Series 62. 325 bhp, 365 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 129.5"

• Recent frame-off restoration

• Factory correct Ivory top and rare factory parade boot

• Dual quad carburetors with factory bat-wing air cleaner

General Motors scored a hat trick with the 1953 Motorama traveling shows. All three of the upscale divisions, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac, had prestige convertible “idea cars” dramatic in design but close enough to the production models that they were ready to manufacture. Named Fiesta, Skylark and Eldorado, respectively, they entered limited production during the year. Based on the Series 62 convertible, the Eldorado differed in having a wrap-around windshield, a preview of GM’s future, and a distinctive dipped cockpit contour, and it came with a hard “parade boot” to cover the top when lowered. Just 532 were built at a price 90 percent above that of the Series 62 droptop.

The concept was further refined and restyled for 1954 and 1955, and by 1956 the success of the Eldorado inspired the creation of a companion style, a hardtop coupe. To distinguish the two, the coupe was designated “Seville” and the convertible was dubbed “Biarritz.” For 1957, the Eldorado was given a distinctive tail treatment, with rounded flanks, each bearing a single shark-like fin. Biarritz convertible production was 1,800 that year, a tiny fraction of Cadillac’s total production.

Finished in Dakota Red with a red leather interior and Ivory convertible top, this Biarritz has been the recipient of a frame-off restoration, as evidenced by the superb, detailed undercarriage. Very presentable chrome and stainless adorn the exterior. The fully restored leather interior is in excellent condition. We are informed the instrumentation, gauges and accessories function as they did when they left the factory. All of the driveline components including the transmission and rear differential have been inspected, refreshed or rebuilt. Factory-installed equipment and options on this car includes Wonderbar signal-seeking AM radio, power release and closing assist trunk, six-way power seat, power windows, Autronic Eye auto-dimming headlights and flawless Sabre wheels. A thorough service and inspection has just been performed on this extremely well-equipped Biarritz.