1956 Cadillac Series 62

General Motors' top-of-the-line Cadillac Division was rightly advertised as the 'Standard of the World,' having reached the summit of America's fine car market during 1947 when it outsold its archrival Packard by nearly 11,000 units. A year later, Cadillac sales reached nearly 96,000 units with orders awaiting fulfillment. This success and enthusiasm for the Cadillac models were fueled by the stylistic talents of GM Design Chief Harley Earl and his team, and the new-for-1948 body designs inspired by Earl's fascination with the futuristic shape of Lockheed's P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft of World War II fame. The 1948 models hold the distinction of being Cadillac's first application of tailfins, which remained a hallmark of GM's luxury division for over a dozen years.

The captivating designs were equally matched by its engineering prowess, led by a powerful new overhead-valve V-8 engine introduced in 1949. Initially displacing 331 cubic inches and offering 160 horsepower, the new Cadillac V-8 was highly efficient, quiet in operation, and compact. By the mid-1950s, the engine had grown to a 365 cubic-inch displacement and offered between 285 and 305 horsepower depending on the setup.

During the early 1950s, the General Motors division promoted its vehicles and futuristic endeavors with the lavish Motorama traveling shows. In 1952, Cadillac introduced its daring El Dorado Golden Anniversary concept convertible, and little changed by the time it was put into production for 1953 as the Series 62 model. Early that year, the fame of the Eldorado nameplate was taken to new heights with its high-profile use in transporting U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower to his inaugural ceremonies.

The Eldorado model of the 1950s includes the Eldorado Seville, a two-door hardtop, and the Biarritz, a convertible named after the French seaside town on the Bay of Biscay. The Biarritz was a paragon of style and a halo car for the marque, while the more practical closed vehicles ensured Cadillac's sales success within the automobile marketplace.

On October 24th of 1955, Cadillac introduced its new Series 62 Sedan DeVille four-door hardtop and the top-line Eldorado Seville two-door hardtop, nearly a month before the rest of its models debuted for 1956.

For 1956 the Cadillac Series 62 was restyled, with changes appearing throughout the vehicle. A new grille could now be found in the front and repositioned bumper lights now resting within the bumper. The Eldorado series of the Model 62 line-up consisted of a two-door Hardtop Coupe Seville and the convertible Biarritz. Both had two doors and seating for six. The base price was well above the regular Series 62, costing a hefty $6,500. The base Series 62, in comparison, cost $4150. A total of 3,900 buyers selected the Eldorado Hardtop Coupe Seville and 2,150 purchased the Eldorado Convertible Biarritz. The most popular body style in the Series 62 lineup was the four-door Sedan DeVille which saw 41,732 examples produced.

Several of the styling cues previewed at the GM Motorama shows were placed into production. The El Camino and La Espada show cars of the 1954 Motorama season had a profound effect on the 1956 Eldorado's style and contributed to its angled 'gullwing' front bumpers and angular tailfins. The quad headlamps were used on the Eldorado Brougham four-door hardtop show car in 1955, and by 1958, had become available on most automobile manufacturers' option lists. The 1957 Eldorado Brougham was one of the first American production cars to be equipped with quad headlamps, which - at the time - were not legal in all fifty states.

The Cadillac V-8 engine received its first displacement increase to 365 cubic inches by 1956 and horsepower rose to 285 for the standard Cadillac lines. The Eldorado models received a tuned version that added dual Carter four-barrel carburetors bringing horsepower to 305. The engine was backed by GM's Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission that benefited from improvements developed at a cost of $35 million. These well-equipped vehicles came with many standard features including a six-way power front seat and power-operated windows.

Despite the rather steep price tag, the demand for Cadillacs was strong and the company moved from 10th to 9th position in American sales rankings for 1956. While Cadillac prospered, helped along by the financial resources of General Motors, several other luxury brands were suffering, including Packard, as the swift pace of mechanical innovations and rapidly evolving styles was too great. To meet demand, Cadillac purchased the former Hudson plant in Detroit's east end on August 5th of 1956.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan

Proclaimed by Cadillac in 1956 as 'the most inspiring motor cars the world has ever seen', the increased 56 range of models included: the Sixty Special sedan, Sixty-Two coupe, Sixty-Tow Coupe de Ville, Sixty-Two Sedan de Ville Cadillac's first four-door hardtop and an instant sensation. Sixty-two sedan, Sixty-two convertible, Eldorado Biarritz convertible, Eldorado Seville coupe (new for 1956), and the Series Seventy-Five limousine.

The engine is Cadillac's famous overhead valve V8 with a high compression ratio of 9.7:1, 356 cubic-inch displacement, and producing 285 horsepower.

