Vehicle Description
Well known for year-to-year design changes, Cadillac once again
outdid themselves with the1958 model lineup! New this year were the
mandated quad headlights, along with a wider "jeweled" grill and
larger sweeping rear tail fins! On the Eldorado's, model
identification script and V-shaped ornament were mounted to the
deck lid. Further accents included ten vertical chrome slashes that
were fitted ahead of the rear wheel housings and alongside each
side of the license plate frame at the rear, and crest medallions
on the upper portion of the tailfins!
Offered here is a 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
finished in Dakota Red over Red interior with a White convertible
top. It comes powered by its original 365ci 3x2bbl carbureted V8
engine producing a factory rated 335 horsepower, mated to a 4-speed
Hydramatic automatic transmission. Features on these flagship
Cadillac are abundant and include power steering & brakes, power
folding convertible top, hard boot parade covers, 6-way power
adjustable seat, power vent & side window glass, signal-seeking AM
radio with power antenna, chromed Sabre alloy wheels, power trunk
release and power down. This special example is also fitted with
factory air conditioning, E-Z-Eye tinted glass, and wide whitewall
tires.
This well-kept Cadillac Biarritz hails from the former, longtime
owner and Cadillac-LaSalle Club Potomac Region member, Henry Ruby.
He was a beloved supporter and contributor to club events
participating regularly as an eager volunteer. After his passing in
June 2012, this Biarritz remained in the care of his son, Dan,
prior to making its way to the St. Louis Car Museum in November
2021. We have enjoyed this Cadillac in our private collection ever
since, managing all routine maintenance and some partial
restoration. This included a complete overhaul of the air
conditioning system with retrofit to modern R134a refrigerant along
with heater system hoses and controls; all new exhaust system by
Waldrons with new manifold gaskets; complete rebuild of brake
system with Bendix Treadle-vac, wheel cylinders, shoes, and hoses;
new suspension springs & shocks front & rear; rebuilt wiper
assembly by Newport Engineering; resealed steering box; total
rebuild of carburetors; new spark plugs and valve cover gaskets;
drive belts; re-cored radiator; all new fluids from the engine to
the rear axle, wiper blades, battery, among other smaller
items.
Cosmetically, this Cadillac showcases a quality, older restoration
that included a color change from Olympic White to the brighter
Dakota Red it showcases today, along with new interior upholstery
and a white convertible top, all likely completed nearly 20 years
ago. We elected to have the entire front bumper assembly re-chromed
by Highline Plating, installed brand new top hydraulic rams and
bled the system with new fluid. During our repairs, we found an
interesting inspection punch card hidden inside the dash interior
of the car that indicates a "3rd Floor Inspection Ticket" that
displays our correct Style number and vehicle Body number. It will
be included in the sale along with the original owner's manual. It
is a wonderfully sorted example representing one of just 815
Eldorados built for 1958, with fewer that remain in this condition
today. Please feel free to call with questions or schedule your
opportunity to view in person.
