1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
Only 1,800 were built.
Cadillac unveiled an all new car for 1957. This Hearly Earl creation was a sharper-edged evolution of the 1954-56 "Standard of The World".
Innovations abounded, including an unusual X-shaped frame, optional
air-ride suspension and a radically curved wraparound windshield.
As before, Cadillac customers could choose from two convertibles... the mainstream Series 62 and the ultra prestigious Eldorado Biarritz.
Inspired by Motorama show cars, the 1957 Biarritz featured exclusive rear sheet metal with American-style fins protruding from softly rounded, European-look rear fenders.
The rear fenders were commonly referred to as "chipmunk cheeks". This concept was used for two years, but did not spawn any imitators.
The Eldorado Biarritz featured a 365 cubic inch, 325 hp V8 with twin Carter four-barrell carburetors, four-speed Hydra-Matic drive and "Sabre Spoke" aluminum wheels. List price of the Eldorado was $7,286, more than $2,000 above a series 62. Only 1,800 were built.
1977-91 Eldorado Biarritz.
Unlike the Fleetwood and de Ville models, Eldorado didn't have a unique luxury package to provide it with a title change (such as the "d'Elegance" package).
This was rectified in 1977 with the "Biarritz" package. Trim differences on the 1977 and 1978 models included stainless steel trim on the hood, doors and rear fenders. The rear half of the roof was covered with a heavily padded landau vinyl top accented with "opera" lights.
Biarritz script adorned the trunk lid, landau roof and glove box door. The interior featured "pillowed"-style velour or leather seating. Starting in 1979, the roof was capped with stainless steel, reminiscent of the ultra-luxury 1957 and 1958 Eldorado Brougham.
The Biarritz option stayed with the Eldorado through the 1991 model year. Some of the original styling cues vanished after the 1985 model year, such as the brushed aluminum roofing and the interior seating designs, but "Biarritz" remained unique just the same.
Cadillac unveiled an all new car for 1957. This Hearly Earl creation was a sharper-edged evolution of the 1954-56 "Standard of The World".
As before, Cadillac customers could choose from two convertibles... the mainstream Series 62 and the ultra prestigious Eldorado Biarritz.
Inspired by Motorama show cars, the 1957 Biarritz featured exclusive rear sheet metal with American-style fins protruding from softly rounded, European-look rear fenders.
The rear fenders were commonly referred to as "chipmunk cheeks". This concept was used for two years, but did not spawn any imitators.
The Eldorado Biarritz featured a 365 cubic inch, 325 hp V8 with twin Carter four-barrell carburetors, four-speed Hydra-Matic drive and "Sabre Spoke" aluminum wheels. List price of the Eldorado was $7,286, more than $2,000 above a series 62. Only 1,800 were built.
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible.
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible.
1977-91 Eldorado Biarritz.
Unlike the Fleetwood and de Ville models, Eldorado didn't have a unique luxury package to provide it with a title change (such as the "d'Elegance" package).
This was rectified in 1977 with the "Biarritz" package. Trim differences on the 1977 and 1978 models included stainless steel trim on the hood, doors and rear fenders. The rear half of the roof was covered with a heavily padded landau vinyl top accented with "opera" lights.
Biarritz script adorned the trunk lid, landau roof and glove box door. The interior featured "pillowed"-style velour or leather seating. Starting in 1979, the roof was capped with stainless steel, reminiscent of the ultra-luxury 1957 and 1958 Eldorado Brougham.
The Biarritz option stayed with the Eldorado through the 1991 model year. Some of the original styling cues vanished after the 1985 model year, such as the brushed aluminum roofing and the interior seating designs, but "Biarritz" remained unique just the same.
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