- A factory black example, equipped with air-conditioning
- 28 years of single enthusiast ownership; 1985-2013
- Nicely updated for further touring pleasure
- One of the most striking GM designs of the 1950s
LOT 636
Selling on Saturday Evening
1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
The year 1958 marked the last year before Harley Earl went into the stratosphere with Cadillac's tailfins. More elegant and subdued, the 1958 tailfins carry the horizontal bodyline as the trunk deck begins to slope down, creating a sense of motion, careful aim, and elegance. Supreme among all the chrome classics of the 1950s was the 1958 Eldorado Biarritz Convertible. Cadillac factory dealer promotional literature described the new 1958 Eldorado Biarritz as such: "The sleek, long lines of the Eldorado Biarritz are enhanced by the new longer hood and front fenders plus the individual treatment of rear quarter panels and fins. Lending further distinction to the Eldorado, as viewed to the side, is the single-winged chrome molding on the front fender crown, the ten vertical chromed bars of the simulated stone shield, the broad chromed molding around the rear wheel opening, and the Cadillac crest insignia on the tapered rear quarter panel fins.
This sensational 1958 Eldorado Biarritz is 1 of only 815 produced for the 1958 model year and is finished in its original shade of black with a red leather interior and tightly fitted black power convertible top. Known history of this example includes Mr. Ronald Zappardino of La Jolla, California, who lovingly maintained this example from 1985 until July of 2013. It was then acquired by Michael Goh, who is known for his collection of 1950s American luxury cars. Under his care, he invested approximately $30,000 with Cadillac specialist Frank Nicodemus in New York. This work consisted of rebuilding the suspension, installing a new red leather interior, and a complete, professional re-spray in its original factory black color.
The engine compartment has been detailed and the original 365-cubic-inch V-8 engine has been updated to a single four-barrel carburetor, replacing the three two-barrels that the Eldorados were delivered with when new. The valve covers and air cleaner housing are painted black rather than the original gold, and the bat wing has been replaced with a Series 62 air cleaner housing. The coolant has been upgraded to Evans coolant and auxiliary cooling fans have been added, both excellent additions for touring. All of the major suspension components and shocks have been replaced at some point, making the driving experience wonderful. Front and rear seatbelts have also been added for modern day safety. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a trusted four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.
The Eldorado Biarritz's combination of power and presence has arguably never been repeated in such spectacular fashion. Glamorous, stylish, rare, and powerful, this chrome-laden mid-century masterpiece represents all that is good from the 1950s era of styling excess. The Eldorado Biarritz remains, as it was in 1958, a four-wheeled symbol of success, completely appropriate to the collection of the current owner, and especially so when equipped with air conditioning-all the better for open-top driving under the sunshine.
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