To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' The
Elkhart Collection event, 23 - 24 October 2020.
Estimate:
$225,000 - $275,000
- High-quality, well-maintained restoration
- Finished in its original Eldorado-only color, Hampton
Green
- Updated air suspension for a high-quality, reliable ride
- Offered with original air suspension, "parade boot," and
owner's manual
For most, the 1959 Cadillac embodies its decade as much as neon
signs, Elvis Presley, and Hula-Hoops. Its styling represents the
peak of American exuberance, as well as the ongoing transition
between the retiring Harley Earl and his successor, William
Mitchell. Mitchell favored low, ground-hugging torpedoes, while
Earl wanted ever more chrome and taller tail fins. The 1959
Cadillac combined both successfully, bearing David Holls's famous
tail fins, the largest ever installed on an American production
car, and chrome galore.
However, the 1959s were not merely high-finned glamour wagons; they
were, as historian Maurice Hendry wrote, "undeniably excellent" in
every way. This was never truer than in the top-of-the-line
Eldorado series, which offered a list of sumptuous luxuries, like
power brakes, power steering, a "tri-power" 345 hp V-8, and
Hydra-Matic Drive, all as standard equipment.
Arguably the most desirable of the Eldorados was the Biarritz
convertible; it was Cadillac's most expensive open-air car for
1959, and 1,320 of them were built. Offered here is an exceptional
example that was professionally restored some years ago and has
been well maintained since, with only minor signs of road use and
wear throughout. It is finished in the Eldorado-only color of
Hampton Green, which is original to this car, well complemented by
matching green upholstery and a correct white pinpoint vinyl
convertible top, which folds away underneath the desirable
three-piece fiberglass "parade boot."
Among the very few options that could be had on this car were the
Autronic Eye automatic headlamp dimmer and the E-Z Eye tinted
glass, and this car has both. When acquired by the previous owner,
a respected Midwestern collector, the car still rode on its
priceless original air-suspension system. This system was standard
on 1959 Eldorados, but it is very rare to still find it intact
today. The air suspension was removed from this car and replaced
with a new, improved air-suspension system for better reliability,
and it provides an unparalleled ride befitting of one of the finest
boulevard cruisers of its time. Fortunately, the original
air-suspension system is also supplied with this car, should the
new owner wish to reinstall it for shows, as well as the parade
boot and the original owner's manual.
For many, the 1959 Cadillac represents the peak of American
industrial design in its era. The Eldorado Biarritz is the most
desirable among its ranks. Offered here is a car that is
beautifully restored and properly presented on air suspension and
in its striking original color scheme. It is ready to drive and to
flaunt!To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/el20.