1976 Cadillac Restoration Projects Underway

In 1975, when publicizing the next year’s model line, Cadillac made a startling announcement, the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado would be the last manufactured in convertible form. While long-time fans were dismayed, investment-minded collectors saw an opportunity to purchase a last-of-its-kind vehicle that will become quite collectible over time.

Rare (just 200 made) Eldorado “Bicentennial” Edition at CPR’s Cadillac restoration facility.

As expected, the news drove sales of the convertible Eldorados which were snapped up as quickly as they arrived at dealer showrooms. Many were either immediately placed in storage or driven briefly before being retired for future investment purposes. Those that remained on the road, even if well-cared for, never saw an increase in value as time went by with many knowledgeable enthusiasts aware of the fact that so many original, undriven/low-mileage examples were sitting, tucked away, awaiting entrance onto the collectors’ market.

That time appears to be now. Within the last two years, the classic Cadillac restoration specialists of Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) have seen a sudden influx of convertible 1976 Eldorados. Many, very low-mileage examples with one having just over 300 miles on the odometer. While some of these cars have barely seen the road and lived in storage for the past 40+ years, they do require attention before being sold to the investor/enthusiast community.

Rubber body filler panels deteriorate, rust/oxidation happens,

Back-to-back 1976 Cadillac Eldorados

lines/hoses/brakes/motors/other mechanicals and issues must be addressed. Having served the classic Cadillac community since 1984, the CPR team is well-known in the industry and has received seven of these classics over the last couple of years.

Market interest is picking up for these examples. A look at recent auction sales shows rising prices for 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertibles. However, with a significant number of these cars hitting the market at the same time, it’s the better-condition cars that are commanding the higher prices.

While the sudden entrance of these long-stored models hitting the market, it’s quite possible that the increased supply, while stimulating greater interest, is also suppressing prices, at least temporarily. To get a true gauge of where the market for these classics is going, we’ll just have to wait. But, if having an original, low-mileage and last-of-an-era classic Cadillac is your desire, now is the time to consider the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado.

Restored 1957 Cadillac Eldorado

An older project completed by CPR’s professional Cadillac restoration team, this 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Seville was rebuilt correctly and to last. The full, frame-off restoration included complete disassembly right down to every nut and bolt and every single part on this car was repaired, replaced, refinished or restored.

Restored 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Seville

Up to and including 1955, Cadillac only produced the Eldorado in convertible form. Seeking to open up their high-end, more profitable product offering to a larger market, the automaker made the Eldorado in a hardtop version. To differentiate between the two, the new version was designated the Eldorado Seville while the drop-top was called the Eldorado Biarritz.

Those interested in restoring their classic Cadillac should call Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) at (845) 462-5959 to discuss their plans.

Recently Completed 1964 Cadillac Restoration

Completed 1964 Cadillac Eldorado restoration (partial) project.

This well-maintained and low-mileage 1964 Cadillac Eldorado was recently sent back home to its owner in Oregon after some needed work. The classic Cadillac restoration team of Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) was selected to perform the work after the car’s enthusiast owner met the team at the Cadillac & LaSalle Club Grand National Meet in Las Vegas and was able to examine CPR’s work up close and personal.

It was there in Las Vegas where he agreed to send his prized Cadillac across the country to CPR’s Poughkeepsie, NY facility for the project. Along with word-of-mouth recommendations, it’s upon that kind of personal interaction that CPR built its lengthy customer-base in the thirty-five years its team has served the classic Cadillac community.

Those interested in discussing their restoration plans can call CPR at (845) 462-5959. It’s advised that interested parties have high-resolution photos available of the various aspects of their Cadillac for which they seek work. Emailing those photos will give a clearer understanding of the extent of work needed after the initial phone call.

Restored 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

When it comes to Cadillac’s iconic tail fins, most fans of the brand are split between the audacious space-age fins of the 1959 models and the equally towering but sleeker fins from the 1960 model year.

The early 60s represented a turning point for the luxury automaker. Industry-specific economics were changing manufacturing principles and the bold design of the 1959 Cadillac tail fin generated enough internal controversy that set off the toning-down of the design feature, and ultimately, the end of the tail fin era.

However, in 1960 Cadillac reigned supreme as America’s premier luxury automobile. Model offerings varied to appeal to different market segments but the top-of-the-line luxury came in the form of the Eldorado. The Biarritz designation indicated the convertible version of the Eldorado and it is the top-down examples, of which just 1,285 were built, that remain among the most sought-after American classic cars.

