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345 bhp, 390 cu. in. V8 engine, three Rochester two-barrel carburetors, three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live axle rear suspension with air-assisted coil springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 130"
By the late 1950s, Cadillac reigned supreme over the full-sized luxury car market in North America with exciting products that featured advanced engineering and the leading-edge styling of Harley Earl. While the 1959 Eldorado was controversial and misunderstood in its heyday, the collectors and critics of today agree that it possesses an unmatched combination of power, presence and luxury.
In 1959, the Eldorado sub-series included the Seville hardtop and the Biarritz convertible, along with the Brougham four-door hardtop. Standard Eldorado features included all the items available on the Series 62 DeVille line and beyond, including a heater, fog lamps, air suspension, a radio with a rear-mounted speaker, power windows, a six-way power seat, electric door locks, and whitewall tires. In fact, only four options were available: air conditioning, cruise control, the Autronic Eye automatic headlight dimmer, and E-Z Eye glass, along with a no-cost bucket seat option for the Biarritz. The pinnacle of the Cadillac line in 1959, the Eldorado Biarritz convertible carried a base price of $7,401, which deterred all but 1,320 wealthy buyers.
The Eldorado featured the ultimate Cadillac engine for 1959, the enlarged “Q”-code 390 cubic inch V8, which was topped by three two-barrel Rochester carburetors. This power plant produced 345 horsepower, and was mated with a three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission as standard equipment. The standard rear end gear ratio was a relatively tall 2.94:1, while the optional 3.21:1 gears were mandatory for cars equipped with air conditioning.
The 1959 Eldorado Biarritz offered here was formerly displayed at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and it continues to benefit from a beautiful and thorough restoration that was completed in 2003. The carefully preserved Eldorado remains stunning in its overall presentation, and shows 99,000 actual miles. Displaying an attractive Persian Sand exterior finish, the Eldorado is complemented by a burgundy power-operated convertible top, a body-color fiberglass parade boot, and impressively restored brightwork. Fittingly, this Eldorado rides on a set of period-style wide whitewall tires, along with a handsome set of chrome-plated Kelsey-Hayes 40-spoke wire wheels.
The interior is trimmed in unique bronze-colored leather upholstery, with matching carpeting. The impressive dash features a padded top in Persian Sand, with a matching painted lower half. The interior is complemented by an abundance of brushed aluminum trim, and the Eldorado also features cruise control. Underhood, the engine bay is period-correct in presentation, and features a 390 cubic inch V8 that is correctly finished in Cadillac blue, and topped by a gold-finished air cleaner. Should the new owner wish to compete in concours-level events, the engine bay could easily be elevated to show-ready condition by a thorough detailing and by fitting period-style hoses and clamps.
No other car of the era, or since, can surpass the timeless style, beauty and grace of the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. Without a doubt, the offering of this example is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the very finest available, and it will certainly enhance the collection of its next fortunate owner. 
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STOCK/INV. NUMBER:
Biarritz
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