The 1956-1958 Cadillac
Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz was one of the revised editions of
the Eldorado convertible that didn't sell particularly well. Biarritz
designation was new for '56 because there was now also a companion
hardtop, the Seville.
Cadillac's 331 V-8 was bored out to 365 cubes for 1956, with a special tuned version reserved for Eldorados (twin four-barrel carbs for 1956-57, and triple two-throat units for 1958). Comments on mechanical and design features of the Seville also apply here. After 1960, the Seville was dropped from the Eldorado line, which had been separated from the Series Sixty-Two the year before.
The 1956-57 models were once considered the last highly collectible Eldorado convertibles through 1971. But the '58 version, a chrome-plated monster, and the '59, which took tailfins to a new level of absurdity, are highly sought out now, particularly the '59. Styling was gradually improved on the early-'60s models, but they were never as "special" as the 1953-57 cars.
Pluses of the 1956-1958 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz:
2,150
Production of the 1957 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz:
1,800
Production of the 1958 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz:
815
Specifications of the 1956-1958 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz:
Length, inches: 222.2 (1956), 222.1 (1957-58)
Wheelbase, inches: 129.0 (1956), 129.5 (1957-58)
Weight, pounds: 4,880-5,070
Price, new: $6,556-$7,500 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1956-1958 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz:
 1957 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz convertible. See more pictures of Cadillac cars. |
Cadillac's 331 V-8 was bored out to 365 cubes for 1956, with a special tuned version reserved for Eldorados (twin four-barrel carbs for 1956-57, and triple two-throat units for 1958). Comments on mechanical and design features of the Seville also apply here. After 1960, the Seville was dropped from the Eldorado line, which had been separated from the Series Sixty-Two the year before.
The 1956-57 models were once considered the last highly collectible Eldorado convertibles through 1971. But the '58 version, a chrome-plated monster, and the '59, which took tailfins to a new level of absurdity, are highly sought out now, particularly the '59. Styling was gradually improved on the early-'60s models, but they were never as "special" as the 1953-57 cars.
Pluses of the 1956-1958 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz:
- Unique rear-end appearance
- Smooth, high-speed performance
- Luxurious interiors
- Somewhat rare, esp. the '58
- Milestone car status
- Heavy gas drinker
- Less interesting than 1953-55 Eldos
- '58 generally considered less desirable
2,150
Production of the 1957 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz:
1,800
Production of the 1958 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz:
815
Specifications of the 1956-1958 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz:
Length, inches: 222.2 (1956), 222.1 (1957-58)
Wheelbase, inches: 129.0 (1956), 129.5 (1957-58)
Weight, pounds: 4,880-5,070
Price, new: $6,556-$7,500 (U.S.)
Engines for the 1956-1958 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Eldorado Biarritz:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohv V-8 | 365 cid | 305/325/335 | 1956-1958 |
Want more information about classic cars? See:
