• One of only 815 produced for the 1958 model year
• Single ownership since 1982 and used sparingly since
• Finished in striking black over red leather interior

Like its sisters, the Buick Skylark and the Oldsmobile Fiesta, the first Eldorado was shown to the public at GM’s Motorama in 1953 as a limited-production convertible available in small numbers at a high price. Cadillac renamed the Eldorado Convertible the Biarritz to differentiate it from the new Seville 2-door hardtop coupe introduced in 1956. For 1958, Eldorados, along with all Cadillacs, received an annual facelift, complete with the new quad headlamp setup appearing on virtually all makes for the model year.

Bumpers were revised and the rubber ‘Dagmars’ were less pronounced and set lower against the parking lamps. The grille was stretched nearly full-width and made up of dozens of round points. Eldorados received a strip of stainless-steel running from the headlight trim rings back to the midpoint of the car along with lower rear quarter panels covered in stainless steel. Standard on Eldorado was Cadillac’s 335 bhp 365-cu. in. V-8 engine equipped with three Rochester two-barrel carburettors and backed by a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.

General Motors celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1958 and Cadillac built its two-millionth car. Just 815 Eldorado Biarritz Convertibles at a cost of $7,410 (before options) were built during the year, adding to their desirability today among collectors.

This car was purchased by the consignor from Jerome Tain of Tarzana, California, in 1982. During Tain’s ownership, the car remained in storage in California for 20 years. A copy of Tain’s 1982 California registration is included. Upon purchase by the consignor, it was imported to Germany and has been driven just 5,500 km since that time. While in his possession, the consignor rebuilt the brakes and restored the electric motor for the convertible top.

Presently finished in Black over red leather, Cadillac factory build records show that this Biarritz was built on 26 November 1957, finished in Gleneagles Green over Green Cape Buffalo leather and was equipped with the optional Autronic Eye, E-Z-Eye Glass in addition to the all the standard Cadillac features – power steering, brakes, windows, seat and top; radio with rear seat speaker; leather upholstery; and Sabre wheels.

Seldom seen in Europe, a 1958 Eldorado Biarritz is perhaps the perfect car for the enthusiast looking to indulge in 1950s Americana.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ve19.