For most people, the 1959 Cadillac embodies its decade as much as neon signs, Elvis Presley’s hips, and hula hoops. Its styling represents the peak of American exuberance, as well as the ongoing transition between the retiring Harley Earl and his successor, William Mitchell. Mitchell favored low, ground-hugging torpedoes, while Earl wanted ever more chrome and taller tailfins. The 1959 Cadillac combined both successfully, bearing David Holls’s famous tailfins, the largest ever installed on an American production car, and chrome galore.

However, the 1959s were not merely high-finned glamour wagons; they were, as historian Maurice Hendry wrote, “undeniably excellent” in every way. This was never truer than in the top-of-the-line Eldorado series, which offered a list of sumptuous luxuries, like power brakes, power steering, a tri-power 345-horsepower V-8, and Hydra-Matic Drive, all as standard equipment.

Arguably the most desirable of the Eldorados was the Biarritz Convertible; it was Cadillac’s most expensive open-air car for 1959, and 1,320 of them were built. Offered here is an exceptional example that was professionally restored several years ago and finished to an outstanding, show-quality standard throughout. It is finished in the Eldorado-only color of Hampton Green, which is original to this car, and it is well-complemented by metallic green upholstery and a correct white acrylic convertible top, which folds away underneath the desirable three-piece “parade boot.”

Among the very few options that could be had on this car were the “Autronic Eye” automatic headlamp dimmer and the E-Z Eye tinted glass, and this car has both. When acquired by the present owner, the car still rode on its priceless original air suspension system. This system was standard on 1959 Eldorados, but it is very rare to still find it intact today. It was eventually removed from this car and replaced with a new, improved air suspension system, for better reliability. This new system provides an unparalleled ride, one that is befitting of one of the finest boulevard cruisers of its time.

The car is supplied with the complete original air suspension system, should the new owner wish to reinstall it for shows; the parade boot; and the original owner’s manual.

For many, the 1959 Cadillac represents the peak of American industrial design in its era. The Eldorado Biarritz is the most desirable among its ranks. Offered here is a car that is beautifully restored and properly presented on air suspension and in its striking original color scheme. It is ready to show, drive, and flaunt.