The mid-fifties ushered in the beginnings of the space age and with it, the rounded lines of automotive design gave way to the sharper, crisp lines of jet aircraft and rocketry influences. This move was felt throughout the entire art and design culture. Cadillac design philosophies had an internal clash which eventually resulted in the renowned Harley Earl taking retirement from the famous styling studio.

Desired when new, and roundly appreciated today for its glamorous chromed effects and broad body features, the 1958 Cadillacs were originally received with disapproval for perceived heavy appearance and overuse of bright trim elements. A styling studio shakeup ended up in Earl’s departure and his preferred automotive presentations and led the way for Bill Mitchell, Charles (Chuck) Jordan and Dave Hollis to execute the leaner, lower and more acute designs.

The group had seen the new-for-1957 Chrysler models and with the competition of sales in mind, they began to tone their own cars. The first year that the new Cadillac designs would actually be available was in 1959. Broadly considered as the wildest interpretation of the high tailfin, bullet taillight, low-slung era, the 1959 Eldorado set the stage for the subsequent 1960 model, which at the time of introduction, was considered a much tidier presentation. This theme would carry Cadillac well into the 1960s and beyond.

By 1960 Cadillac had claimed its supremacy as the flagship line for General Motors and bested the rest of its competition in the luxury car segment. Although the Eldorado line was heavily equipped with many luxuries that were standard on most models, it is worth mentioning the “standard accessories” that complete this body-on restored Biarritz. This particular car, as all 1960 Cadillac Eldorados, features power steering, brakes, windows, wing windows, seats, door locks, antenna; plus Cadillac Air Suspension (when new), cruise control, air conditioning, trunk remote, foglights, AM radio with rear speaker and fender skirts. It is finished in a lovely tan shade (Cadillac offered five beige-oriented colors new) with complementing white leather interior with Sienna Beige accents and carpet, plus a white power-operated soft-top. Bodied by Fleetwood, this impressive example is powered by a 390-cid, 345-hp V-8 engine with factory-fitted three two-barrel carburetors (another standard) and Hydra-Matic Drive for its automatic transmission.

One of a reported 1,285 similar models built by Cadillac in 1960, this beautiful car is an uncommon piece of American luxury car “royalty.” Cadillac also built 1,075 hardtop Eldorado Sevilles and another 101 Eldorado Broughams in the 1960 model year.

Already distinctive for its refined presentation, this car also has the rare bucket seat option that, according to respected sources, vacillates from 100 to 200 Eldorado Biarritz’s when offered new in 1960. With a definitive style of their own, the Cadillac is also equipped with the correct wheels and factory fluted wheel discs, wide whitewall tires and front and rear grille fascia that would make a master jeweler proud. This majestic Eldorado Biarritz lives up to the promise of its elegant name and preceding reputation.

For its 1960 models, Cadillac significantly refined their approach, shrinking the exaggerated fins from the previous year, reducing the amount of chrome trim, and in many other ways, creating a markedly more sophisticated statement. The full complement of power accessories was retained. With a total of 13 Cadillac models issued in three series, the Eldorado Biarritz convertible was the most elegant and desirable of all, with a cost new of over $7,000, ensuring exclusivity then and now; especially considering the number that surely did not survive to the current era.