Owned by a collector whose nostalgia for tail fin era convertible Cadillacs goes back to

Restored 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

childhood memories of his father’s passion for the brand, The restored 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz pictured is the third full, frame-off Cadillac restoration project he entrusted with the professionals of Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) of Poughkeepsie, NY.

Completely disassembled right down to every nut and bolt, there isn’t a part that hasn’t

Engine bay detail

been repaired, restored, refinished or replaced. Hundreds of hours went into body work and paint alone and it took thousands of hours to complete the project. When finished, the time, effort and decades of Cadillac-specific experience resulted in a stunning restored Cadillac that earns first place awards at prestigious events and doubles as a weekend driver for its enthusiast-owner.

Of the 1,285 originally produced, its likely that only about 300 still remain. That rarity makes a collectible classic but also the low availability of certain parts adds to the restoration expense. If you own a classic Cadillac and seek a correct restoration that will endure, then get your car to CPR.

Cadillac Grille and Bumper Restoration

America’s love affair with classic cars is as strong as it ever was. Prestigious car shows and Concours d’Elegance events attract large rosters of cars entered for judging as well as crowds of attendees willing to pay for the privilege of viewing the pristine restored and original classics.

As passionate as the high-end enthusiasts are, that devotion is matched by the millions of

Restored grille and bumper – 1960 Cadillac Eldorado

classic car owners who derive pleasure from owning and driving their vintage vehicles without investing the time and financial resources needed to compete for trophies. Many of these owners carefully maintain their classics, making sure they run well and look presentable.

As meticulous as they can be about mechanical issues and polishing and waxing the exterior, time and road use takes its toll various components of a decades-old car. The deleterious effects are most obvious on the grilles and bumpers of most older automobiles.

Elaborately designed, these chrome and stainless steel parts are much more than just functional. Great care went into their design to enhance the overall aesthetics of the car and entice buyers in the showroom. Over time, these once bright and shiny elements are exposed to weather, rain, sun, road salt, ice, rocks and bumps from careless drivers. Tarnished, rusted, and dented grilles and bumpers are the result.

No matter how proud a classic car owner is of his prized possession, the enjoyment derived from an attractive and well-cared for classic will suffer from such damage.

Classic Cadillacs are among those vintage automobiles relying on bold chrome bumpers and ornamental front grilles. It’s rare to find a thirty-plus-year-old example that doesn’t have damage to one, or both parts. Many owners cannot afford to restore a Cadillac and many don’t need to. However, their pride of ownership leads to a desire to address such issues.

The Cadillac restoration professionals of Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) have served the classic Cadillac community since 1984 and have had a part in restoring/repairing/preserving thousands of these luxury automobiles. Their experience included expert repair and restoration of these parts. Repairing and re-chroming is just part of the battle, assembling the intricate grilles is time-consuming, tedious and often requires special tools. From disassembly to repair to refinishing to polishing to re-assembly, dozens of hours can go into a grille alone.

Bumpers and bumper ends can require extensive repair and prep work before even being sent to a chrome plater. And when it comes to of that type of expensive service, there few quality providers that will produce the level of work needed and guarantee the results. With costs in the thousands of dollars for even driver quality chrome work, it’s important to ensure the work is done correctly.

Whether you’re a collector with a high-end restored Cadillac or an enthusiast who maintains your own classic Cadillac and derives joy from driving the vehicle, CPR’s Cadillac restoration services are for you. Visit CPR’s website to learn more about their services including Cadillac grille and bumper restoration as well as their history and expertise.

Restoration Project Updates

CPR’s Cadillac restoration facility is always humming with activity and while the cold winter weather moves in, so do newly-arriving restoration projects.

Just gaveled “sold” by a major auction company, this 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz is highly-collectible on its own. However, the factory bucket seats and uncommon “Heather” paint (code 99) bestow almost “unicorn”-like status upon this convertible.

Shipped up from Texas, this classic will undergo an evaluation by CPR’s Cadillac restoration team to better determine condition and immediate/long-term needs. Once that process is complete, the car’s owner will be better able to determine what work he desires based upon his budget.

