Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz at a glance

The Eldorado began in 1953 as a limited-production convertible: only 532 were built, about 0.5% of Cadillac's sales that year. From 1956 Cadillac gave the two Eldorado bodies their own names, Biarritz for the convertible and Seville for the hardtop, after a French seaside resort and a Spanish city. The Biarritz was Cadillac's most expensive open car and a showcase for the brand's styling and equipment. More about the company is in the history of Cadillac.

1956–1958: Biarritz and Seville

The 1956 Biarritz had a ribbed chrome moulding along the body sides and flat, pointed rear fins, setting it apart from the regular Series 62 convertible. Sales were strong: 6,050 Eldorados were sold in 1956, of which 2,150 were Sevilles. For 1957 and 1958 both bodies received new rear styling with sharper fins; they measured about 5.64 m (222.1 in) in 1957 and 5.67 m (223.4 in) in 1958. The hand-built four-door Eldorado Brougham, a separate model, sold only 400 cars in 1957 and 304 in 1958.

1959: the year of the fins

The 1959 Cadillac is remembered for its huge tail fins with twin bullet tail lights, rising almost to roof height. The Biarritz moved to the Series 6400 and shared the 130-inch (3,302 mm) wheelbase with the De Ville and Eldorado Brougham. While other 1959 Cadillacs had 242 kW (325 hp) from the 390 V8, the Eldorado version with three two-barrel carburettors produced 257 kW (345 hp). Air suspension was standard on the Eldorado.

According to the old 1cars text, the Biarritz came with power steering, power brakes, power door locks, fog lamps and an automatic headlight dimmer, and the cabin was trimmed with generous amounts of chrome. The same text quotes about 11.2 seconds to 100 km/h, a figure in line with period tests of large American V8 cars.

1960–1964: lower fins and coil springs

For 1960 the fins were lowered, and that year saw the last Eldorado Seville; the Biarritz continued with the Eldorado engine and air suspension. In 1961 Cadillac reclassified the Biarritz as a sub-series of the De Ville (Series 6300) and replaced the troublesome air suspension with coil springs. Eldorado sales fell to 1,450 that year. The 1963 car got Fleetwood bodywork, with 242 kW (325 hp) from the 390 V8, and the 1964 model had a new 429 cu in V8 with 254 kW (340 hp). After 1964 the Biarritz name disappeared from sales literature as the car became the Fleetwood Eldorado.

The Biarritz name returns (1976–1991)

Late in the 1976 model year, as the last Eldorado convertibles were built, Cadillac revived the Biarritz name. It became a luxury package for the front-wheel-drive Eldorado coupé, with a padded landau roof and opera lamps. In 1978 a limited Custom Biarritz Classic of 2,000 cars was offered. The downsized 1979–1985 Eldorado Biarritz had a brushed stainless-steel roof cap and fender mouldings, with engines from the 5.7-litre V8 to the 4.1-litre HT-4100 V8 of 93 kW (125 hp), plus a 5.7-litre diesel. A factory convertible returned in 1984–1985, with 3,300 and 2,200 built.

The last Biarritz package was offered in 1991; in 1989 it accounted for 7,174 of 27,807 Eldorados. For 1992 it was replaced by the Touring Coupe option, and the Eldorado itself ended on 22 April 2002 after twelve generations.

Rivals of the late 1950s

The Cadillac had 4 kW less than the Lincoln and Imperial but sold far better and became the image of 1950s American luxury. Compare classics in the 1cars comparison tool or browse the 1950s classics section.

Collecting the Biarritz today

A 1959 Biarritz is one of the most sought-after American cars of the decade, and prices depend heavily on originality, colour and documented options. Buyers should check for rust in the floors, rear quarters and convertible top well, and test the hydraulic top and window mechanisms. Find out whether the original air suspension is still fitted or has been converted to coil springs. Parts for the trim are scarce and expensive. Later 1976–1991 Biarritz coupés are far more affordable entry points to the name; more period favourites are in the best classic cars of the 1960s. Today's flagship is the Cadillac Escalade, and every model is in the Cadillac catalogue.