This Harley Earl-designed Cadillac is painted its original color of 'Duchess Green.'

Eldorado Hardtop Coupe Seville

This 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Seville 2-Door Hardtop Coupe is one of only 3,900 examples produced in 1956. These were very exclusive vehicles, as their $6,500 price tag made them over $2,000 more expensive than the base Series 62 model. As expected, the Series 62 Eldorado's were well appointed and fitted with nearly every standard feature available. Fitted with a 365 cubic-inch V8 engine, the Eldorado's had over 300 horsepower at their disposal.

by Dan Vaughan

Eldorado Convertible Biarritz
Chassis number: 5662094656

The current owner of this car purchased it in 2004 from the wife of the first owner, who had left it parked in the garage after her husband passed away in the late 1980s. This brilliant example is a numbers-matching car with only 64,643 miles believed to be original. The current owner gave the car a thorough restoration from the top to bottom. The engine and its surrounding areas have been extensively detailed. The block and rocker covers are finished in Cadillac Gold while other components are black. The 305 bhp V-8 is fed by two four-barrel carburetors topped by a correct 'batwing' air cleaner. A three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission delivers the power and a new wiring harness has been carefully installed. The undercarriage has an as-new appearance with refinished floorboards, frame and driveline components.

There is a white convertible top and a metal 'parade boot.' The black and white leather upholstery has been restored to the original patterns and the other interior details include a refinished steering wheel and correct, precisely-fitted carpeting throughout the cabin. Authentic trunk fabric has also been installed with side panels to match. The chrome and stainless steel bright-work has been renovated to as-new condition. There are original anodized-gold 'Sabre Spoke' wheels and period-correct wide whitewall tires. There is precisely-fitted carpeting throughout the cabin. Authentic trunk fabric has also been installed with side panels to match.

Power accessories and luxury options included with this car are power steering, power brakes, power windows, top and seats, as well as a signal-seeking radio and climate control system.

In 2010, this Eldorado Biarritz Convertible was offered for sale at Gooding & Company Auction held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was estimated to sell for $140,000 - $160,000. As bidding came to a close, bidding had reached $115,000 but was not enough to satisfy the car's reserve. It would leave unsold.

by Dan Vaughan

Eldorado Convertible Biarritz
Chassis number: 5662009752

The Cadillac Eldorado came with a list of nearly 30 standard features, including electric window lifts, fog lamps, a six-way power front seat, power brakes, power steering and a multitude of comfort and convenience items. This example is equipped with a Wonderbar AM radio, an optional remote-control trunk release, a Continental spare tire kit, wide whitewall tires and a very rare set of gold-finished 'Sabre-Spoke' wheels.

This car has been given a restoration and covered about 1,000 miles since that time.

In 2010, this Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible was offered for sale at RM Auctions 'Automobiles of Amelia Island' sale in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was estimated to sell for $115,000-$145,000. As bidding came to a close, the car has been sold for the sum of $88,000, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe

This Cadillac Series 62 Convertible Coupe was originally sold to a couple in Detroit, MI at a cost of $5,550. It still has the original build sheet, owner's manual, and accessory booklet.

1956 was a banner year for Cadillac with over 150,000 units sold, including 8,300 Series 62 convertibles. The Series 62 was powered by a 365 cubic-inch V8 engine offering 285 horsepower and coupled to a new four-speed Hydramatic transmission. It had a 129 inch wheelbase and weighed 4,665 pounds.

by Dan Vaughan

Eldorado Hardtop Coupe Seville

The Eldorado was the flagship of the Cadillac division. It was luxurious, sporty, personal and elegant. The 1956 model year was the first time Eldorado buyers could opt for a hardtop or a convertible. This proved to be quite popular, giving Cadillac its highest Eldorado production thru the 1950s and 1960s.

A key element giving the Eldorado its sporting style was special quarter panels with open wheel wells that had aluminum wheels that were standard with the Eldorado along with a more pronounced fin and unique tail lights. The hardtop model had a vinyl top that was new and uncommon in 1956. Powering the Eldorado was a new 365 cubic-inch, 305 horsepower engine, with two four-barrel carburetors. A new Hydra-Matic transmission provided smooth shifting. Many optional equipment features were included in the Eldorado and the base price was $6,556. Air conditioning was optional and put the price tag over $7,000.

This example has been newly restored by the owner. The color of the car is Chantilly Maroon.

Eldorado Hardtop Coupe Seville

From its introduction in 1953, the Eldorado model was a convertible. In 1956, a coupe was added. The convertible was marketed as the Eldorado Biarritz and the coupe as the Eldorado Seville.

