To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Villa Erba
event, 25 May 2019.
Estimate:
€125.000 - €160.000
- One of only 815 produced for the 1958 model year
- Single ownership since 1982 and used sparingly since
- Finished in striking black over red leather interior
Like its sisters, the Buick Skylark and the Oldsmobile Fiesta, the
first Eldorado was shown to the public at GM's Motorama in 1953 as
a limited-production convertible available in small numbers at a
high price. Cadillac renamed the Eldorado Convertible the Biarritz
to differentiate it from the new Seville 2-door hardtop coupe
introduced in 1956. For 1958, Eldorados, along with all Cadillacs,
received an annual facelift, complete with the new quad headlamp
setup appearing on virtually all makes for the model year.
Bumpers were revised and the rubber 'Dagmars' were less pronounced
and set lower against the parking lamps. The grille was stretched
nearly full-width and made up of dozens of round points. Eldorados
received a strip of stainless-steel running from the headlight trim
rings back to the midpoint of the car along with lower rear quarter
panels covered in stainless steel. Standard on Eldorado was
Cadillac's 335 bhp 365-cu. in. V-8 engine equipped with three
Rochester two-barrel carburettors and backed by a Hydra-Matic
automatic transmission.
General Motors celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1958 and Cadillac
built its two-millionth car. Just 815 Eldorado Biarritz
Convertibles at a cost of $7,410 (before options) were built during
the year, adding to their desirability today among collectors.
This car was purchased by the consignor from Jerome Tain of
Tarzana, California, in 1982. During Tain's ownership, the car
remained in storage in California for 20 years. A copy of Tain's
1982 California registration is included. Upon purchase by the
consignor, it was imported to Germany and has been driven just
5,500 km since that time. While in his possession, the consignor
rebuilt the brakes and restored the electric motor for the
convertible top.
Presently finished in Black over red leather, Cadillac factory
build records show that this Biarritz was built on 26 November
1957, finished in Gleneagles Green over Green Cape Buffalo leather
and was equipped with the optional Autronic Eye, E-Z-Eye Glass in
addition to the all the standard Cadillac features - power
steering, brakes, windows, seat and top; radio with rear seat
speaker; leather upholstery; and Sabre wheels.
Seldom seen in Europe, a 1958 Eldorado Biarritz is perhaps the
perfect car for the enthusiast looking to indulge in 1950s
Americana.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ve19.
