1955 Cadillac Eldorado Sport Convertible Coupe

The Cadillac Eldorado, like its sister - the Buick Skylark and the Oldsmobile Fiesta, was shown to the public at GM's Motorama in 1953 as a limited-production convertible available for a high price and produced in limited numbers. Over the years, the price was lowered and the quantity was increased and losing some of its 'custom' as compared to the original 1953. The rest of the Cadillac lineup was given modest changes while the 1955 Eldorado received new rear styling. This was the first production Cadillac to use the rocket-ship tailfins seen earlier on the La Espada and El Camino Motorama show cars. The tail fins would eventually appear on all Cadillac models, starting in 1958. At the base of the long tailfins, the round brake, turn signal, and backup lights were paired in clusters.

Powering the Eldorados was a high-performance, 331 cubic-inch, V8 engine offering 270 horsepower through two 4-barrel carburetors while breathing through a gold-painted batwing air cleaner. New 'Sabre Spoke' wheels appeared for the first time, highlighted by rear wheel openings without fender skirts.

The 1955 Cadillacs were introduced in November of 1954, once again setting a new production record of 140,777 units, of which 3,950 were the Eldorado Convertible. Before options, the Eldorado had a base price of $5,814.

This Eldorado Biarritz Convertible has been given a total restoration to factory specification which was completed in the 2010s. It is finished in Bahama Blue and is equipped with a white power-operated top and a newly installed contrasting blue and white leather interior. It has power steering, power brakes, power windows, a power seat, and a power top (all standard equipment).

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2013