The Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz stands as a symbol of American automotive luxury—an icon of the golden age of motoring where excess wasn’t just accepted, it was expected. Among the myriad of tailfins and chrome that defined the late ’50s and early ’60s, the Eldorado Biarritz convertible shone brightest, especially in its 1960 iteration. With its sweeping lines, futuristic design, and abundant luxuries, the Biarritz wasn’t just a car—it was a rolling statement of success and style.
One such example, a 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible finished in a rare Champagne Iridescent hue, recently made waves at the Auctions America Auburn Fall Auction. Though the bidding took place over Labor Day weekend, and some may have missed the chance to see it in action, the car remains a showcase of what makes this model so extraordinary.
A Rolling Masterpiece
By 1960, Cadillac had long secured its position as the crown jewel of General Motors, reigning supreme over the American luxury car market. The Eldorado, particularly the Biarritz convertible, was the epitome of this dominance. This particular example—estimated to fetch between $80,000 to $100,000—is a pristine showcase of Cadillac craftsmanship and mid-century opulence.
Under the hood lies a robust 390-cubic inch V8 engine paired with GM’s reliable Hydra-Matic Drive transmission, offering power and smoothness in equal measure. But the heart of the Biarritz isn’t just in its engine—it’s in the details. This car is equipped with every luxury available at the time: power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, power top, power antenna, Cadillac’s advanced air suspension, cruise control, and air conditioning.
More than just functional, the vehicle’s presentation is exceptional. It features a gold leather interior with a sleek black vinyl top, marrying sophistication with flair. Restored with meticulous attention, this Biarritz received a no-expense-spared treatment, earning accolades like the AACA Senior Award in 2001 and a First Prize at the 2010 AACA Special 75th Anniversary Meet.
Every inch of the car reflects the restorer’s commitment to authenticity and perfection—from original-style clock tags inside the cabin to jack instruction stickers in the trunk, and even factory-correct labels in the engine bay. The undercarriage is as clean as the exterior, a testament to the time and care poured into its resurrection.
Customizing the Cadillac Dream
Yet not every Eldorado Biarritz follows the original blueprint. Some enthusiasts take the platform and push it further—into the realm of custom builds that merge art with engineering.
One semi-custom 1959 Eldorado Biarritz, which debuted at the Grand National Roadster Show, blurs the line between restoration and personalization. Built by Xtreme Restorations in Rhode Island, this massive 225-inch cruiser may not be a true Biarritz by VIN, but it embodies the essence of Cadillac cool. The interior uses a factory color that didn’t originally appear in the 1959 palette—an intentional nod to the world of custom car culture. The result is a subtle, refined ride that maintains the integrity of the original while embracing personal style.
Then there’s the extreme end of the spectrum: a full-blown custom named Elvis II, designed by renowned car customizer John D’Agostino. Created as a tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, this 1959 Eldorado Biarritz convertible is dripping in vintage glam. With only 1,320 original units ever produced, this build is rare to begin with—but D’Agostino’s treatment takes it to an entirely new level.
It’s powered by a Q-code 345-horsepower Cadillac motor equipped with triple two-barrel carburetors (known as the 3×2 setup). The interior alone is a sensory overload: Swedish white leather, blue calfskin accents, brocade inserts, and Rolls-Royce-grade lambswool carpeting in powder blue. Even the rotary dial telephone is integrated into the dash—functional or not, it’s a glorious period detail that underscores the car’s commitment to the custom aesthetic. The convertible top, though not visible in every photo, is stark white and perfectly complements the over-the-top interior.
Stock vs. Custom: A Matter of Passion
The Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz—whether restored to factory specs or reimagined as a bespoke custom—continues to capture the imagination of collectors and dreamers alike. The sheer scale of restoration projects, especially at this level of detail, is nothing short of breathtaking. Every inch of chrome, every stitch of leather, and every original decal is a salute to a time when cars were more than transportation—they were experiences.
So what’s your preference? The authenticity and timeless charm of a concours-quality stock restoration? The bold personality of a semi-custom? Or the unrestrained artistry of a full-blown kustom masterpiece?
For many, the appeal lies in the variety. The Eldorado Biarritz is a canvas—and whether kept original or turned into a rolling tribute to rock and roll royalty, it remains a powerful symbol of America’s automotive heyday.
No matter how you approach it, one thing’s for certain: the Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz isn’t just a car. It’s a statement.
