1985 Eldorado Biarritz

[L Winter]

I dont see much mention of the 85s.  Can anyone tell me why?

[Michael Stamps 19507]

They are only 20 years old.  The styling is nothing like a 50s Biarritz and they have a HT4100 engine.

Stampie

[L Winter]

What is wrong with that engine?

[Michael Stamps 19507]

Not taking into account the fail rate it is a grossly underpowered engine coming after the last big block Cadillac engine.

Stampie

[Porter CLC # pending]

1985 Biarritz, excellent condition, NJ zip code, 35k mileage, private party sale.

http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.ur?kbb.NJ608568NJ023&08816luxp&723Cadillac198520Eldorado&21CAB2 TARGET=_blank>http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.ur?kbb.NJ608568NJ023&08816luxp&723Cadillac198520Eldorado&21CAB2

http://www.kbb.com TARGET=_blank>www.kbb.com

You can look it up yourself and plug in the info.

[Johnny]

1985 Biarritz, excellent condition, NJ zip code, 35k mileage, private party sale.

http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.ur?kbb.NJ608568NJ023&08816luxp&723Cadillac198520Eldorado&21CAB2 TARGET=_blank>http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.ur?kbb.NJ608568NJ023&08816luxp&723Cadillac198520Eldorado&21CAB2

http://www.kbb.com TARGET=_blank>www.kbb.com

You can look it up yourself and plug in the info.

I did the search and this is what I came up.  I really dont think you are going to find too many 85 Eldorado Biarittzs in excellent condition with 35k miles for $1190!!!  If you do, put me down for a couple.

Usually Kellys Blue Book, and Consumers Report, are sort of good for a guide to the "ballparks" prices of cars, but in the "real" world there can can be a great amount of difference, in what something is supposed to be worth, and what it actually sells for. Try going to a dealer and telling them you got this price from Consumers Report, they will tell you, fine, buy your car from Consumers Report.  I wouldnt entertain any offer less then $8500.00 for my 23k 85 Eldorado, that is in excellent condition, that is if I was thinking of selling it.  I think as time goes on, the early Eldorados and Sevilles are going to slowly appreciate in price.

[Porter CLC # pending]

I winced when I read it. It is being treated as just an old car, nothing collector value wise.

The reality is the HT engine has killed the value of a fine car in every other respect.

I think an experienced mechanic like Mike Jones can build a very durable HT engine with 4.5 piston liners that would satisfy anyone if they drove the car, bearing in mind the extra care and maintainence required for many miles and years of great service.

And to add Stampies comment that the car really isnt that old yet. (collector wise)

Further more, a 10 year old Northstar powered car with average mileage isnt worth much either, if you ask your mechanic he will cringe, unless you want him to work on it $$$.

I tried NADA first, they only go back to 86.

Porter (just 2 cents as usual)

[Johnny]

[ I winced when I read it. It is being treated as just an old car, nothing collector value wise.]

I too winced!  I would suggest to the vast majority of people today, to them a 85 Cadillac is "just an old car".  It is only a collector item, like any other collectable item, to other "collectors".

[Porter CLC # pending]

On e**y that is what attracts all the bids.

I was never really familiar with these cars, when the 85 Eldo was offered to me for free with a rod knock I was not too interested but I got it running and drove it home a mile or so.

These cars have a full frame, this one was fully loaded and the leather is still nice, 150K and the engine did have some top end work performed by the dealer according to the owner.

Very pretty dark blue firemist repaint, a very nice looking car.

A mechanics special in need of an engine.

Most of us prefer a car with a stylish body, look forward to the Mike Jones resurrection of this ride, he drove ten hours or so to grab it, well worth the effort.

He needed a new project anyway. Might as well put all that  Cadillac dealer mechanic HT engine knowledge to good use.

The first aluminum block Cadillac engine, the 4.5 version provides ample power and great gas mileage too.

BTW, Canadian customs bagged him for $1,500 value even with a blown engine, that was their "book value". I guess they dont use Kelley Blue Book , LOL

Porter ( I had a 90 ETC, no complaints )

[Brian Rachlin]

Check out the HT4100 Chapter at http://www.ht4100.com. TARGET=_blank>http://www.ht4100.com.

The message board is excellent.

There is a lot of info on the details on the HT4100 engine on the message board, and these cars are a bargain because of the engines lousy reputation.

I have owned 4 of these cars over the years, and have had mixed luck with them.  Currently, I still have an 85 Eldo convert.

They did sell a lot of them when they were new, but they did have lots of design flaws that resulted in many problems.

Brian

[sammy devlin]

you want 8,500 for a eldorado calais with with no options and metal hubcaps?  hope you arent funding your retirement on that HT4100


I wouldnt entertain any offer less then $8500.00 for my 23k 85 Eldorado, that is in excellent condition, that is if I was thinking of selling it.  I think as time goes on, the early Eldorados and Sevilles are going to slowly appreciate in price.[/quote]

[Mike #19861]

 I get your jist on the Eldo Calais, meaning entry level. But, like it or not, values of the cherry cars are appreciating. Witness the escalation of convertible values. A good clean low mile Biarittz can get $8500. The Eldorado coupes will not be far behind.  Metal hub caps or not.

 BTW, I prefer the caps over those tacky looking fake wire wheel covers.

  Mike

[Porter CLC # pending]

Only enjoying the ownership, driving, maintaining or restoring.

Inflation will increase the value of anything given enough time, some things more than others.

The big myth is created by the rare cars that nobody wanted years ago that sometimes sell for a  million $$$ or more today, a Shelby Cobra race car, etc.

[Wilson]

I bought an 84 Eldo convt. and I love it, yes they have problems but so do so many other cars. I got it for 750.00 dollars in Maryland and trailed it to Connecticut. It runs and the body is in great shape. In two years Ill retire  Ill drive it down to Florida . I love that body style..