1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

The 1959 Cadillac is an iconic symbol of its era, capturing the essence of the 1950s alongside neon signs, Elvis Presley, and Hula-Hoops. Its design reflects the pinnacle of American extravagance, showcasing the transition from the retiring Harley Earl to his successor, William Mitchell. Mitchell favored sleek, low-slung designs, while Earl embraced chrome embellishments and towering tail fins. The 1959 Cadillac successfully merged both visions, featuring David Holls’ renowned tail fins— the largest ever seen on an American production car— and an abundance of chrome.

However, the 1959 Cadillacs were not just glamorous showpieces; they were, as noted historian Maurice Hendry described them, “undoubtedly excellent” in every aspect. This statement was especially true for the top-of-the-line Eldorado series, which offered an array of luxurious features as standard, including power brakes, power steering, a “tri-power” 345-horsepower V-8 engine, and Hydra-Matic Drive.

Among the Eldorados, the Biarritz convertible stands out as one of the most coveted models. It held the distinction of being Cadillac’s most expensive open-air car in 1959, with a production of 1,320 units.

Source: RM Sotheby’s