390-cid, 345-hp V-8 engine, three Rochester two-barrel carburetors, three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live axle rear suspension with air-assisted coil springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 130-inches

By the late 1950s, Cadillac reigned supreme over the full-sized luxury car market in North America with exciting products that featured advanced engineering and the leading-edge styling of Harley Earl. While the 1959 Eldorado was controversial and misunderstood in its heyday, the collectors and critics of today agree that it possesses an unmatched combination of power, presence and luxury.

In 1959, the Eldorado sub-series included the Seville hardtop and the Biarritz convertible, along with the Brougham four-door hardtop. Standard Eldorado features included all the items available on the Series 62 DeVille line and beyond, including a heater, fog lamps, air suspension, a radio with a rear-mounted speaker, power windows, a six-way power seat, electric door locks, and whitewall tires. In fact, only four options were available: air conditioning, cruise control, the Autronic Eye automatic headlight dimmer, and E-Z Eye glass, along with a no-cost bucket seat option for the Biarritz. The pinnacle of the Cadillac line in 1959, the Eldorado Biarritz Convertible carried a base price of $7,401, which deterred all but 1,320 wealthy buyers.

The Eldorado featured the ultimate Cadillac engine for 1959, the enlarged Q-code 390 cubic inch V-8, which was topped by three two-barrel Rochester carburetors. This power plant produced 345 horsepower, and was mated to a three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission as standard equipment. The standard rear end gear ratio was a relatively tall 2.94:1, while the optional 3.21:1 gears were mandatory for cars equipped with air conditioning.

The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz offered here has recently been treated to new paint, interior, carpet and top. It has also benefitted from freshly chromed bumpers and recently polished stainless steel trim components. It is quite eye-catching in its overall presentation. Finished in Aspen White, the Cadillac is complemented by a white power-operated convertible top and a body-color fiberglass parade boot. The car rides on wide whitewall Dunlop tires, along with steel wheels that display full “turbine vane” wheel covers.

The interior is freshly trimmed in red leather upholstery. The interior is complemented by an abundance of brushed aluminum trim, and optional amenities include air conditioning and the Autronic Eye. Underhood, the engine bay is nicely detailed and period correct in presentation; the 390 cubic inch V-8 is correctly finished in Cadillac blue, and topped by a gold-finished air cleaner.

No other car of the era, or since, can surpass the timeless style, beauty and grace of the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. Without a doubt, the offering of this example provides an infrequent opportunity to acquire one of these fine cars.