Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 128
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Chassis no. 59E101397
Sold for US$235,200 inc. premium
Lot 128
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
Chassis no. 59E101397
Chassis no. 59E101397
390ci OHV V-8 Engine
Three 2-Barrel Carburetors
345bhp at 4,800rpm
4-Speed Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Power Drum Brakes
*Documented 'one of one' in this color and spec
*Celebrity owned
*Stunning Kensington Green over White upholstery
*One of the most prestigious American cars of all time
*Well maintained older restoration
*Highly sought-after model
*Powerful, fast, and a breathtaking display of 50s extravagance
*One of just 99 cars with desirable bucket seats
THE 1959 ELDORADO BIARRITZ
Undeniable in its presence as two-and-a-half tons of American steel and chrome, the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible was – and remains – a bold statement of success. Capable of speeds in excess of 120 mph with fins four feet long it is difficult not to be noticed in the 'Eldo, and that is exactly what Cadillac intended. The story of the revamped General Motors lineup is well known. A sneak peek at Chrysler's radical 1957 lineup convinced GM bosses that their planned '59 cars would be left in the dust, so a crash program was instituted for a corporate-wide revamp. All five car lines got new bodies, Cadillac's, with its long fins sprouting 15-inches from the fender line and quad rocket-booster taillights, being the most dramatic.
Under the skin, however, changes were much more modest. Cadillac's overhead valve V8, very much the industry trendsetter at its 1949 introduction, had matured very well. A displacement increase to 390 cubic inches and 10.5 to 1 compression resulted in 325 bhp. With three carburetors, the Eldorado engine made 20 bhp more and could be had in other models as an option. As befit a luxury car, Hydra-Matic transmission, power steering and power brakes were standard; for convertibles power windows and two-way power seat were included as well. Air suspension, the great hope of 1958, was on the wane and few cars were so equipped.
By the time 1959 was over, however, that unbridled optimism was waning, so for 1960 Cadillac's tall tailfins were trimmed, becoming vestigial blades by 1961. Model year sales for 1959 and 1960 held steady around 142,000, a big increase from the recession year of 1958, but nothing like the levels that the late sixties would bring. But like the 1957 Chevy, whose greater fame came once it entered the collector realm, the 1959 Cadillac is today the much-preferred model.
Within the 1959 Cadillac population, convertibles are naturally the most sought after, and of course the flagship Eldorado Biarritz sits proudly at the top of that tree.
THE CAR OFFERED
One of the crown jewels of the Clive and Janet Cussler Scottsdale collection, this 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible is documented as the only example delivered in Kensington Green with White interior and the rare optional front bucket seats. The 390cid V8 is topped with not one, not two, but three two-barrel Rochester carburetors, resulting in a shocking 345bhp, which pairs to a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission as standard equipment. A closer look at the trim tag shows "SO," revealing this as a Special-Order car.
Documentation from the GM Media Archive and Cadillac Historical Society further backs the evidence that the Cussler Caddy is truly a one of one example in its gorgeous Kensington Green exterior with white convertible top, white interior and green carpet – an absolutely stunning combination.
Color Code 36 is indicated on both the trim tag and build sheet. This car also features the rare no-cost bucket seat option that Cadillac made available for the Biarritz, making this one of just 99 Eldorados from 1959 so equipped. Standard features include a factory heater, fog lamps, and AM radio with a rear speaker, and technology was nearly as abundant as the chrome in a Biarritz with power windows, power door locks, power convertible top and the amazing Autronic Eye system which senses oncoming lights and automatically dims the high beams. The options continue with six-way power front seats, white wall tires, vent windows and trunk release with assisted pull- down.
When Clive and Janet purchased this car in 2017 Clive said "I got the car of my dreams" which speaks volumes considering the rest of his remarkable collection. The 1959 Cadillac is a staple for every iconic collection, and this rare and breathtaking Emerald from the Valley of the Sun is quite honestly the one to own.
Footnotes
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