Eldorado Cadillac History 1959

Eldorado Cadillac Models & History 1959

Modelyear 1959 brought another complete restyle for the entire Cadillac line and—except for the Eldorado Brougham—the wildest tailfins Detroit would ever produce. Cadillac historian Walter McCall described these appendages as “flamboyant,” “ludicrous,” and “of questionable taste.” Other critics have said harsher things, but the public seemed to go along with the excess. The economy had picked up somewhat and, as where in the industry, Cadillac sales improved a bit. Air

Click to supersize

1959 Cadillac Eldorado suspension, pioneered by the Brougham two years earlier, was now standard for Biarritz and Seville. Though it offered a cloud-like ride and the convenience of automatic self-leveling in response to changes in load, the airbag setup was leak-prone and troublesome. Cadillac would abandon it after 1960 as Detroit’s fascination with such gimmicks waned in proportion to a growing number of customer complaints.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado

Eldorado horses again numbered 20 more than on other Cadillacs. Thanks to a longer 98.4mm stroke and another compression tweak, the figure was now 345 hp for the newly enlarged 6.4 Liter V-8, which would prove to be the all-time power peak for a rear-drive Eldo. Echoing 1954, the Biarritz and Seville lost much of their previous styling distinction this year. Their only differences from comparable Series 62s were a chrome swath along the upper rear fender contour and the Eldorado name in neat block letters along the lower edge of the front fenders.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado

As if to cause confusion, the 6400 Eldorado sub-series included two 6400 models: the Seville and Biarritz, and one 6900 model, the Brougham. (Whoever said automakers are logical?) All were characterized by a three-deck jeweled rear grille insert, but other trim and equipment features varied. The Seville and Biarritz had the Eldorado model name spelled out behind the front wheel opening and featured broad, full-length body sill moldings which curved over the rear fender profile and back along the upper beltline region. Standard equipment included all items found on DeVilles plus

1959 Cadillac Eldorado

  • heater
  • fog lamps
  • 345 horsepower V-8
  • remote control deck lid
  • radio with antenna and rear speaker
  • power vent windows
  • Six-Way power seat
  • air suspension
  • electric door locks
  • license frames

I. D. NUMBERS

  • The motor serial number system adopted in 1958 was used again with numbers in the same physical locations
  • The first pair of symbols changed to “59” to designate model year
  • The third symbol (a letter listed as a Body Style Number suffix in charts below) identified model and series
  • Consecutive unit numbers began at 000001 and up

STYLE

Model Number Body Style Doors Model Seat Price Weight Production Total
59-64 6437H

Supersize
Seville Hardtop

6 $7401 2207 kg 975
59-64 6467E

Supersize
Biarritz Convertible

6 $7401 2300 kg 1,320

ENGINE

Type V-8 Overhead valves
Block Cast iron block
Displacement 6.384 Liters
Bore and stroke 101.6mm x 98.4mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Brake horsepower 345 @ 4800 rpm
Power 257 kW @ 4800 rpm
Bearings Five main bearings
Valve Lifters Hydraulic valve lifters
Carburetion Three (3) Rochester two-barrel Model 7015901

1959 Cadillac Eldorado

1959 Cadillac Eldorado

CHASSIS

Wheelbase 3302mm
Overall Length 5715mm
Tires 8.20 x 15
Dual exhausts standard
Rear axle ratios 2.94:1 standard; 3.21:1 optional or mandatory with air conditioning

CONVENIENCE OPTIONS

Radio with rear speaker $165
Radio with rear speaker and remote control $247
Automatic heating system $129
Power window regulators $73
Power vent regulators $73
Air conditioning $474
Air suspension $215
Autronic Eye $55
Cruise Control $97
Electric door locks on two-doors $46
E-Z-Eye glass $52
Fog lamps $46
White sidewall tires 8.20 x 15 four-ply $57 exchange
8.20 x 15 six-ply $65 exchange
Door guards on four doors $7
Door guards on two doors $4
Remote control trunk lock $59
License Plate frame $8
Note: Bucket seats were a no-cost option on the Biarritz convertible

LOCAL OPTIONS

Utility kit $15
Monogram $12
Acryllic Lustre finish $20
Undercoating $25
Radio foot switch $10
Gas cap lock $4
Pair of rugs for front $8
Pair of rugs for rear $5

HISTORICAL NOTES

  • Assembly of 142,272 units was counted for the 1959 model year.
  • This was the next to last season for selling the Brougham.
  • Flat-top roof styling was used on four-window sedans
  • Six-window jobs had sloping rooflines with rear vent panes.
  • Power steering and shock absorbers were improved this year.
  • Charles E. Arnold was chief engineer