Introduced in 1956, the Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was the convertible counterpart to the Eldorado Seville two-door hardtop. Extravagant in both style and luxury, the Biarritz’s name recalled a French coastal resort town—never mind that this truly massive, unabashedly American luxury convertible would have been a surprising sight anywhere on the Continent.

By the Eldorado’s fifth generation, introduced for 1961, the flamboyant fins of the 1950s had—under the guidance of GM styling head Bill Mitchell—evolved into sleek Jet Age blades. Brightwork still abounded, however, with a full-width chrome grille (incorporating quad headlights) dominating the car’s front end; the grille’s horizontal emphasis carries over to the stylish mid-century dashboard. A 325 horsepower, 390 cubic-inch V-8 mated to a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission provided ample motivation for this long, low, and wide convertible.

Originally finished in Victorian Gold, this 1962 Eldorado Biarritz now wears a striking red exterior over a black interior, nicely complimented by a black power-operated convertible top. Offered from the Duane Sell Collection, the car earned third place at the Cadillac and LaSalle Club 2002 Grand National—a testament to both the enduring appeal of the Eldorado Biarritz and the quality of this example in particular.

An ideal addition to any Cadillac collection, this grand convertible is also eminently suitable for those who appreciate American luxury at its most confident. The car is offered with partial invoices dating from 1964 to 1997, which provide invaluable insight in this car’s early life, as well as owner’s manuals.