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1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

The influence of aviation on General Motor 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 By 1959, airplanes had been replaced by rockets and their influence is clearly seen on the Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible, boasting the tallest tail fin ever seen on a production vehicle,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 engine 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 Biarritz 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.

All 1959 Cadillac models grew in length and width, and while overall the cars were lower, their tailfins reached new heights. The Eldorado had a 130-inch wheelbase, a 225-inch length, distinctive tail fins, and a unique trim scheme that was less extravagant but more refined than the basic Series 62. A broad molding at the rocker panel left the body sides plain and distinguished, and in the back was a jeweled grille motif.

Many manufacturer sales were devastated by the recession years of the late 1950s, resulting in several companies ceasing business altogether. Cadillac was not immune to the economic hardships, but following several disappointing years, Cadillac sales improved in 1959. The Eldorado Biarritz production remained modest, with 1,320 built, barely 10-percent of the Series 62 soft-top. Its exclusivity was ensured by its staggering $7,401 price tag, which was exceeded only by those of the Series 75 cars and the ultra-luxury Eldorado Brougham.

In 1959, the Eldorado sub-series included the Seville hardtop and the Biarritz convertible, along with the Brougham four-door hardtop. Standard features bestowed upon the Eldorado included all the items available on the Series 62 DeVille line, plus a heater, fog lamps, air suspension, AM radio with rear-mounted speaker, power windows, electric door locks, a six-way power seat (only fore-and-aft motion when bucket seats were ordered), automatic trunk release, steel wheels that display full 'turbine vane' or 'fluted' wheel covers, plus whitewall tires and rear fender skirts. The Q-code 390 cubic-inch V8, topped by three-two-barrel carburetors, produced 345 horsepower and was backed by a three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission as standard. The standard rear-end gear ratio was a relatively tall 2.94:1.

The very well-equipped Eldorado included only four options in 1959, including the optional Autronic-Eye automatic headlight-dimming device and air conditioning. Bucket seats were a no-cost option that Cadillac made available for the Biarritz.

Convertible
Engine number: 59E039718

The 1959 Cadillac represents the peak of American exuberance and the ongoing transition between the retiring Harley Earl and his successor, William Mitchell. Earl favored more chrome and taller tailfins while Mitchell preferred low, ground-hugging torpedoes. The 1959 Cadillac is a combination of both of these design goals, along with David Holls's famous tailfins, the largest ever installed on an American production car.

The top-of-the-line Cadillac Eldorado was given a long list of luxuries including power brakes, power steering, a tri-power 345 horsepower V8, and Hydra-Matic drive as standard equipment. The Biarritz Convertible was Cadillac's most expensive open-air car for 1959, and just 1,320 examples were built.

This particular example was restored several years ago and finished in the Eldorado-only color of Hampton Green, which is original to this car. There is metallic green upholstery and a correct white acrylic convertible top.

The car has an 'Autronic Eye' automatic headlamp dimmer and the E-Z Eye tinted glass.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

The Tallest Cadillac Tail Fins Ever

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 1950s. 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 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.

Convertible
Chassis number: 59E060153

The Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz of 1959 was powered by an enlarged Q-code 390 cubic-inch V8 engine that breathed through three two-barrel Rochester carburetors. It provided 345 horsepower which was sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. A 2.94:1 was the standard rear-end gear ratio, while the optional 3.21:1 gears were a necessity for cars equipped with air conditioning.

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 the buyer's premium was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

The 1959 Cadillac is a stunning visual reminder of the decade's automotive flamboyance. This six-passenger convertible showcases brand-new styling with large tailfins and twin bullet tail lamps. Luxury options include an air suspension, electric door locks, and a six-way power seat.

by AACA Museum

Convertible

No other car better says 1950's extravagant styling than the 1959 Cadillac. Eldorado was Cadillac's most extravagant model loaded with extra chrome and a three 2-barrel carburetor 345 horsepower version of the 390 cubic-inch V-8. This car features a fiberglass (hard) parade boot top cover.

by Canton Classic Car Museum

Convertible
Chassis number: 59E098025

Cadillac produced 1,320 examples of the Eldorado Biarritz Convertible. This example has been given a professional restoration and is powered by a 390 cubic-inch, overhead valve V8 engine mated to a 3-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. It has upgraded disc brakes with hydraulic drums in the back. It has an original Persian Sand exterior and interior, and a correct Maroon convertible top.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

A total of 1,320 Eldorado Biarritz models were produced in 1959 and had a price tag of $7,401. The Eldorado is powered by a 390 cubic-inch V8 topped by three two-barrel Rochester carburetors. This power plant produces 345 horsepower and was mated to a three-speed Hydro-Matic automatic transmission. The current owner purchased the car from an individual in South Dakota who had intentions of making a hot rod out of it. Saved from this fate, the vehicle has been restored.

Convertible
Chassis number: 59E 004429

This Cadillac Biarritz left the factory finished in 'triple black' paintwork, including the trim, top, and exterior. Its specification included Autotronic eye and heater.

Decades ago, it was acquired in Los Angeles by its current caretaker, and by that point had already been refurbished to the livery its sports today of red with white interior.

The engine is a 390 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 fitted with a single 4-Barrel carburetor and offers 345 horsepower. There is a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, an independent front suspension, and a live rear axle.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

This is perhaps the most iconic and the most flamboyant car from the 1950s. The 1959 Cadillac line was the pinnacle of the marque's use of the tailfin, a styling cue that first appeared in a much more modest form on its 1948 lineup. Cadillac's signature luxury convertible model for 1959 was the Eldorado Biarritz, a special offering weighing in at 5,060 pounds and carrying a price tag of $7,401, which was nearly $2,000 more than the standard Series 62 convertible. The car rode on a 130-inch wheelbase, and its overall length was just 3 inches short of 19 feet.

