Vehicle Description
GM has long been influenced by aviation-inspired styling, first
implemented in the gorgeous P-38 tailfins of the 1948 Cadillacs. By
1959, airplanes made way for rockets and the satellite-era, and
that influence was at its pinnacle on cars like this jaw-dropping
1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible. Featuring the tallest
tailfins ever seen on a production car, the '59 Biarritz was
Cadillac's most expensive droptop and with only 1,320 examples ever
built. This example was impeccably restored by Bud Ward, a
legendary name that will pique the interest of those familiar with
Caddy's from this era, as it's synonymous with excellence. It would
take a dozen pages to fully espouse the virtues of this Biarritz,
to explain the feeling it stirs inside anyone that stands before
it, but just know that we consider it to be the finest Cadillac
we've ever featured.
The exterior of this top-of-the-line Eldo was refinished in Olympic
White, an upgrade from the Argyle Blue Metallic the car was born
with. For a proper color change to take hold on a sled this
exquisite, it must be carefully disassembled, taken down to bare
metal, and then sprayed with coat after coat of the new shade until
it glistens so bright you need sunglasses to take it in. This Caddy
aptly represents the transition from outgoing design chief Harley
Earl (who loved loads of chrome and giant tailfins), to his
successor Bill Mitchell (who was a fan of long, torpedo-style
sleds), incorporating the best parts from both design philosophies.
The white-hot finish looks especially good on the grand design of
the Biarritz, with its jeweled grille motif fore and aft, the
refined trim on the hood and rear quarters, the broad rocker panel
trim, rear fender skirts, and that uniquely designed, wraparound
windshield. As a Bud Ward car, the workmanship was finished to a
very high standard, and even though a few years have passed since
the work was completed it still looks excellent today, with little
to no imperfections to speak of. It benefits from classic white,
which accentuates the dramatic curves and the lower profile, and
even though all '59 Cadillacs grew in length and width (130"
wheelbase and 225" length), it doesn't look inappropriately massive
thanks to the low-slung profile. The massive front grill/bumper
assembly along with the quad headlights/running lights bookends
provide for a dramatic front grille, matched in elegance by the
unique rear that features a big bumper, that famous 'rocket
exhaust' trim, bright red taillights, and those aforementioned 45"
tall tailfins courtesy of David Holls. With the top down and stored
away under the matching white parade boot, this Caddy looks like a
movie star - ready to steal the show anywhere it makes a grand
entrance.
Inside, the white interior is also in excellent shape, fully
restored and carefully looked after by previous owners since. Like
the exterior, the White upholstery is an upgrade over the original
Blue, giving the car a white-on-white-on-white curb appeal that
looks like a million bucks. Stylish button-tufted seats have an
upscale look, especially with those high-end, comfortable surfaces,
a look that would become very popular with the Europeans in the
coming years. The door panels are in excellent shape, featuring
chrome accents and black carpet on the lower portion, the expansive
dash is incredibly clean and flows the same color scheme, while the
carpets that line the floors are in great shape as well. Continuing
the theme, a dual-ring steering wheel with bright chrome accents
feels like a proper helm for a land yacht like this and the ornate
instrument panel puts everything within easy reach of the driver.
As a Biarritz, it features a long list of standard options that
weren't even available as options on other cars, including power
steering and brakes, power windows and seats, and a power antenna
for the original stereo just to name a few. Optional equipment
includes air conditioning, power vent windows, a power convertible
top, and E-Z Eye tinted glass, and other than the radio, everything
is working just as it should. Overhead there's a white power
convertible top and it comes with a matching white boot that's
perfect for parades. The massive trunk is was finished to match the
cabin, and features plush carpets and a full spare.
Raise the hood and examine the gorgeous engine bay, which has been
restored back to stock down to the blue paint on the block and
clean satin inner fenders at the flanks. This 5,060 lb example of
rolling art is motivated by Cadillac's 390 V8 topped by Tri-Power
2-barrel carbs generating 345HP, and it's easily up to the
challenge to take the big ragtop wherever you point the wheels. It
fires on demand and the dual exhaust system has that throaty rumble
that confidently confirms that Cadillac is the 'Standard of the
World'. The Hydra-Matic automatic transmission shifts through the
gears effortlessly and is perfectly mated to the big V8. Power
brakes and power steering are pretty much mandatory on a car as
large and powerful as this one and they both help in making the
Cadillac's handling comfortable and predictable. The undercarriage
was fully restored to show-off as well, with signs of maintenance
and fresh parts throughout, all set to further refine Cadillac's
pillow soft ride. Gorgeous 235/75/15 Coker whitewall tires frame
those massive 'turbine vane' chrome hubcaps perfectly, finish off
the elegant look.
Thanks to a full restoration completed by Bud Ward, this rare '59
Caddy ragtop is a wonderful time capsule unlike almost anything on
the road today. If you're looking for one of Streetside's best, you
just found it. Call today!
