The influence of aviation on GM styling began in the late 1940's with the appearance of P-38 tail fins on the 1948 Cadillacs. By 1959, airplanes had been replaced by rockets and their influence is clearly seen in this Cadillac Eldorado Biaritz convertible, boasting the tallest tail fin ever seen on a production vehicle, standing 45 inches tall. Powered by a modified version of the 390 CID V-8 found in all Cadillac's of the time, the Eldorado got a boost in power from three-two-barrel carburetors to deliver 345 horsepower. This kind of power would propel these 5,000 pound land rockets to a comfortable 130 mph top speed. Equipped with a long list of standard equipment not available as options on other cars, the Biaritz delivered luxury features such as air suspension, power vent windows, antenna and more to make this car the center of attention wherever it would go.
Eldorado is a French resort town on the Bay of Biscayne, north of the Spanish border. The Eldorado Biarritz Convertible, introduced in 1953, was the top-of-the-line prestige vehicle in the Cadillac line. The 1959 Cadillac was an all-new car and its towering tailfins have made this flamboyant Caddy one of the best-known icons of the 1950's. The Eldorado added to this sensational shape with unique sweeping chrome trim that decorated the side of the car. The 1959 Biarritz was a limited-production car - only 1,320 were built. This Eldorado is one of 99 with the optional front bucket seats. Powertrain specifications include a 390 cubic-inch, 345 horsepower V8 with triple two-barrel carburetors and a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.
This particular example was awarded an AACA Senior National First Prize in 1992. Since new it has been treated to a complete body-off frame restoration and well preserved since that time. It has traveled a mere 527 miles since the restoration and is finished in Persian Sand with a white power-operated convertible top. The interior is white leather upholstery with dark red carpeting. In 2008 this 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible was brought to RM Auctions' Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook. It was estimated to sell for $180,000-$230,000. A high bid of $231,000 including buyer's premium was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.
The Harley Earl designed Cadillac Series 62 De Ville was a very large vehicle that featured a large, 6,390 cc (390 cubic inch) V-8 engine. The back had large fins that did little for performance and handling but was all about the style of the vehicle. The design of the vehicle was inspired by the space program and the era of jet engines. The large, 4400 lb car was fitted with drum brakes. These often wore out quickly. If a U-turn needed to be made, the driver would need a parking lot. The turning radius was 24 feet. For more information and related vehicles, click here© 1998-2009. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The car was a luxury vehicle that could carry six individuals comfortably. The car was a convertible with the top being raised and lowered automatically. The interior had electrical gauges. The head lights would turn on at dusk and were also capable of switching from high beam to low beam when they sensed oncoming traffic. In total, there were eight lights on the front of the vehicle. The four on the top were the driving lights while the lights mounted on the bumper were the parking lamps. To add to the driving comfort, air suspension was used. This aided in providing a very soft ride but there was significant body roll when cornering. With the V8, it was capable of creeping to sixty in 11 seconds. This reinforced the notion that this Cadillac was built for comfort and not for speed. The drivers enjoyed the ride and they looked good cruising along, enjoying the large open road. |
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Automobile information, history, and specifications from concept to production. | © 1998-2009 Conceptcarz.com
subscribe - RSSAutomobile information, history, and specifications from concept to production. | © 1998-2009 Conceptcarz.com