By the late fifties, Cadillac would reign supreme over the full-sized luxury car market in North America. Although the extravagant 1959 model caused a sensation when introduced, it later came to be viewed as the pinnacle of automotive styling excess.

For its 1960 models, Cadillac significantly refined their approach, shrinking the exaggerated fins from the previous year, reducing the egregious use of chrome trim, and in many other ways creating an infinitely more elegant statement. The full complement of power accessories was retained; however, so many aficionados today consider the 1960 Cadillac as the ultimate iteration. GM’s executive director of styling from that period, Dave Holls, once remarked, “I finally got it right with the 1960 Cadillac…The ’60 Cadillac is pure Grace Kelly.”

With a total of 13 Cadillac models issued in three series (plus one limited-production custom chassis), the Eldorado Biarritz convertible was the most elegant and desirable of all. Only 1,285 units were produced, costing over $7,000 new, ensuring exclusivity then and now.

This 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible offered from the Meurer Collection is a truly wonderful example. Mr. Meurer purchased the car from a Minnesota Cadillac collector in 1990, driving it home over 700 trouble-free miles. Several years later a full body-off restoration was commissioned. This was highlighted by new paint in the correct Carrara Green, refinished chrome and stainless trim, a new top, and a fully rebuilt drivetrain. Since its completion the car has been enjoyed and shown at concours events, including St. John’s. This example is equipped with air-conditioning in addition to a power convertible top, windows, steering, and brakes. The interior is completed in green leather and features an Autronic Eye, AM-FM radio, and a clock. It rides on wide whitewall tires mounted on steel wheels featuring factory wheel covers.

This beautifully restored Eldorado Biarritz Convertible is a wonderful example of the model and one that is sure to turn heads today, as it did many years ago when new. The 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible remains one of the more ionic cars from the fin era and one that should be a part of any discerning collection.