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 extravagant fins from the previous year, reducing the pronounced 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. I compare the 1959 model to actress Sophie Tucker, but 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, their cost new of over $7,000, ensuring exclusivity then and now.

The Eldorado Biaritz is powered by a 390-cid, 345-hp V-8 engine with tri-carburetor setup; driven by a column-shift Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The car features the last year for the coil spring independent suspension via pneumatic airbags. The 19-foot Cadillac is based on a 129.5-inch wheelbase platform. Among the many standards found on the 1960 Eldorado Biarittz are fender skirts, whitewall tires, remote trunk lock, electric door locks, radio with rear speaker, six-way power seat, windshield washers and dual-speed wipers, a hard parade boot for the convertible top; power top, windows, steering and brakes. This particular car also has optional air conditioning; it appears to be an outstanding example of a much sought-after collector Cadillac.