Lot 158

Amelia Island 2021

1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

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$131,600 USD | Sold

United States | Amelia Island, Florida

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language
Chassis No.
5662073179
Engine No.
5662073179
Documents
US Registration
  • One of just 2,150 Eldorado Convertibles produced for 1956
  • An older restoration that still presents nicely
  • Dual-quad carburetors rebuilt in 2021
  • Accompanied by a copy of its original build sheet from GM Historical Archives
Addendum: Please note that the correct chassis and engine number is 5662073179.

Cadillac renamed the Eldorado Convertible the Biarritz to differentiate it from the new Seville two-door Hardtop Coupe introduced in 1956. Both took their names from romantic European cities; Biarritz was a fashionable French seaside resort, and Seville a fabled old city in Spain. Eldorados featured a shark fin rear end, skirt-less wheel openings, chrome door top trim, and a distinctive twin blade hood ornament. Power steering, power brakes, power windows, power antenna, and power convertible top, along with a four-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission, were included as standard features. Gorgeous Sabre wheels made their appearance on Eldorados for the second time.

Cadillac’s V-8 engine was upsized to 365 cubic inches for 1956, and horsepower on Eldorados was increased to 305, 20 more than other Cadillacs thanks to twin four-barrel carburetors under a unique gold "batwing" air cleaner. At $6,556, the Eldorado was nearly $1,800 more expensive than the lesser Series 62 Convertible, holding production to just 2,150 units.

According to the consigner, this Eldorado was the beneficiary of a ground-up restoration approximately 20 years ago. Finished in cream over a tan leather interior and tan canvas convertible top, it still presents beautifully today, with straight panels and a nicely maintained convertible top. Underhood, as well as the chassis, are nicely detailed, belying the age of the restoration.

Options include a signal-seeking AM radio, EZ Eye glass, and Autronic Eye. It has been fitted with safety belts for added security and is accompanied by a fiberglass parade boot for sleek top-down touring. The dual-quad carburetors were rebuilt in 2021. A copy of the original build record from GM Historical Archive is included, and its five correct Sabre wheels are fitted with wide whitewall Coker Classic tires. The car has never been shown while in the consignor’s possession, offering its new owner an opportunity to share this big Cadillac with others.