The Eldorado's rear bodywork was unique, featuring sharper fins than the other Cadillac series and bullet-style taillights housed in jet-like fender protrusions. The Eldorado engine was a cut above other Cadillac engines: its 365 cubic-inch V-8 was equipped with twin four-barrel carburetors and produced 305 horsepower, 20 horsepower more than 'conventional' Cadillacs.

The introduction of the Cadillac Eldorado Seville coupe proved to be a marketing success for Cadillac, outselling the convertible by a two-to-one margin.

Eldorado Hardtop Coupe Seville
Chassis number: 5662049420

The newly elected President, Dwight Eisenhower, rode down Pennsylvania Avenue in January of 1953 in a luxury convertible called the Cadillac Eldorado, giving many Americans their first glimpse of the new car. Over the next three years, the Eldorado would reign as the highest-priced domestic car on the market, and it was only available as a convertible. In 1956, that changed, with the introduction of the Seville hardtop. It was based on the Coupe de Ville but fitted with additional luxury accouterments. It had power steering, brakes, windows, and seats, along with a powered radio antenna. In the front was a specially anodized golden grille that was available at no extra cost, as were the unique Sabre wheels, available in polished aluminum or in gold tone, either available at no extra cost. One of the few options available for purchase was air-conditioning, which was a $538 option on top of the $6,711 base price. The interiors were appointed in all leather, however, fabric inserts were available for the Seville. Power was supplied from the special Eldorado engine, fitted with dual four-barrel carburetors rated at 305 HP.

This particular example is finished in its original Bahama Blue, with a white Vicodee fabric roof. It has optional air conditioning, the less flamboyant golden grille, and gold-tone Sabre wheels. The interior is finished in two-tone blue and gray leather. Currently, the vehicle has just under 34,100 miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Eldorado Convertible Biarritz

This Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible is one of 2,150 examples built. It is a single-family-owned car and was sold new in San Francisco California. It is highly original with one repaint in the original color of Sonic Blue. It has the original two-tone Blue with a White interior and white soft top. The engine is a 365 cubic-inch V-8 engine fitted with two 4-barrel carburetors and mated to an automatic transmission. There is a Batwing air cleaner, power steering, power brakes, power convertible top, power windows, AM radio, dash clock, and chrome Sabre wheels.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe DeVille

This restored 1956 Coupe de Ville was originally purchased by the current owner's grandmother on March 19, 1956. It was bought at S. Rund Motors in Detroit, Michigan for $4,700 cash. When the current owner first saw the new Cadillac, it was love at first sight and the car was saved for him. Over the years, a complete restoration of the 21,000-mile Coupe de Ville was completed The 1956 Cadillacs continued with the very successful styling introduced in 1954. Minor revisions included a new grille with a finer textured insert (in standard satin or optional gold), repositioned parking lamps, and 'speed lines' along the lower rear fenders. The Coupe de Ville was now the best-selling Cadillac model, although the new-for-1956 Sedan de Ville four-door hardtop was also very popular. Cadillac's V8 engine was boosted to 365 cubic inches and a smoother-shifting 4-speed Hydra-Matic was also featured.

Eldorado Convertible Biarritz

This 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz is a two-door convertible driven by a 365 cubic-inch 305 horsepower V8 with two four-barrel carburetors. The car has been completely restored to its original condition.

Eldorado Convertible Biarritz
Chassis number: 566273179

Both the Eldorado Biarritz and the new Seville two-door Hardtop Coupe introduced in 1956 took their names from European cities. The Biarritz was a fashionable French seaside resort, and Seville a fabled old city in Spain. The very well-equipped Biarritz cam with power steering, power convertible top, power brakes, power windows, power antenna, and four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmissions. They wore a shark fin rear end, chrome door top trim, a distinctive twin-blade hood ornament, and skirt-less wheel openings. The 305 horsepower produced by the 365 cubic-inch V8 engine was 20 more than other Cadillacs thanks to twin four-barrel carburetors under a unique gold 'batwing' air cleaner. Production remained exclusive, guaranteed by its $6,556 price tag which was nearly $1,800 more than the lesser Series 62 Convertible.

This particular example was given a ground-up restoration approximately two decades ago, in the early 2000s. It is finished in cream over a tan leather interior and has a tan canvas convertible top. Original optional accessories include a signal-seeking AM radio, EZ Eye glass, and Autronic Eye.

by Dan Vaughan

Eldorado Hardtop Coupe Seville
Chassis number: 5662096545

This 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Seville Coupe has 68,000 miles on its odometer. It wears its original color of Mountain Laurel Pink with a black Vicodec top. 1956 was the only year for the Vicodec synthetic roof. Power is from the same engine as found in the Eldorado Brougham - a 305 horsepower unit with dual quad Rochester carburetors and a 365 cubic-inch displacement size.

