- 1 of only 815 examples produced for 1958
- Single-family ownership for 43 years
- Riding on Eldorado Brougham and Biarritz-only chrome Sabre wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires
- Pinnacle of American luxury in 1958, built to compete directly with European luxury marques
LOT 273
Selling on Saturday
1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
1958 was a tough year for the U.S. auto industry, with the United States' automotive economy suffering from a slight recession which stifled sales for the first time since World War II. For Cadillac, that downturn resulted in the GM marque selling 25,000 fewer units in 1958 than the previous year, even after redesigning every Cadillac model for 1958. From a profit perspective, 1958 was hardly the kind of year that was expected for Cadillac, but design-wise, the "Tri-Five" Cadillacs are among the most recognizable and valuable American cars of the era. Up front, massive bumpers and quad headlamps became the norm, along with a larger and wider grille accented by cylindrical ''cleats'' that connected horizontal and vertical cross-members. Down the sides, the trim became more refined and featured five horizontal wind splints ahead of the rear wheel housings, and the huge '57 tailfins were a bit less pronounced, with the rear bumper retaining its split design. Sitting atop Cadillac's convertible hierarchy was the Eldorado Biarritz, sporting elevated trim and improved standard features. Production totaled just 815 units, with a base price of $7,500 for the 223-inch-long luxury convertible. It remains an iconic '50s luxury car to this day, with perhaps only a Lincoln Continental Mark II as any worthy American-made competition.
While early ownership history is unknown, it is known that this Biarritz resided with the same family for an astonishing 43 years, from 1973 to 2016. Under their ownership, this Biarritz became the recipient of a comprehensive restoration that took place in the mid-2000s and still presents well today. Since leaving its longtime stewardship in 2016, it has enjoyed the care of enthusiasts and has been faithfully maintained and lovingly exercised.
As 1 of just 815 examples produced for the 1958 model year, its rarity is furthered by its Argyle Blue color, as it was a choice reserved only for the Eldorado as many owners opted for white or red. Accentuating its exterior appearance, this classic '50s winged cruiser rides on a set of Sabre wheels wrapped in classic wide whitewall tires and is topped off with a blue Haartz cloth power convertible top.
The interior of this rare Eldo Biarritz is just as gorgeous as the exterior, as the front and rear bench seats have been reupholstered in beautiful blue leather. The matching blue dash, upholstered door panels, blue carpeting, and steering wheel are all in wonderful condition and appear to be in stock configuration. As one of the top luxury cars of the '50s, it is fitted with an array of features throughout, which include power steering, power brakes, power windows, a power front seat, color-matched parade boot, and a then-revolutionary Autronic Eye which would automatically dim your bright headlamps when another car approached.
Known as the "King of the Road" for the '50s, it's only fitting that the powerplant matches the prestige of the rest of the car. Under the hood is a 365-cubic-inch V-8 engine topped with a four-barrel carburetor that was reported to push out 310 horsepower when new. Backed by a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, and with the help of power steering, just about anyone can take this '50s cruiser for a spin around town.
Designed by Harley Earl, one of the most memorable designers of all time, and marked as one of the last years for the over-the-top tailfins, this lovely Argyle Blue '58 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz is ready to treat its next caretaker with the very best that American luxury had to offer in the '50s.
Videos
© 2023 Worldwide Auctioneers | Handcrafted by Crown Jewel Marketing