By the late fifties, Cadillac would reign supreme over the full-sized luxury car market in North America. Celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, Steve McQueen, Hank Williams and more wanted to own and be seen in Cadillacs, as they were the epitome of American luxury. For its 1960 models, Cadillac significantly refined its approach, shrinking the extravagant fins from the previous year, reducing the pronounced use of chrome trim and in many other ways, creating an infinitely more elegant statement. The full complement of power accessories was retained, however, so many aficionados today consider the 1960 Cadillac as the ultimate iteration. GM’s Executive Director of Styling from that period, Dave Holls, once remarked, “I finally got it right with the 1960 Cadillac. I compare the 1959 model to actress Sophie Tucker, but the ’60 Cadillac is pure Grace Kelly.” With a total of 13 Cadillac models issued in three series (plus one limited production custom chassis), the Eldorado Biarritz convertible was the most elegant and desirable of all. Only 1,285 units were produced, and their cost new over $7,000, ensuring exclusivity then and now. This exceptional Eldorado Biarritz offered here for sale is certainly one of the best, if not the best, restored examples of its type anywhere. It has undergone a complete frame-off nut-and-bolt “cost is no object” restoration to concours quality. This was an open-checkbook restoration with the intention of restoring this Biarritz to be the finest in the world, and the goal was achieved. Finished in its factory delivered color combination of Ebony black exterior with a black leather interior, this example has an absolutely massive presence. The paintwork and panel fit are exemplary. The chrome and stainless trim have been refinished to the highest level and gleam in contrast to the Ebony exterior paint. The lavishly appointed cabin is finished in factory delivered black leather and has been completely restored, rechromed and redone to the highest standards. The chrome interior fittings have been meticulously restored, just as the exterior trim. The exterior is finished with a set of correct chrome hubcaps with wide whitewall tires; this Eldorado Biarritz lives up to the promise of its elegant name. As is to be expected of a restoration of this level, the engine bay and undercarriage are just as gorgeous as the rest of the car. Every nut and bolt was redone, refinished and replated. The 390 CI V-8 carries the factory-correct and very desirable Tri-Power carburetor setup, which produces a very healthy 345 horsepower, enough to give this massive Cadillac surprisingly good performance. The engine is correctly painted in Cadillac Dark Blue topped with the gold-painted air cleaner. Every fitting and piece of hardware has been cad plated, anodized or repainted. Under close inspection, one will even notice the proper “as delivered” stickers and tags found throughout the car, a true testament to the absolute quality of the restoration. These luxurious Cadillacs are known for their incredible power options available through the factory. This example comes highly optioned with a fiberglass parade boot in body color, power windows, power locks, power top, factory radio and air conditioning. Incredibly, after all of that intensive restoration work, just test miles have been put on this car since its completion. This represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire a superb and fully documented example of Cadillac’s most regarded model— certainly the finest example of its type anywhere.
