1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible, Design by Bill Mitchell

1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
Design by Bill Mitchell
Chassis no. 60E061134
390ci OHV V8 Engine
Triple 2-Barrel Carburetors
345bhp at 4,800rpm
Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Lovely presentation inside and out, with many original finishes intact
*Exclusive and luxurious Eldorado Biarritz with list price of staggering $7,401 from new
*Striking Rose Metallic over White interior
*Extreme and elegant Convertible penned by Bill Mitchell

THE GRAND CADILLACS

With their jet fighter styling, glitzy chrome trim, color-matched interiors, and jukebox instrumentation, Cadillacs of the late '50s/early '60s epitomize an era when nothing succeeded like excess. Their over-the-top tail fins remain controversial even today. By the late 1950s, Cadillacs incorporated new X-braced tubular chassis frames that increased structural rigidity, while making possible lower body lines without loss of interior space. Although hardly any larger than before, these restyled and low-slung Caddies looked bigger, which was all that mattered. They also sported fashionable tail fins. General Motors' chief stylist, Harley Earl, had introduced fins on the 1948 Cadillacs, and the device would reach its zenith in 1959 before fading away.

For 1960, the fins were toned down just a little and the overall look was slightly more restrained. Base model Series 6200 cars came with power steering, power brakes, and automatic transmission as standard. The DeVille Series 6300 offered power windows and seats. To this already superb level of equipment, the Eldorado/Biarritz Series 6400 added a heater, fog lamps, Eldorado (345bhp) engine, remote control trunk lock, radio with antenna and rear speaker, power vent windows, six-way power seat, air suspension, electric door locks, license frames, and whitewall tires. The Eldorado Biarritz Convertible was one of the most expensive cars of its day and sold in commensurately low numbers, just 1,285 being made out of a total Cadillac production of 142,184 units in the 1960 model year.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Offered here is a spectacular example of the luxurious top-notch Eldorado line, in the most desirable style 60-64E Biarritz Convertible version available from Cadillac. Named after the posh French Atlantic coastal town of Biarritz, the car cost a staggering $7,401 from new. Offered from a prominent Wester US-based collection, this prominent Cadillac has been kept in a heated and dehumidified collection facility, and presents beautifully throughout. Finished in Rose Metallic with off-white leather interior, it boasts the ultimate of Americana styling and luxury. The odometer reading just over 32,700 miles—if original—and many of the car's finishes appear to be unrestored and preserved.