1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

The Cadillac Eldorado is a luxury car manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 1952 until 2002 over twelve generations.

For 1956, a two-door hardtop coupe version was released, called the “Eldorado Seville”, at which point the convertible was named the “Eldorado Biarritz”. An Eldorado script finally appeared with fender crest on the car which was further distinguished by twin hood ornaments. An extra feature on the Eldorado convertible was a ribbed chrome saddle molding extending from the windshield to the rear window pillar  the beltline.

Styling updates for the 1958 model year included quad headlamps and smaller chrome-trimmed fins accompanied by a wide grille with “Dagmar” bumper guards, and further features include vertical chrome slashes ahead of the open rear wheel housings and crest medallions on the flanks of the tail fins.

Factory Sabre-Spoke wheels measure 15″ in diameter and are fitted with wide whitewall tires. The Eldorado utilizes a coil-spring front suspension with a live rear axle on semi-elliptical leaf springs. Braking is managed by four-wheel power-assisted drums.

Replacement leather seat upholstery is accompanied by a color-coordinated padded dashboard top and door panels accented with polished trim. Factory features include power-operated windows and seats as well as GM’s automatic headlight dimming system, Autronic Eye, which is retained on the left corner of the dash.

A stock steering wheel with chrome accents and a horn ring frames instrumentation including a five-digit odometer.

Equipped with a trio of two-barrel carburetors, the 365ci V8 was rated at 335 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque when new. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a rebuilt four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

This was one of five production-line Biarritz convertibles taken into GM’s secret styling center and modified in 1958. It is thought to be the prototype for the experimental automatic “Raindrop” top. Reportedly built under the orders of Harley Earl and later owned and driven regularly by him, it likely was used as a working design study rather than a touring show car. Of the five cars modified by the styling center in ’58, this is the only confirmed survivor, though there are rumors of another in the Midwest.

This pristine 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz graces the road with an astounding presence that simply screams integrity. Everything from the wide stance to the smooth yellow, which appears white at times, tells you that this car was made for those who appreciate the experience of driving a personal luxury vehicle. Of course, the Eldorado was famous, but this awesome convertible is far more than a standard Cadillac. As you might have guessed, the car has also received a lengthy restoration process which brought the car back up to brand new standards.