Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Fall event,
August 31-3, 2017.
Chassis No.
60E109555
Estimate:
$160,000 - $200,000 US
The 1960 Eldorado Biarritz is immediately distinguished by a
handcrafted dual-bead molding that gracefully arches along the
length of the car. Smartly styled identification logos are
attractively placed and the decorative rear cove closely resembles
the outstanding front grille. The classic silhouette has restrained
use of embellishment and the front conveys such elegance that it
might have been crafted by a master jeweler.
The 1960 edition of "The Standard of the World" signified a
dramatic forwarding of contemporary motorcar design. New dignity,
refinement and craftsmanship were all immediately evident
throughout the spacious interior and dramatically-styled
platform.
At the time Cadillac was looked as the ultimate in the full-sized
luxury car market in North America. The extravagant 1959 model
caused a sensation when introduced. For its 1960 models, Cadillac
significantly refined their approach, shrinking the exaggerated
fins from the previous year, reducing the amount of chrome trim,
and created a more sophisticated statement. The full complement of
power accessories was retained and is most impressive.
With a total of 13 Cadillac models issued in three series, the
Eldorado Biarritz convertible was the most elegant and desirable.
With only 1,285 similar cars built, and a cost when new of over
$7,000, exclusivity was with this model then and now.
This beautiful car has been restored and is presented in its
original color of Olympic White (code 12 as per data tag) with red
interior and a white power-operated soft top; it exemplifies a rare
piece of American luxury car "royalty," especially since it is one
of the uncommon examples fitted with the no-cost optional factory
bucket seats (trim code 19B on the car's data tag signifies Red
Bucket Seats). While the figure of 99 cars seems consistent for
these seats with the 1959 version; the records for the 1960
Eldorado Biarritz with this feature ranges are less definitive and
various publications list the 1960 bucket seat cars as 100 to 200
in number.
Like all Eldorados, it is driven by the respected Cadillac
345-horsepower, 390-cubic inch V-8 engine with tri-carburetor setup
which is paired to a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. These cars
are laden with standard features that would be options on any
lesser automobiles. Among these features are the optional
Autronic-Eye headlight dimmer (Guide-Matic in Cadillac parlance),
power windows (including the vent windows). It also has power
seats, factory AM radio with power antenna, factory air
conditioning (data tag code K), heater/defroster, power door locks,
power steering, power brakes and optional cruise control. Equipped
with the correct wheels and factory fluted wheel discs, plus wide
whitewall tires; this regal Eldorado Biarritz lives up to the
promise of its elegant and respected reputation. Naturally, fender
skirts are also a part of this unforgettable design. This is a very
nicely restored car with strong cosmetic and mechanical attributes
all adding to its status as a highly collectable Cadillac.