In general, purchasing cars at auction, particularly those that will sell for six figures, comes with risk. Not being able to extensively examine and drive a vehicle before purchase isn’t an ideal situation, especially for those with little classic car experience or knowledge. It’s always worth it to hire an expert to perform an pre-purchase inspection. Even if the inspector is limited to a visual examination, being able to spot poor-quality work or non-authentic parts will help to avoid costly mistakes.

Another Eldorado Biarritz from the height of Cadillac’s tail fin era is approaching completion by the Cadillac Parts & Restoration team. The Hampton Green 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz (pictured) is another example of the unique and beautiful paint options offered on the top-of-the-line models from America’s premier luxury automaker.

This rare and desirable classic is one of two 1959 Biarritz projects its owner sent to CPR’s Poughkeepsie, NY restoration facility. Both cars had previously been to another “restorer.” However, the work quality was sub-standard and resulted in a lot of wasted time and money, not to mention unnecessary frustration. This example highlights the importance of research and due diligence in selecting a restoration provider. Always seek references from reliable sources and make sure to visit the facility to see firsthand both the quality of work performed there and the cleanliness/conditions under which the work will be performed.

A recent departure from CPR’s classic Cadillac restoration shop is this 1964 Cadillac Eldorado. The owner of this low-mileage, original example met the CPR team at the Cadillac & LaSalle Club Grand National Meet in Las Vegas. After seeing a few examples of CPR’s work displayed for the notoriously stringent judging, and having an opportunity to speak at length about his classic Cadillac and his desires, he made the decision to ship his beloved car from the west coast and across the country to New York’s Hudson Valley so Cadillac Parts & Restoration could address the issues he found important.

Being able to examine CPR’s work up close was invaluable to this Cadillac owner’s decision-making process. Cross-country transport alone costs thousands of dollars. But the peace of mind offered by using an experienced and reputable restoration provider makes that cost an investment rather than just an expense. While not a full restoration, CPR’s team puts every bit of their experience and attention-to-detail to work no matter the extent of the project.

Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) is located in Poughkeepsie, NY. Easily accessible to Cadillac owners in New England and points north, as well as New York City and points south, those interested in restoration services can call (845) 462-5959 to discuss their project and schedule an appointment to visit and tour the shop. Visit CPR’s website.

Cadillac Parts & Restoration

Classic Cadillac Restoration Since 1984

With small and humble beginnings as FEN Enterprises, a mail-order classic Cadillac parts supplier, it wasn’t long before the mom and pop business expanded into the Cadillac restoration end of the industry. Thanks to careful and accurate work and attention to detail, the small business made a big splash and rapidly gained a reputation as one of the premier restorers in the world.

One project that played a prominent role in establishing FEN’s reputation was a 1955 Cadillac Eldorado restoration that due to the many challenges experienced became

1955 Cadillac Restoration

known affectionately as “Bad Girl.”

The brilliant red convertible earned accolades in the classic Cadillac community was selected to be driven over a closed Brooklyn Bridge by Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones to open their Bridges to Babylon world tour. The event was televised live, around the planet, by MTV.

The team’s restored Cadillacs become regular fixtures at the prestigious Cadillac & LaSalle Club and Antique Automobile Club of America meets where their customers’ classic Cadillacs earned many First Place awards after undergoing famously stringent judging.

About six years ago, the business underwent a re-branding. While the team remained,

Cadillac Parts & Restoration

FEN Enterprises gave way to Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR). The Cadillac restoration facility moved into a brand new location in Poughkeepsie, NY and a new chapter began. In the ensuing years, loyal customers remained and a new clientele drove or shipped their classic Cadillacs to CPR.

The restoration projects completed at the new location include: a 1950 Cadillac (restomod); 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz (2); 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz; 1961 Cadillac convertible; 1972 Cadillac Coupe De Ville.

Also passing under CPR’s overhead doors are many classic Cadillacs that visited for partial restoration work as well as vital maintenance and repair work.

CPR’s new location is conveniently-located in Poughkeepsie, NY and is easily reachable for those in New England and points north as well as New York City and points south. Those interested in inquiring about restoration/maintenance/repair work can call (845) 462-5959. Please note: no walk-in visits, appointments only. Visit www.cprforyourcar.com to learn more.

1958 Cadillac Eldorado Seville

CPR’s Cadillac Restoration Services

Known for their award-winning full, frame-off Cadillac restoration projects, the Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) team loves nothing more than when a 60 year-old classic

Cadillac Parts and Restoration

drives, rolls, or is sometimes dragged through their over head doors to begin a complete tear-down before restoring her to similar condition as when she left the dealer showroom.

