Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 124
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Chassis no. 59E017880
Sold for US$162,400 inc. premium
Lot 124
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
Chassis no. 59E017880
Chassis no. 59E017880
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
*One of only 1,320 examples produced
*Handsomely presented in Argyle Blue over White leather
*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
*Well optioned with air conditioning, EZ Eye Glass, and Autronic Eye
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 exceeding 120 mph and 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 superb overhead valve V8, very much the industry trendsetter at its 1949 introduction, had matured very well. Displacement increased to 390 cubic inches and 10.5 to 1 compression, resulting in a healthy 325 bhp output. With three carburetors, the Q-code Eldorado engine had a 20 bhp advantage. 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, America's 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. Among all 1959 Cadillacs, 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
Looking splendid in its original shade of Argyle Blue over White leather upholstery, this 1959 Eldorado Biarritz ticks all the boxes for fans of Cadillac's 50s icon. It is one of just 1,320 examples of the flamboyant Biarritz produced and this car came equipped from new with desirable options including factory air conditioning, Wonderbar radio, matching 'parade boot,' EZ-Eye tinted glass, and Autronic Eye auto-dimming lights. As with all Biarritz models, this car also came equipped with factory air suspension, but it has been subsequently converted to conventional springs – a widely accepted modification to improve reliability and usability.
The accompanying Cadillac production ledger confirms this car was delivered new to Chicago, finished in Argyle Blue over white leather upholstery with a white top – as it is presented here. The engine was reportedly rebuilt during the car's 1980s restoration, though no documentation is available to detail the rebuild. The super OHV V8 engine retains its proper tri-carb setup and air conditioning and is backed by a proper Hydra-Matic transmission. It is reported that the previous owners kept this Caddy in their care for some 40 years, before it was acquired by the consignor in 2021. It has been well tended to during the current owner's tenure. In addition to the build record, the car also includes an owner's manual, service manual, and photo album.
The Eldorado Biarritz is much sought after not only for its flamboyant design, but also for its renowned quality and performance – representing the high-water mark for Cadillac in the post-war era.
Additional information
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