1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

• The epitome of style and status was never more evident than with the Cadillac brand after WW2 and the Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was the most elegant and stylish Caddy you could buy. 

While most Cadillacs touted the best craftsmanship offered in a General Motors vehicle in the 1950s and appealed to more conservative wealthy buyers, the stylish flagship Eldorado 2-door model convertible was re-badged the Biarritz, named after the elegant seaside town on the coast of France.  Its hardtop counterpart became the Eldorado Seville. The Biarritz was a huge hit with the rich and famous who wished to see and be seen in this elegant car.

Styling cues were right with the times as GM’s design chief, Harley Earl drew from prior concept car ideas, sporting dominant tall tail fins that seemed to rise out of the enormous sloping rear trunk line.  Upfront, Cadillac’s signature “egg crate” gold anodized grill was encompassed by a chromed three-piece bumper with rubber cushioned bumperettes on either side showing its aircraft-inspired overtones.  Badging throughout the car also was gold-tone, reminding the owner and viewers alike of its exclusive nature.  The styling was highlighted with cast aluminum and steel “Sabre” wheels instead of chromed wire spokes common to other luxury models.

To power this elegant craft down the highway, Cadillac fitted the Eldorado Biarritz with its most robust powerplant: a 365 cubic inch 325 horsepower V8, mated to a 4-speed column shift automatic transmission.  Feeding the engine were dual 4-barrel Carter carburetors, giving the Eldo the performance to go along with the style and comfort expected of a Cadillac.

This Concours quality example sports a subdued black-on-black color scheme with the black cloth electrically retractable top keeping with the underscored elegance of the car.  From the factory, a fiberglass removable hardtop was offered for winter driving.   Seats are covered in pleated leather throughout the interior complemented by 4 position power seats, power windows, and door locks.  Similar treatment covers the dashboard with color-matched leather-trimmed with chrome surround instruments, radio, and controls. 

The Eldorado Biarritz was the most expensive vehicle in Cadillac’s lineup for 1957 and was made in limited numbers with only 1800 coming off the assembly line.  As the 50s ended, the Biarritz continued in growing bigger, lower, and longer with towering tail fins dominating its overall style.

Specifications:

• Engine: 364.4 cu in V-8; Dual 4-barrel carburetors

• Transmission: 4-speed column shift automatic transmission

• Power: 325 hp

• Torque:

• Length: 222.1 in

• Width: 80.0 in

• Height: 58.3 in

• Wheelbase: 129.5 in

• Weight: 5110 lbs

• Speed: 0-60, 10.6 sec, quarter-mile 17.7 sec

• Top Speed: 118 mph

• Fuel Economy: 8.8 mpg