1958 Cadillac Series 62

The mid-1950s witnessed many American automakers shedding their stodgy designs as they embraced more youthful appearances. The space race was in full swing, and rock-n-roll was beginning to get attention from the nation's youth. Television classics like Perry Mason, Leave It to Beaver, the Donna Reed Show and a western called Wagon Train, were all in their first season.

The cars became longer, lower, wider, and more extravagant than anything ever seen before. Jet-inspired fins began to grow far beyond anyone's imagination, matched by the heavy use of chrome trim and interiors fitted with a plethora of gadgetry and creature comforts. Performance milestones were set as the industry ushered in a host of all-new V8 engines.

Riding on the very pinnacle of this era of extravagance was the 1958 Cadillac, taking beautifully styled luxury to the next level. Being the 50th anniversary of GM, 1958 would be a banner year in terms of design and both standard and optional equipment.

1958 Cadillac
The 1958 Cadillac vehicles were streamlined and had a lengthy stance, topped by growing tailfins and plenty of chrome work. The Series 62 line was offered in a plethora of body styles, catering to the vast needs of its clientele. The generous 129.5-inch wheelbase platform could be purchased in convertible, sedan, and two-door configurations, including the Eldorado in both Biarritz convertible and Seville hardtop body styles.

The 1958 Cadillac Series 62 was essentially a carry-over design from 1957 but gained new dual headlights, revised trim pieces, and slightly smaller tailfins grew out of hand-formed rounded quarter panels. In the front was a new grille with multiple round 'spears', and the word Cadillac appeared in block letters on the fins of the base models. Body styles included a convertible coupe, a coupe DeVille, a hardtop coupe, and several sedans. The Eldorado Special included the hardtop coupe Seville, the Biarritz convertible, and the Eldorado coupe. Pricing ranged from $4,890 to $7,500.

The 364 cubic-inch V8 engine used hydraulic lifters and a Rochester four-barrel downdraft carburetor to produce 310 horsepower (an increase of 10 hp over the previous year) and 405 lb-ft of torque. The engine was backed by a Hydra-Matic transmission, and there were four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes.

The Cadillac Series 62 was offered in a vast array of colors, options, and amenities. Standard equipment included power steering, power brakes, vanity mirror, outside rearview mirror, two-speed windshield wipers, and wheel discs. Convertibles came with a two-way power seat. Four-window, six-window, and sedan body styles had plain fender skirts used to cover the rear wheels.

The total production of the Series 62 Hardtop Coupe reached 18,736 units, while the convertible coupe accounted for 7,825 sales. The total sedan production brought in 77,216 sales. The Eldorado Special hardtop coupe accounted for 855 sales, the Biarritz Convertible found 815 willing buyers, and a single special Eldorado Coupe was built.

1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
Measuring in at 223.4-inches long, the Eldorado Biarritz Convertible made a statement with its imposing front bumper, twin front fender-mounted chrome stabilizers, styled rear fins, and sloping rear deck. There were ten vertical chevron slashes instead of five horizontal 'Windsplits' in front of the rear wheel openings, and sculptured 'beauty panels' in place of the rear chrome moldings. Small tail lights rested below the fins and above the wraparound rear bumper. In gold-tone metal was a large 'V' and the word 'Eldorado' spelled out. Gold-tone metal was also used for the 'Biarritz' logo resting on the side of the tail fin.

Standard equipment included power windows, six-way seats, Pre-Selector radio, fitted heating/ventilation systems, power steering and power brakes. Air Ride suspension, EZ-Eye tinted glass, Autronic Eye headlamp equipment, Cadillac Fog Lamp upgrade and factory air conditioning were part of the options list.

The 365 cubic-inch V8 engine lurking beneath the hood was one of the most powerful stock engines on the market, topped with a trio of two-barrel carburetors and delivering 335 horsepower.

Convertible production consisted of 7,825 standard ones and 815 Eldorado Biarritzes.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2020