Even though the hardtop Eldorado Seville and the equivalent convertible, the Eldorado Biarritz, first went on sale in 1956, the next year brought about several important updates, both mechanically and cosmetically. New for that year was Cadillac’s X-frame construction, which brought increased structural rigidity and helped to make the Eldorado’s ride even more sublime. Under the hood lay Cadillac’s 365-cubic inch V-8; it was topped with two 4-barrel carburetors and was capable of producing 325 brake horsepower, which was 20 horsepower more than the standard Cadillac engines.

To go along with their new mechanical components, the 1957 Eldorados also received a complete restyling, which was inspired by Cadillac’s Eldorado Brougham and Park Avenue show cars. The aforementioned new chassis also allowed the body to sit lower than it did on earlier cars, reducing overall height and improving the visual impression on the road. The car was given a distinctive tail treatment, which included rounding the flanks and having each bear a single shark-like fin. Only 1,800 Biarritz convertibles were produced that year, accounting for only a small percentage of total production.

The car offered here is undoubtedly one of the finest, highest-quality restored examples in the world. It was formerly owned by a renowned collector of 1950s American cars, Tom Gerrard of Montana, who is known for his cost-no-object, exquisite restorations that gather national awards from coast to coast. This Cadillac was restored in the year-correct color scheme of Elysian Green, with a metallic green leather interior and green cloth top; the trim tag on the firewall has been changed to reflect these colors. It also has almost all of the available factory options for this year, including EZ-Eye tinted glass, a heater, an Autronic Eye automatic headlight dimmer, electric six-way seats, and even factory air conditioning.

Not surprisingly, the spectacular restoration gathered prominent awards from coast to coast, with the most important being its AACA Grand National Senior First Prize, a Cadillac-LaSalle Club Grand National First Place, and an Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Best of Class. It remained properly cared for in the Gerrard Collection for another decade before its acquisition by the present owner, and it has remained well maintained by professionals in his ownership. As such, this Cadillac Eldorado still features an extremely high-point, concours-quality restoration, and it still stands among the finest restored examples. It is accompanied by restoration receipts and documentation of its judging scores and awards.

For the buyer seeking an exquisitely finished 1950s Cadillac convertible, few can beat the car offered here, as its judging results aptly prove.