Lot 411

Hershey 2023

1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

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$46,750 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Engine No.
5662053778
Documents
US Title
  • Said to be the one-millionth Cadillac produced postwar (after 1945) and reportedly one of very few 1956 Eldorados equipped from the factory with every possible option
  • Remarkably preserved in correct color combination of Emerald Green Metallic over polychrome Emerald and White leather with an Ivory convertible top
  • Highly specified from the factory with rare air conditioning, automatic Autronic-Eye, remote electronic trunk release, E-Z-Eye glass, signal-seeking radio, Kelsey-Hayes gold Sabre wheels, and suite of power accessories
  • Offered from the collection of Bryan Keysor

In the 11 June 1956 edition of Automotive News, an article declared “Cadillac’s One-Millionth Postwar Car.” Included was an image of what is said to be the Cadillac offered here, a gleaming Eldorado Biarritz.

For 1956, Cadillac renamed the Eldorado Convertible as the Eldorado Biarritz to differentiate it from the new Seville two-door Hardtop Coupe. Eldorados featured a shark-fin rear end, skirt-less wheel openings, chrome door top trim, and a distinctive twin blade hood ornament. Power steering, power brakes, power windows, power antenna, and a power convertible top, along with a four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission, were generously included as standard features, while gorgeous Sabre wheels returned to make their second appearance on the Eldorado.

Cadillac’s V-8 engine was upsized to 365 cubic inches for 1956, with output on Eldorados increased to 305 horsepower—20 horsepower more than other models within the lineup—thanks to twin four-barrel carburetors under a unique gold "batwing" air cleaner. At $6,556, the Eldorado Biarritz was nearly $1,800 more expensive than the lesser Series 62 Convertible, holding production to just 2,150 highly coveted units. Perhaps none have been better preserved than the example offered here.

Delivered new in Los Angeles and first registered on 15 August 1956 to the Forson family of Santa Susana, California, this outstanding, preservation-grade Eldorado Biarritz is a remarkable sight to behold. The car remained in California until about 1990 before coming to New York State and then was later acquired by the consignor in April 2002.

It presents today in what is said to be its original Emerald Green Metallic paint and two-tone Emerald Green and White leather upholstery beneath an Ivory cloth convertible top. Prominently featured on the dash is a unique, gold plaque with the inscription “One Millionth.”

Making it even more appealing, this Eldorado Biarritz was highly optioned when new and still retains a comprehensive suite of desirable and rarely seen factory equipment, including air conditioning, a full-car heater, Autronic-Eye adaptive headlights, electronic opening and closing trunk lock, E-Z-Eye glass, a signal-seeking radio, and Kelsey-Hayes gold Sabre wheels.

Importantly, this exceptionally well-preserved Eldorado Biarritz retains its numbers-matching engine and has never been shown while in the consignor’s possession. It is being offered to the public here for the first time, presenting its new owner an opportunity to share this incredible Cadillac with others.