Nineteen fifty-eight marked the last year before Harley Earl went “over the top” with Cadillac tailfin size. More elegant and subdued, the 1958 tailfins carry the horizontal body line as the trunk deck begins to slope down, creating a sense of motion and careful aim. Supreme among the chrome monsters of the 1950s was the 1958 Eldorado Biarritz Convertible. Its ferocity was more than suggested by the styling – under its solid steel hood was Cadillac’s 365-cubic inch engine, producing 335 horsepower and topped with three two-barrel carburetors. The interior was on par with any luxury car of the era. It had the finest materials, and the lengthy list of options included every comfort and convenience feature Cadillac could conceive, ensuring that driver and passengers enjoyed a top-of-the-line motoring experience.

The Eldorado Biarritz’s combination of power and presence has arguably never been repeated in such spectacular fashion. The trim components carry a common ribbed theme throughout, including the lower side trim and interior rear armrest panels. This Eldorado looks impressive in Code 50 Dakota Red with a red and white interior, plus a white soft-top. Among the luxury conveniences on this example are a Hydra-Matic transmission, Sabre-Spoke wheels, whitewall tires, generous lighting groups, driver’s side remote mirror, radio with rear speaker, remote trunk lid release; power top, six-way seat, windows, vent windows, steering and brakes. Options were few in number in 1958; this car has the accessory Autronic-Eye headlight dimmer.

The less than plentiful production figure for this model in 1958 totaled just 815 examples and cost $7,410 when new. Cadillac advertised this car as “Motordom’s masterpiece,” and it is widely considered to be one of the sportiest Cadillacs of the era.