1957 Cadillac Series 62 Eldorado Special Biarritz Convertible

1953 was General Motors' 50th anniversary and they celebrated with the introduction of the Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Fiesta, and the Cadillac Eldorado. These cars were designed to showcase the 'forward-thinking' theme. The Eldorado quickly became a highly sought-after vehicle and by 1957 it was offered in both two- and four-door Seville Hardtop and Biarritz Convertible variants. Their designs were heightened with their space-age influences and their extravagant pointed fins in the rear. There were only 1,800 produced and offered at a base price of $7,286.

This vehicle was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000. The lot was offered without reserve. In its current ownership, the car has resided in California. It is finished in Lake Placid Blue with a red interior. There are a white canvas convertible top and whitewall tires on saber-style wheels. It was ordered from the factory with power brakes, power steering, radio, and power seats. It is powered by a 365 cubic-inch V8 engine with two four-barrel carburetors and an available 325 horsepower. There is a three-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. At the auction, the lot was sold for $57,200 including the buyer's premium.

The name 'Biarritz' was termed after the Basque resort town which is appropriate for these leisurely top-down cruisers fitted with amenities fit for grand luxury.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007