If there is a car that embodies the "More Chrome, Bigger Fins!" ethos that dominated late 1950s automotive design in America more than the 1959 Cadillac, we certainly haven't come across it.
You need look no further than the pictures of this rare and original triple black Eldorado Biarritz convertible currently listed on Ebay to see exactly why.
Eldorado Biarritz convertibles were among the most expensive offerings from the luxury car maker in '59 with a staggering sticker price of $7401. The Biarritz's high price rather unsurprisingly translated into low sales numbers—only 1320 were produced. According to the seller of those 1320 this is the only known surviving example with black paint, top and interior.
As per the typical collector car equation the iconic design, convertible top, and low production numbers have combined to make the 1959 Eldorado Biarritz convertible a very pricey and sought after vehicle. Accordingly coming across one that is somewhere between full restoration project and trailer queen is almost unheard of.
That is however exactly what this car is. It isn't perfect, but this convertible—currently on its third owner since new—still presents quite nicely and everything is in working condition. It might not win a concours but everything from the well worn leather seats to the fully functional convertible top suggest a vehicle that is ready to be driven and enjoyed.
Bidding on this finned cruiser is currently at $90,100 with less than a day left on the auction. According to the seller "the price isn't cheap", but it's unknown exactly where the reserve on this car falls between the current high bid and the six figure selling prices these cars command when fully restored. We can't afford it so ownership is out of the question, but we'd happily settle for a top down test drive.
[Ebay]