Vehicle Description
Rare, powerful, and elegant - this 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
convertible is opulence on wheels. So when you can find an example
that has been meticulously restored and preserved with all the
right pieces - right down to the dual four-barrel carbs on the big
V8 - then you know this is the perfect classic reserved for the
select few who understand why Cadillac was the Standard of the
World.
Like Humphrey Bogart in a tuxedo, the formal black paint is ideal
for a showboat like this droptop. The factory-correct glossy
appearance highlights the shape and the details from an era when
designers were in charge at the car companies. Bodywork is
excellent, which the product of a four-year restoration. And it's
easy to understand why there was so much time and money invested in
this convertible. The Eldorado Biarritz took the Series 62 styling
to a new level with a unique rear end that was arguably sleeker and
more artful than any other car of its era. They were also
expensive, which led to only 1,800 built in '57. So, it was hard to
find a pricier and rare Cadillac without being named Eisenhower. We
know you are looking at all the detail pictures to make sure all
that intricate chrome trim is in place. And we're happy to tell you
this car is complete and mirror-like from the Dagmar caps all the
way down to the trim in the unique tailfins. And speaking of the
rear section, no one did it better than Cadillac in the '50s. With
the split bumper and integrated exhaust, this is pure sculpture on
wheels.
Inside, the appeal of the sofa-like seats is black and white,
literally. The leather seating with Cadillac crest brightwork is
factory-correct, and reminds us all that true class has a timeless
elegance. The rest of the interior is nothing but a great
coordinating festival of black, white, and chrome. You see this on
everything from the door panels, to the carpeting, to the steering
wheel, to the fiberglass boot cover for the convertible top. The
dash is original equipment, and the dazzling chrome instrument
panel will most definitely remind you of a Wurlitzer jukebox. The
whole shining package is complete and authentic, which gives you
the kind of vehicle that gets invited to concours events. And more
than just elegant, this has rare options for its time like power
seats and the Autronic Eye that automatically dims the headlights.
Best of all, this convertible comes with a factory power top and
power windows. So it only takes the touch of a few switches to go
from enclosed luxury to a wind-in-your-hair experience - you don't
even have to leave the driver's seat!
Cadillac's 365 cubic-inch motor fills this engine bay properly with
big V8 power. This period-correct unit looks fantastically well
presented with the blue block and valve covers hiding under the
golden triangle air topper. And those who know the Biarritz get
excited about this feature. Because beneath it is a dual set of
Rochester four-barrel carburetors. This extra kick of horsepower
completed a package that delivered a sleeker, more opulent, more
powerful car for true distinction - exactly why the Biarritz is
seen as the most collectable Caddy of the era. And while this one
had muscle-car level figures, it's delivery was far more civilized.
It could cruise the boulevards with confidence, and the dual
exhaust has a nice rumble that reminds you of a classic American V8
without jeopardizing the Cadillac's luxury atmosphere. Cadillac
pioneered automatic transmissions in 1941, and the unit living
behind the V8 shifts crisply and has that unique Hydramatic feel to
it that suggest precision machinery at work. Add in power steering
and power brakes, and this makes for an effortless vintage cruiser.
The final touch are the whitewall tires on the bright factory
turbine-style wheels that complete the black, white, and chrome
uniform feeling throughout this impressive classic.
Take some time to look over every inch, including the undercarriage
photos. And don't forget to check out the paperwork such as the
owner's manual, power top manual, and all the right factory tags.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at a true thoroughbred,
because cars like this are rarely up for public sale. So if you're
a true connoisseur, don't miss this one.