The Automotive Dream “One man and his dream had not simply left the world with an engine and four wheels; Henry Ford and his Model T had influenced people's everyday lives - where they lived, how they spent their leisure time, even how they viewed themselves.” - Gary...
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
Written by Irina
Photo credit - Good Vision Prod
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Fins, Chrome and American Luxury
“If you want this kind of automotive classic, you better have a garage that can house a boat, because this car will not just make space in your heart, it also needs a lot of space to be housed.” – Arun Signh Pundir
The 1950s were glamorous years for GM with their Art & Colour department setting the tone for American car design. Admired for its looks, the most expensive car of the Cadillac lineup in 1957, the Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz is the subject of this week’s blog post. Cadillac made less than 2,000 of these cars making them highly desirable collection pieces. Plus, with attractive colors and luscious interiors, they are real eye candy. Keep reading to learn more about the Cadillac Eldorado evolution and the 1957 Biarritz model.
The 1950s Cadillac
The 1950s and 1960s were glorious years for GM. The international powerhouse was on top of the world. These were also the years of planned obsolescence. GM’s Art and Colour department was tasked to reinvent models so that each model year would look distinctive. This made it obvious how old your car was and put pressure on well-off or socially sensitive individuals to keep getting the latest model to keep up with the Jones. These were also the years of extravagant designs, an abundance of chrome, and bright colors.
Under the GM umbrella, Cadillac was a luxury brand. The car of Hollywood stars and industry leaders, captured everyone’s imagination. Not just a car, some viewed it as an investment as its rate of depreciation was quite low. In the World Encyclopedia of Cars, by editors Martin Buckley & Chris Rees, the Cadillac is described as a symbol of “an era when the world’s most powerful nation was at its most confident.”
The Eldorado
The name “Eldorado” from “El Dorado” is a fabled golden city in South America. In the 16th century, its legend supposedly motivated European explorers in the search for gold. According to the Collins Dictionary, it has come to describe “any place of great riches or fabulous opportunities.”
In 1952, GM ran a contest to name the Cadillac Golden Anniversary show car to mark Cadillac’s 50 years in business. Mary-Ann Marini, a secretary from the merchandising department, suggested this name. GM then produced 532 units of a limited edition convertible for the 1953 model year with that name. Design elements included a wraparound windshield and a stylish beltline that other car brands soon copied. From then on, the Eldorado stayed in production with changes made every year. The model also diversified, with hardtop cars being named Seville and convertible models Biarritz, later on, the Brougham model also appeared.
In 1955, Cadillac introduced slick and stylish tail fins on the Eldorado. This wasn’t a first in the market, but Cadillac excelled at it. Tailfins give definition to the rear of the car and make it as interesting as the front. The fins kept on stretching through the 1950s. Most recognize the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado as the best example of this car style. An iconic model, Cadillac produced the Eldorado for 50 years with 2002 being its last.
The 1957 Biarritz
Cadillac in general, and the Eldorado in particular, had a solid reputation in the late 1950s and the 1957 models were no exception. They were applauded for their powerful performance, ease of handling and impressive looks. At the luxury end of the GM lineup, built in small quantities with an expensive price tag, the 1957 Eldorado Biarritz fully embodied its golden name. Of note, the badging is done in a gold tone instead of the usual chrome to remind us of its golden origin.
Its humongous size, 222.1 inches long to be exact, provokes many boat comparisons, some going as far as to call it an “ornately-sized land yacht.” The 1957 model had a body about 3 inches lower than its predecessor thanks to a new X-framed chassis. This lowering of the hood did not affect head-to-roof clearance. The abundance of chrome and the in-board fins made it easily recognizable. The Biarritz are the GM cars with the most pieces of chrome, ever. The luxurious and comfortable interior matches the Biarritz’s distinguished exterior. One of two models of Eldorados offered that year, it was produced in 1,800 units and sold for $7,286.
What Now
Interestingly, Elvis Presley has been reported to own and drive a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz. A glamorous car fit for rockstars was an inspirational car, a reward that the hard-working and self-made Americans could afford once they made their way to the top. We, at Currus Dreems, particularly like the “Elysian Green” color of this beautiful example. Sitting inside this Biarritz, one feels like they are in a plush, green living room. Today, one would have to search long and hard to find a car with such a uniquely-coloured interior. Of all Eldorado Biarritz, early models like this one are the most collectible and deserve to be preserved in the Demers Car Collection.
Next week on the blog, we keep exploring American design with an introduction to famous car designer Howard Darrin.
The Nitty Gritty
- 129.5-inch wheelbase
- 325 hp
- Four-speed, self-shift Hydra-Matic transmission
- 365 cu. in. V8 with twin four-barrel carburetors engine
- Weight: 4,930 pounds
- Sabre-Spoke Wheels
- Coil spring independent front suspension
- Live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs suspension
- Four-wheel power hydraulic drum brakes
- Max speed: 118 mph
