The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was a car of superlatives: The top-of-the-line open-air offering from America’s reigning luxury champion, the Eldorado Biarritz was powered by Cadillac’s most powerful V-8, came loaded with an enviable slate of standard features, and possessed some of the era’s most exciting styling. In fact, the 1959 Eldorado Biarritz is said to sport the tallest tailfins ever fitted to a production car!

It is hardly surprising that all of this came at a quite a cost, and the Eldorado Biarritz’s $7,401 price tag contributed to its exclusivity; a mere 1,320 were built for 1959. While the body style largely carried over for 1960, certain elements—in particular, the towering tailfins—were toned-down, making first-year examples such as this particularly desirable for those seeking the ultimate in Cadillac flamboyance.

This example was originally finished in Argyle Blue Metallic over a Blue interior with a Pale Blue top. Purchased by the family of the consignor over 20 years ago, it was subsequently restored in its present combination of pink (an appealing shade similar to the factory Persian Sand) over a white interior with a white convertible top. Properly stored, sparingly driven, and carefully maintained, this car’s paint, brightwork, and interior present well today. A peek under the hood reveals a similarly well-sorted and detailed engine compartment dominated by the 345-horsepower “Tri-Power”-equipped V-8.

As the marque’s convertible flagship, each example of Eldorado Biarritz came very well equipped; power brakes and power steering were standard, as were power windows, vent windows, seat, and door locks, as well as a remote trunk release. This car also features the Autronic Eye automatic high-beam control system and was ordered with a heater and E-Z Eye glass. While air suspension was standard on the model, this example has since been converted to a more conventional coil spring setup (a common practice to improve reliability). The system’s air compressor has, however, been retained, and remains installed in the engine compartment.

Finally, this car came factory-equipped with front bucket seats; a feature offered for the first time by Cadillac in 1959, it is estimated that as few as 99 Eldorado Biarritz buyers selected this no-cost option, and it is highly sought by collectors today.

With more-than-ample power, a list of features that would not seem out of place on cars decades younger, and unforgettable design, the Eldorado Biarritz’s objective was to make an automotive statement that simply could not be ignored—for both Cadillac and the fortunate individuals who could afford to buy one new. Accompanied by a body-color parade boot and a shop manual, this beautiful example offers the opportunity to cruise in confident, all-American style in a luxury flagship that remains as head-turning today as it was in 1959.