Vehicle Description
This 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible is a gorgeous,
luxurious, and correctly restored 50s cruiser that is ready to be
your next luxury cruiser! In the middle of 1953, Cadillac
introduced the Eldorado Convertible as its addition to General
Motors' Motorama convertible display that also included the Buick
Skylark and Oldsmobile Fiesta. Interestingly, and contrary to
common practice with regards to most show cars, the Eldorado was
actually placed into production on the heels of the Motorama
display and was available for purchase in 1953. Initially produced
in very limited quantities, the first Eldorados were touted as
being the absolute best and most luxurious Cadillac had to offer.
Over the next few years, the Eldorado cemented itself atop
Cadillac's model hierarchy and was considered by many as the
ultimate status symbol among high society. The 1956 model year was
an incredible, record-setting year for Cadillac with the GM marque
selling over 150,000 units for the first time in its storied
history. The reasons behind Cadillac's massive year of sales in '56
is twofold. First of all, Cadillac was the undisputed leader in its
high-end luxury market with its primary competitors at the time,
Packard, Imperial, and Lincoln, all struggling. Both Lincoln and
Imperial just weren't garnering the same attention as Cadillac, and
Packard was in dire financial straits and on its last legs as a
company. Second, Cadillac's product offerings were bounds and leaps
above the competition from the impeccable styling to the
technological advancements often included by Cadillac as standard
equipment. Although the 1956 Cadillacs were, for the most part,
left unchanged from a design perspective from the previous year,
the modest design improvements that were updated in '56 allowed the
1956 Cadillac to remain unmistakably iconic. 1956 was also notable
for its top-of-the-line Eldorado product line as its was the first
time since the Eldorado's introduction that Cadillac offered the
Eldorado in both closed and open car configurations, known as the
Eldorado Seville and Eldorado Biarritz respectively. Described by
Cadillac as having an "even more impressive [look of] strength,
dignity and grace," the refined front ends of the 1956 Cadillacs
are exactly that. With flatter hoods and front fenders, along with
an impressive amount of chrome and a new-look grille design
featured an updated fine crosshatched texture along with a new,
unmistakable "Cadillac" script insignia, the nose of the 1956
Cadillac is one of the most beautiful American-made cars of all
time. Further elevating the already incredibly elegant design of
the 1956 Cadillac, the 1956 Eldorado models received special
pointed rear fender fins that were larger than Cadillac's more
entry-level models, that along with special Eldorado twin hood
ornaments, differentiated Eldorado above all other Cadillacs. The
Eldorado's interior was also even more plush and more fully
featured than the lower level Cadillacs, but perhaps the biggest
upgrade was found under the hood with the more potent dual quad 305
horsepower engine that was standard Eldorado equipment and only
available as an upgrade in Cadillac's Series 75 limousine line. In
total, a mere 2,150 Eldorado Biarritz Convertibles were produced in
1956, which makes this particular example quite a rare car.
Powering this 1956 Eldorado Convertible is a Numbers Matching 365
cubic inch V8 topped by dual 4 barrel carburetors that are mounted
underneath the iconic "Batwing" air cleaner assembly; together they
were said to have generated a whopping 305 horsepower when new. The
dual quad 365 V8 is mated to a Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
that makes this '56 Cadillac an easy convertible for anybody to
drive. Exhaust exits the 305hp Cadillac power plant via a dual
exhaust setup that generates a terrific throaty sound and makes for
the perfect soundtrack during summer cruising. Being that this
convertible is a Cadillac, it unsurprisingly comes loaded with
luxurious options! With power steering, maneuvering into a tight
parking space at the local golf course or car show is a total
breeze and can be accomplished with a single hand. Further aiding
with parking efforts are a pair of chrome outside mirrors that
greatly improve sight lines when parking or even when changing
lanes. Power brakes are another welcome feature on this '56
Eldorado Biarritz since stopping is much easier which is especially
important when driving this nearly 5,000 pound luxury cruiser. The
black Haartz cloth power convertible top is in wonderful shape as
well and it goes up and down with the simple flick of a switch.
Additionally, when the convertible top is in the lowered position,
it tucks neatly below the included (and rarely seen) parade boot.
Riding on a set of chrome wire wheels, each mounted with wide
whitewall radial tires, this '56 Eldorado has a great look and even
better ride. The body of this 1956 Eldorado Biarritz has been
correctly refinished in Starlight Silver paint that completes the
exterior look of this fantastic automobile. The interior of this
1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible is incredibly
luxurious! The front and rear seats have been refurbished and sport
correct White and Black leather upholstery. The matching two-tone
door panels, black carpeting with integrated floor protectors,
black padded dash, and steering wheel all appear to be in wonderful
shape as well and retain a nice stock appearance. The interior is
also particularly well-featured including power windows as well as
a power front seat, both of which are great options for a classic
50s cruiser. The instrument cluster remains in its stock
configuration complete with a 120 MPH speedometer, temperature
gauge, and fuel gauge. The stainless trimmed dash is finished off
with a push-button signal seeking AM radio, clock, locking
glovebox, driver's and passenger's ash receivers, as well as
various other controls for this classic Cadillac. Whether you're
buying your very first classic car and you always wanted a
Cadillac, or you're adding to your existing collection of GM
convertibles or classy Cadillacs, this 1956 Cadillac Eldorado
Biarritz Convertible would make an excellent choice. Give
Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!
*Numbers Matching 365 Cu. In. V8
*Dual 4 Barrel Carburetors
*Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
*Power Brakes
*Power Steering
*1 of 2,150 Eldorado Biarritz Convertibles
*Correct Starlight Silver Exterior
*Correct Black and White Leather
*Black Haartzcloth Power Convertible Top
*Includes Rare Parade Boot
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 26,255 Miles