This Cadillac was once owned by actress and director, Merrie Lynn Ross. She starred in or directed 35 films/TV episodes.

by Dan Vaughan

Eldorado Hardtop Coupe Seville
Chassis number: 5662046837

This 1956 Cadillac is one of approximately 3,900 Eldorado Sevilles produced for 1956. It is powered by a 365 cubic-inch V8 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors and delivers 305 horsepower. There is an automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power windows, 6-way power seats, AUtronic Eye, and factory air conditioning. There are back-up lights, a heater and defroster, an in-dash clock, rear air vents, a power trunk release, and an optional Gold grille. It rides on gold cast Sabre-spoke wheels wrapped with new tires. Additional new equipment includes a new power brake booster, new automatic transmission seals and gaskets, a new exhaust, a new battery, new oil pan gaskets, and new foam in front and rear seating area.

This Cadillac Seville has its original red paint and a red and white bench seat interior.

by Dan Vaughan

Eldorado Convertible Biarritz
Engine number: 5662053778

The Cadillac Eldorado Convertible was renamed as the Eldorado Biarritz for 1956 to help differentiate it from the new Seville two-door Hardtop Coupe. Styling elements included skirt-less wheel openings, a shark-fin rear end, twin blad hood ornament, Sabre wheels, and chrome door top trim. Standard amenities included a power convertible top, a power antenna, power windows, power steering, power brakes, and a four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission.

This particular example was delivered new in Los Angeles and first registered on August 15, 1956, to the Forson family of Santa Susana, California. The June 11, 1956 edition of Automotive News ran an article declaring Cadillac's One-Millionth Postwar Car. Thus, this may be the one-millionth Cadillac produced postwar (after 1945). Prominently featured on the dash is a unique, gold plaque with the inscription 'One Millionth.'

This 1956 Eldorado was one of the few examples that left the factory with every possible option including air conditioning, automatic Autronic-Eye, remote electronic trunk release, E-Z-Eye glass, signal-seeking radio, Kelsey-Hayes gold Sabre wheels, and a suite of power accessories.

The Cadillac remained in California until about 1990 before coming to New York State. The current owner acquired the car in April 2002.

This Cadillac wears its original Emerald Green Metallic paint and two-tone Emerald Green and White leather upholstery beneath an Ivory cloth convertible top.

by Dan Vaughan

Eldorado Convertible Biarritz

Since the Eldorado's inception, it was only available in convertible form, so by 1956, a new hardtop version called the Eldorado Seville was added to the model lineup. This Eldorado Biarritz convertible is one of 2,150 produced for the model year. Power came from a 365 cubic-inch V8 engine equipped with two four-barrel carburetors and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Features include a power-operated black soft top, 15-inch gold Sabre wheels, an Autronic Eye headlight dimmer, power windows, and an AM radio with a foot controller.

Eldorado Hardtop Coupe Seville
Engine number: 5662041434

General Motors' new series of 'C' bodies used by Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac introduced designs that would become prominent in the years to come, including the panoramic 'wrap-around' windshield. Subtle refinements made over the years that followed resulted in a more sophisticated Cadillac, and the buying public agreed, with sales increasing by nearly 25 percent.

A new grille with textured inserts and repositioned parking lights were styling refinements bestowed upon the 1956 Cadillac, and all models were now powered by a 365 cubic-inch V8 engine. The SeVille was a hardtop coupe body style that was Cadillac's most luxurious two-door offering. Unique styling features included a twin-fin hood ornament and a more powerful V-8 with twin four-barrel Carter carburetors.

This particular Eldorado Seville is one of 3,900 coupes produced by Cadillac in 1956. It wears an older restoration that was done by FEN Enterprises of Wappingers Falls, New York, between 1999 and 2000. The work was rewarded in 2000 with an Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) National First Prize.

This 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Seville wears a factory-correct combination of Alpine White with a Black top over a matching Black and White leather interior. Power amenities include windows, steering, brakes, and an Autronic Eye automatic headlight dimmer.

by Dan Vaughan

The Harley Earl designed Cadillac Series 62 was a very large vehicle that featured a large, 6,390 cc (390 cubic inches) 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.

The name 'DeVille' would first be used in 1949 on the Coupe De Ville, and later on the 1956 Sedan DeVille. The 1942, 1946, and 1947 versions were similar; they were completely different from the 1941 body styles.

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 headlights would turn on at dusk and were 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.

by Dan Vaughan