The restoration process, removing, restoring/repairing/replacing every part right down to the nuts and bolts frequently takes up to eighteen months. It’s a long and laborious process that requires skill, care and experience. But the final result is a correctly-restored classic Cadillac that will stand the test of time.

For those not seeking a concours-level car, or those without the budget, CPR offers an array of Cadillac restoration services that can address any area that needs attention. From mechanical to brakes/suspension to upholstery, paint and convertible tops, they can do it all. Hemmings Motor News even published an article detailing their Cadillac Sabre wheel restoration services.

It’s important to know that restoring a Cadillac, even just a partial job, can be more

Cadillac Grille Restoration

expensive than some other makes. The sheer size of the cars alone translates into more hours and materials on items like bodywork and paint. Restoration of the cavernous interior with its intricate upholstery details will require more leather and more time to complete the project.

When you delve into the more exclusive, lower-production models, the price will certainly escalate. For 1959, Cadillac produced just 1,320 examples of its Eldorado Biarritz. Sixty years later it’s estimated that just 300-400 remain in existence. Having virtually no parts cars left to pull from means that much more extensive and expensive work will have to be performed. Body panels that would ordinarily be replaced must be repaired and fabrication becomes more commonplace. Stainless steel trim pieces exclusive to the high end models become quite scarce and a seller can pretty much name their price for such items.

Classic Cadillac owners in search of restoration services, full, partial or even maintenance and repair can call CPR at (845) 462-5959. High resolution photos of areas in need of attention are very helpful in determining the best course of action. Of course, it’s impossible to give accurate quotes over the phone or by looking at photos so, when  possible, an appointment to bring the car in for inspection is strongly-recommended.

Cadillac Parts & Restoration is located in Poughkeepsie, NY and is easily-reached by those in New England and points north as well as New York City and points south. Interested parties can learn more by visiting their website at www.cprforyourcar.com.

Restored Cadillac Photos

Completed by Cadillac Parts & Restoration

1936 Cadillac V8

1936 Cadillac Restoration by CPR

1950 Cadillac Restomod/Restoration

1950 Cadillac convertible restomod completed by Cadillac Parts & Restoration

1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

Restored 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

1959 Cadillac Restoration

1959 Cadillac restored by CPR’s classic Cadillac restoration experts

1972 Cadillac Restoration

1972 Cadillac restoration project by CPR

 

Cadillac Restoration Resources

Considering Restoring Your Cadillac?

For those seeking to restore a classic car for the first time, and particularly those

Cadillac Parts & Restoration

exploring their first Cadillac restoration projects, Cadillac Parts & Restoration (CPR) has a wealth of articles available online.

With thirty-five years of service to the classic Cadillac community, the CPR team has the experience, skill and Cadillac-specific knowledge to perform a correct restoration that will stand the test of time. Low manufacturing numbers, a wealth of options, and scarcity of parts make these types of restoration projects challenging, even for experienced restorers.

For example, Cadillac produced just 1,320 units of its top-of-the-line luxury Eldorado

Iconic 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

Biarritz model for 1959. It’s estimated that between just three hundred and four hundred remain. A limited number of originally produced parts make certain items notoriously difficult to locate and quite expensive if successful.

That’s where CPR’s specific knowledge is invaluable. From difficult to find trim pieces to correct color and grain upholstery and leather, decades of experience makes the difference between an authentically restored Cadillac and one that will lose points when scrutinized by knowledgeable judges and appraisers.

Cadillac Parts & Restoration maintains a Medium channel on which they have a collection of informative articles detailing their Cadillac restoration projects and history. A popular article on that page is one that details a selection of their restored Cadillacs with background and plenty of eye-popping photos.

Understanding the history of a business you plan on working with is critical and Hudson Valley magazine wrote an informative article about the company and its founder, Elsa Mauer Nicodemus, who they dubbed the Cadillac Queen (link to article).

Hemmings Motor News is widely considered to be the bible of the collector car industry and the CPR team has been there “go-to” source when writing articles about classic Cadillac. Here’s just one example which happens to be a feature article about their classic Cadillac restoration team.

The best resource, of course, is CPR’s website www.cprforyourcar.com where you can gain more specific information. Those interested in contacting the Poughkeepsie, NY based restorer can call (845) 462-5959 to make inquiries and appointments to visit their facility (please, no walk-ins).