1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

Chassis No. 60E017303
Body No. 256
It is well-known that, for all the famed flamboyance of the 1959 Cadillac, its designer, David Holls, preferred the 1960 model, with its slightly more subtle, knife-edged tailfins – comparing its classic beauty to that of actress Grace Kelly. At the top of the range remained the Eldorado series, in particular the Biarritz convertible, of which only 1,285 were made.
The car offered here was formerly part of the renowned collection of the late Tom Gerrard, highly respected for his expertise in American convertibles of the 1950s and 1960s. His examples were always fully restored by the top specialist in each model, with all correct options and color schemes, and frequently won everything that they could win in national competition. In the case of this Champagne Iridescent example, it had been restored prior to Mr. Gerrard's ownership, in the original colors and trim of its body tag, but he recognized its quality; it had won 1st in Class at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance of 2001, and Best Interior at the 2005 Ault Park Concours d'Elegance, while in the care of Allen B. Dickerson of South Haven, Michigan.
Today this Cadillac still exhibits Mr. Gerrard's typical attention to the fine details, including correct stickers and markings throughout. It is equipped with tri-power induction with a dual-snorkel air cleaner and filled with all available power accessories, including power steering and brakes, door and vent windows, beige six-way leather seat, trunk release and close, Autronic-Eye headlight dimmer, and black top, as well as a fiberglass 'parade boot,' cruise control, factory air conditioning, EZ Eye glass, and Cadillac Air Suspension. The latter has been replaced on many restored cars with coil springs, but they never ride precisely correctly; on this car, the air suspension is original, correct, and fully restored, and is fully functional, resulting in a peerless 'magic carpet' ride and a correct stance as the factory intended.
An AACA National Senior First Prize winner and National Award nominee with Mr. Gerrard in 2010, the car has been meticulously maintained in its present owner's collection for a decade and still presents marvelously in every regard, with only light age to its finishes under the hood. It is accompanied by a copy of its build record from GM Historical Services. This would still be among the first rank of 1960 Cadillacs, and appealing to anyone who knows its wonderful provenance and standard of fit and finish.