This car is fitted with Cadillac's larger V8 engine fitted with three carburetors, which delivered 345 horsepower. A total of 1,320 Biarritz convertibles were delivered in 1959, including this Persian Sand example, which is equipped with all factory options, including air conditioning, bucket seats, and cruise control.

Convertible

The current family purchased this vehicle in Miami from the original owner in 1979 for $1100. It was one of the last cars transported out of Cuba in 1959.

The current owner and his father restored the car in the 1980s and got it back to driving condition. After driving it for several years it was then returned to the garage.

The car was slightly damaged during Hurricane Andrew. It was not driven again until three years ago when it was subjected to a body-off restoration.

The car is powered by a 390 cu. in. V8 engine developing 345 horsepower. The engine was a gas guzzler and delivered less than 10 MPG in traffic.

It sold for $7,401 in 1959.

Convertible

The 1959 Eldorado Biarritz was a limited-production car - only 1,320 were built. Of these, a mere 99 were equipped with bucket seats. This Eldorado is finished in Persian Sand, the featured Biarritz color in 1959. The 390 cubic-inch V8 was rated at 345 horsepower. The 1959 Cadillac's towering tailfins have made it one of the most recognized icons of the 1950s.

GM designer Chuck Jordan was responsible for the 1959 Cadillac and even competitors were in awe. 'A good designer doesn't need Mr. and Mrs. Zilch from Kansas telling him what to do,' Mr. Jordan later declared. 'People always ask me why we did those fins, and I say it was the right thing to do at the time.' It got us out of the stale state we were in, and got the blood circulating. 1959 was like letting a tiger out of the cage - saying 'go!''

Convertible

No car built in Detroit epitomizes the fabulous finned look of the 1950's more dramatic than the 1959 Cadillac. Excessively large tail fins were accentuated by twin bullet tail lamps, while the extensive use of chrome placed this design over the top. The top-of-the-line Eldorado Biarritz convertible took it one step even further by framing the memorable side profile with elegant chrome trim sweeping from the windshield through to the tail to meet with another thick band of chrome carried through the lower portion of the body. Powered by the ultimate engine for 1959, the enlarged Q-code 390 cubic-inch V8 is topped by three two-barrel Rochester carburetors producing 345 horsepower.

This example is presented in Ebony Black over Red Cardiff leather and represents the ultimate expression of 1950s American flamboyance and style.

Convertible
Engine number: 59E013537

The Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was just under 19 feet in length and powered by a 390 cubic-inch V8 engine paired with a Hydra-Matic four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. With three, two-barrel carburetors the engine produced 345 horsepower and 435 lb-ft of torque. General Motors lavishly equipped the Biarritz with power brakes, power steering, power windows, electric door locks, fog lamps, dual backup lights, an AM radio with antenna, and six-way power seats. Styling features included quad headlamps, towering tail fenders, rear fender skirts, chrome sill moldings, and a jeweled chrome grille pattern.

This 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was owned by Eugene William and is finished in Ebony Black with Ivory Top, and the interior is made of White Cardiff and Florentine Grain Leather with Med Gray carpet. It is equipped with E-Z Eye Glass, air conditioning, a heater, and bucket seats. The 390 cubic-inch V8 had overhead valves and a single four-barrel carburetor producing 345 horsepower at 4,800 RPM. There is a four-speed automatic transmission, an independent front suspension, and four-wheel drum 'Power Brakes.'

Convertible
Chassis number: 59E044496

The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible came equipped with a 390 cubic-inch, overhead valve V-8 engine breathing through three, two-barrel carburetors and delivering 345 horsepower at 4,800 RPM. It was paired with a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission and stopping power was courtesy of four-wheel drum 'Power' brakes.

This Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible left the factory finished in Argyle Blue Metallic over Blue leather with an ivory top. It was given an E-Z Eye Glass and heater, on top of the factory accessories. Prior to entering the current owner's care, it spent many years in Texas. It is believed to have received a restoration by Bud Ward, at which time it was finished in the Triple White color scheme it carries today. During the restoration, the car was given air conditioning.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: 59E101397

This 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible was the only example delivered in Kensington Green with a White interior and the rare optional front bucket seats (one of 99 so-equipped in 1959). Its 390 cubic-inch V8 engine has three two-barrel Rochester carburetors, resulting in 345 horsepower, and is paired with a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

This Cadillac has color code 36 on both the trim tag and build sheet. Standard features include a factory heater, fog lamps, an AM radio with a rear speaker, power windows, power door locks, a power convertible top and the Autronic Eye system which senses oncoming lights and automatically dims the high beams. There are six-way power front seats, vent windows, whitewall tires, and trunk release with assisted pull-down.

This Cadillac was acquired by Clive and Janet Cussler in 2017 and quickly became the crown jewel of their Scottsdale collection.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

The Eldorado Biarritz convertible was Cadillac's most expensive open-air car for 1959, and 1,320 of them were built. Offered with a long list of sumptuous luxuries, the Biarritz came with power brakes, power steering, a 'Tri-Power' V8 engine with 345 horsepower, and a HydraMatic Drive transmission. This example, numb 185 of 1,320 built, wears a Hampton green exterior paint scheme - one of five special Eldorado colors offered in 1959.

by Dan Vaughan