F1961%2520Cadillac%2520Prestige%2Fn_1961%2520Cadillac%2520Prestige-25.jpg&hash=7fe9f8d3a5099bd9f2e0d87f2e84cb78fa91ae34)
Quote from: Richard Sills - CLC #936 on May 15, 2017, 01:17:23 PM
As Jason noted, there is a lot of confusion over the proper series designation of the non-Eldorado convertible, which was a "Series 62" in 1963 and earlier years, and a "deVille" from 1964 through 1970. I have a theory as to why the series name of the convertible was changed in 1964.
In 1964, Cadillac introduced Turbo-Hydramatic transmission for the deVille, the Fleetwood Sixty Special, and the Fleetwood Eldorado. The Series 62 and the Series 75 continued to use the older version of the Hydramatic transmission, with the "P-N-D-L-R" transmission quadrant. It would not have been appropriate for the convertible to use the older transmission, while the Coupe deVille and Sedan deVille got the new Turbo-Hydramatic. Hence, the convertible had to be brought into the deVille series. (This is just a guess on my part, but it makes sense.)
During all the years when Cadillac offered both a deVille and a Series 62 or Calais, I am not aware of any other instance when the two series used different mechanical components.
I think the introduction of Climate Control had more to do with moving the convertible to the DeVille line. That and adding the Calais name to the Series 62.
As far as the transmissions go, they were probably using up stocks of the older version. Similar to the holdover of the Series 75 in 1965 which kept the old chassis and upper body style of earlier models.
Quote from: cadillacmike68 on July 23, 2019, 06:50:46 PM
I think the introduction of Climate Control had more to do with moving the convertible to the DeVille line. That and adding the Calais name to the Series 62.
As far as the transmissions go, they were probably using up stocks of the older version. Similar to the holdover of the Series 75 in 1965 which kept the old chassis and upper body style of earlier models.
In 1964 Comfort Control (i.e. AC) was an option for all body styles, however you would find them on a larger % of cars as you went from Series 62 to deVille to Fleetwood body series so I see no connection with the Comfort Control as a deciding or even influencing factor in moving the 6267 into the de Ville body series in 1964. The fact that the 1963 6267 already had the "deVille" interior trim, indicates they had already made steps to move the 6267 into the deVille series.
As far as transmissions in 1964, there were 39,143 cars produced with the older Hydra-Matic transmission, out of a total production of 165,959 for the year. These included all Series 62, 75 Series and Commercial Chassis body styles. Cadillac produced roughly 160K cars for 1962 model year and 163K cars for 1963 model year and I doubt they had almost 40,000 transmissions sitting around and someone said lets put them in the Series 62/75/CC cars.
The big factor in what transmissions were used in 1964, or introduced in this case, was the fact Buick was introducing the new Super Turbine 400 transmission (the 1st in the Turbo 400 transmission family), and Cadillac was not going to let Buick get a leg up! So... the 1964 Turbo Hydra-Matic used in the de Villes and Fleetwoods was a Buick borrowed transmission, which was adapted to mount to the back of the Cadillac transmission via an adapter ring. Cadillacs would get it's own "Turbo 400" for the 1965 model year that would bolt right up to the back of the 429 engine ... and some upgrades to go along with it. This and more details can be found on the 1963/64 Cadillac Website engines and transmissions help age at www.engines.6364cadillac.com
Quote from: 30326 on May 11, 2017, 06:16:36 PM
Well Eric. This below is a copy straight from my original 1964 Shop Manual.
In 1966 Shop Manual its written Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible, style 68467 starting with VIN E610001.
I don't know where that came from but in addition to what eric states, the non-ElDorado convertible in 1964 was moved to the DeVille series, no more series 62 convertible.
With the demise of the hardtop Eldorado after 1960, it was no longer necessary to have the Biarritz vs Seville distinction.
The 63 Eldorados with their smooth sides, lower side trim and wreath and crest rear quarter ornamentation really made them look like Fleetwoods. So it was no surprise to me that the Biarritz name was quietly dropped and the cars renamed "Fleetwood Eldorados"
Don't pull your hair out over series number identification. That was more of a chassis identifier not a sales identifier.
Quote from: Jason Edge on May 12, 2017, 08:46:17 AM
The 1964 Eldorado information is off the main topic, but I hate seeing this misinformation continued to be propagated and will make one more stab at this. Here is some of the key documentation you need to be looking at, in addition to the reputable reference material such as Roy A. Schneider's Cadillacs of the Sixties (see page 100, there is a full page on the 1964 Fleetwood Eldorado).
Sales Brochures: The 1963 regular and prestige brochures refers to and illustrates the 1963 Eldorado as the Eldorado Biarritz. The 1964 regular and prestige brochures refers to and illustrates the 1964 Eldorado as a Fleetwood Eldorado, and goes on to explain that it is part of the Fleetwood body series.
Owners Manuals: The 1963 Owners manual refers to the to the 1963 Eldorado as the Eldorado Biarritz (page 47). The 1964 Owners manual refers to the 1964 Eldorado as simply the Eldorado (page 46), with the word Biarritz dropped.
Specification Manual: The 1963 Specifications Manual refers to the to the 1963 Eldorado as the Eldorado Biarritz (pages 3 and 120, 121a, 121). The 1964 Specifications Manual refers to the 1964 Eldorado as the Fleetwood Eldorado (page 1, 57, 57a, 58).
Dealer Data Books: As previously mentioned the 1963 Dealer Data book refers to the Eldorado Biarriz (page 26, 44, 44a, 45, 94, 95 and elsewhere), and the 1964 Dealer Data Book refers to the Fleetwood Eldorado Convertible (page 26, 27, 42, 42a, 43, 90, 91 and elsewhere)
The brochures and owners manuals were not introduced mid production year. Cars were delivered with owners manuals, dealerships would have received their dealer data books, brochures at the beginning of the model year, not mid-year; there was no mistake in dropping the name Biarritz in all of the 1964 literature; and there was no mistake in brochures and Dealer Data Books indicating that the Eldorado was moved to the Fleetwood body series.
I could go on and on, but you have to do your homework instead of relying on what Wikipedia says (I believe they are the source that says the new Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission was a mid year change for the 1964 Cadillacs..... WRONG!!), or "other references".
So as you move from the 1963 to 1964 model year, and everyone is familiar with saying the Eldorado Biarritz ... kinda rolls off the tongue doesn't it... people without knowing the details advertise it, copy literature over from the prior year by mistake (e.g. the one instance in the 1964 shop manual), but the fact is Day 1, when the very first 1964 Eldorado rolled off the assembly line, it was a Fleetwood Eldorado, not an Eldorado Biarritz.
I just reviewed the very interesting postings in this long thread that extends over a couple of years.The confusion, especially about the 1964 Convertible models, is fascinating. Thanks to Jason, Eric, and others for sorting it out, and I'm sure they do have it right.
Still, the confusion would seem to originate
with Cadillac Division itself -- both the 1964 Shop Manual AND the 1964 Cadillac Data Book referred (incorrectly) to a Biarritz convertible. From
1964 Data Book, page 367:
Body Style Code Style No. Eldorado Biarritz Convertible E 6367
Fascinating that Cadillac had it wrong, in at least one place, in each of two prominent publications -- Shop Manual and Data Book. As Jason noted, other places had it right. And here we are, 45 years later...
John Emerson