Modern Classic: '59 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

Editor's Note: Ken Gross is a well known and respected automotive journalist whose expertise extends from new cars to vintage hot rods, although he may be best known for his knowledge of classic cars. We asked Ken to select 10 "affordable" classics and tell us a little about them and why we should consider owning one. This month's selection is the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz.


Towering tailfins—that's how most people remember the 1959 Cadillacs. The Biarritz's prominently pointed tail outlines first appeared in softer, more rounded form on the 1948 Cad. Cribbed from the twin-boom P38 Lighting fighter, Cadillac's fins reached their high-water mark on the flamboyant '59s. Arguably, there was no better symbol for the end of the fabulous '50s. Although Cadillac sold only 1,320 Biarritz convertibles (and 975 Seville hardtops) that year, the chromed grand-piano-on-wheels look struck such a responsive chord that the U.S. Postal Service reproduced the finny behemoth's left rear fender on a stamp.


Eldorados had been limited-production, high-end Cadillacs through 1958. The following year, in a company-wide cost-saving move, the Eldo shared "junior" Cadillac body styling. Actual differences included trim and plating—and a standard equipment 390-cid, 354-bhp V-8 with three 2-bbl. carburetors. Standard items included air suspension, Autronic Eye headlamp dimmers, cruise control, power windows (which included power vent wings) and power door locks. Pricing dropped $100 to a still-incredible $7,401—nearly $2,000 more than a standard Model 62 convertible. Options included A/C, and E-Z-Eye tinted glass. Reportedly, 99 examples were fitted with 2-way power "bucket" seats; the rest had full-width 6-way power benches.


GM's brightwork suppliers must have cheered. In addition to massive bumpers and a shiny swath that ran the length of the rocker panels, there were chromed cockpit highlights, plated studs in the grille and chromed oval-shaped dual parking/directional lamps that mimicked the garish quad headlight treatment. This enormous car rode on a 10-foot, 10-inch wheelbase. Rear overhang was a whopping 95 inches. Overall width was just short of seven feet. The Biarritz weighed 2-1/2 tons. Running gear was typical Caddy fare for the period: a tubular-center X-type frame and an all-steel body were supported by front coil springs and a torsion rod stabilizer backed by a live rear axle with air suspension. A wallowy, "Sealy Posture-pedic" ride was the predictable result. Over time, air suspension proved troublesome and leaky, so most units were replaced with conventional helical-coil springs. A 3-speed Hydra-Matic did the shifting; 12-inch drums on all four corners were adequate—as long as panic stops were infrequent.


You don't drive a Biarritz, you cruise majestically. Don't try any maneuvers quickly except acceleration—the front end lifts, the three Rochesters gulp for air, and 60 mph is reached in 10.5 seconds. Fuel "economy" is OPEC's dream: 8-14 mpg, and that's only if you featherfoot it. Top speed was reportedly over 120, but at that velocity, the Eldo gets up on tiptoes on 8.20x15 bias-plies and wants to wander. What you really want to do in this car is turn up Buddy Holly till the speakers buzz and roll down Main Street. People cheerfully pay $35,000-$50,000 for surviving Eldo Biarritzs. Its rarer companion, the equally striking Seville hardtop, sells for less than half. In 1960, the fins dropped and there was less chrome. The price stayed the same, and so did the sales volume. Little wonder '60 Eldos sell for less than the fabulous '59s. If you're gonna cruise in style, this is the dreamboat you're looking for.