Cadillac renamed the Eldorado Convertible the Biarritz to differentiate it from the new Seville two-door hardtop coupe introduced in 1956. Both took their names from romantic European cities; Biarritz was a fashionable French seaside resort, and Seville a fabled old city in Spain. 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 power convertible top, along with a four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission, were included as standard features. Gorgeous Sabre wheels made their appearance on Eldorados for the second time.

Cadillac’s V-8 engine was upsized to 365 cubic inches for 1956, and horsepower on Eldorados was increased to 305—20 more than other Cadillacs thanks to twin four-barrel carburetors under a unique gold "batwing" air cleaner. At $6,556, the Eldorado was nearly $1,800 more expensive than the lesser Series 62 Convertible, holding production to just 2,150 units.

The 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz on offer is one of those examples produced for the model year and presents with a stunning older restoration courtesy of FEN Enterprises of Wappingers Falls, New York. Over 100 individual documents dated between 2002 and 2008 are on file and detail the extensive nut-and-bolt restoration performed on the Cadillac. The immense quality of this work was rewarded in 2008 with an Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) National First Prize. The medallion for this recognition is placed within the engine compartment on the radiator support.

Today, the Eldorado Biarritz still shows in spectacular condition with a classic all-black color scheme. A build sheet copy on file confirms that it was originally specified with an Arlington Green Metallic exterior over a green and white leather interior. Befitting Cadillac’s most desirable model, this example is equipped with a number of power features including windows, steering, and brakes, as well as an Autronic Eye automatic headlight dimmer.

An undisputed icon of the automotive world, this 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz represents the peak of American post-war luxury. With enduring status and desirability, an example such as this should not be passed by.