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,” which were dramatic in design but close enough to the production models that they were ready to manufacture. These cars were named Fiesta, Skylark, and Eldorado, respectively, and they entered limited production during the year.

The Eldorado was based on the Series 62 Convertible, but it differed from it by having a wraparound windshield, which was a portent of GM’s future, and a distinctive dipped cockpit contour, and it came with a hard “parade boot,” to cover the top when lowered. Chrome wire wheels were standard, and dainty frameless wind-wings were attached to the doors, remaining outboard when the side windows were raised. At $7,750, it was America’s highest-priced passenger car, which no doubt limited its appeal. Just 532 were built, with the sticker being 90 percent above that of the Series 62 Convertible. Not surprisingly, the Eldorado was popular in Hollywood, as Jackie Gleason and Dinah Shore both owned one, but Marilyn Monroe’s has not been confirmed. The car’s place in history was assured when President Dwight Eisenhower rode in a white Eldorado during his January 1953 inauguration.

For 1954 all Cadillacs had wraparound windshields, and the Eldorado adopted the standard 62 body contours. Although the handsome “dip” was gone, its theme was memorialized in a broad chrome belt molding that followed its contour. Distinctive side trim on the lower rear quarters now distinguished the car, and at just $1,300 more than the 62 Convertible, it was much more affordable. For 1955 the Eldorado previewed the “rocket ship” tail fins that would eventually be adopted across the board. For the first time the Eldorado was immediately identifiable from the rear. A higher-performance engine with dual four-barrel carburetors was now standard and exclusive to the model.

The success of the Eldorado inspired the creation of a companion style, a hardtop coupe, for 1956. To distinguish the two, the coupe was designated Seville, while the convertible was the glitzier-sounding Biarritz. Interestingly, the coupe outsold the convertible 3,900 to 2,150, although they were priced exactly the same. The rear bumper was new, with a pair of exhaust outlets stacked on each side and the lower flank sporting four vertical flutes. Larger displacement, higher compression, and new Carter WCFB carburetors increased brake horsepower to 305. The Hydra-Matic was improved and re-engineered for smoother shifts. By now, the 1956 Eldorado Biarritz had a niche all to itself.

This brilliant red ’56 Eldorado Biarritz is fresh from a no-expense-spared, frame-off restoration. It is finished in red, with a correct red-and-white interior and matching red carpets and white top, and it comes complete with the requisite red parade boot. It is also fully equipped and features the Autronic Eye automatic headlight dimmer, E-Z Eye tinted glass, power steering, power brakes, power windows, and a power top. A Continental kit with prominent bumper “Dagmars” provides an unmistakable focal point when viewed from the rear. Other amenities include an electric dashboard clock, a signal-seeking Wonder Bar radio, and windshield washers.

The engine compartment is correctly detailed, with the “bat wing” air cleaner for the dual carbs taking pride of place. The undercarriage is spotless, having experienced no road soil since restoration, and the exhaust system is virtually brand new.

Aside from the limited-production long-wheelbase Series 75, the Eldorado Biarritz is the rarest 1956 Cadillac, and it’s easily the most stunning. This car represents an opportunity to acquire the freshest among restorations of the rarest of cars.