‘61 Eldorado Biarritz Has Features Seldom Seen In Its Day

The Cadillac Eldorado first appeared as a 1952 show car to commemorate Cadillac’s 50th anniversary. Production versions became halo cars for the luxury brand. The Eldorado Biarritz followed in 1956, bringing a new level of opulence and style to the marque then known as “The Standard of the World.”

By 1961, the Biarritz convertible was on its fifth generation and remained an aspirational model, showcasing all the latest tech, amenities, and distinctive style Cadillac had to offer. This 1961 Biarritz recently sold on eBay was largely original and beautifully preserved.

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Lightly Used

This California black plate car spent its entire life in the dry environment of the Golden State. It looked to be rust-free with just a touch of appealing patina. This lightly used and well-cared-for Cadillac showed slightly more than 100,000 miles on its odometer.

The Eldorado is finished in an uncommon yet attractive blue shade dubbed San Remo Turquoise Metallic. The paint showed well overall, with fading evident in some areas, including the trunk lid. All the chrome and stainless trim was in place, from its massive front grille to the tips of its requisite tail fins. Factory-tinted glass was free of cracks or damage. Original full wheel covers and wide whitewall tires completed the period look.

The contrasting white power top and matching white leather interior were in excellent condition overall, with no rips, tears, or missing trim bits. Even the original parade boot was in place for a smoother look when the top is down.

It’s Loaded

As a premium model in the Cadillac lineup, the 1961 Biarritz came loaded with features, some of which were seldom seen in its day. This one was extremely well-equipped with amenities that include:

• Factory air conditioning
• Power windows and locks
• Six-way power seats
• Remote control side mirror
• Auto-dimming headlights
• Power radio antenna

The front and rear seats now have safety belts. A Pioneer stereo head unit is out of sight in the glovebox, with aftermarket speakers in the kick panels. The original radio remains in the dash.

Technologically Advanced

The 390-cubic-inch V-8 under the Eldorado’s hood has a four-barrel carburetor and is good for 325 horsepower. The four-speed automatic transmission was technologically advanced for the time, as many competing automatics got by with only two or three speeds.

The engine received a recent valve job and was said to run well with no issues. A dual brake master cylinder was installed in the interest of safety. Disc brakes replaced the original front drums.

Slightly Smaller

The entire Cadillac lineup, including the 1961 Biarritz, was redesigned for the model year. The update made headlines for bucking the industry’s longer, lower, and wider mantra. This generation was actually slightly smaller than its predecessors, although that is a relative term. At 18.5 feet long and weighing just shy of 5,000 pounds, this big Caddy is no lightweight. The redesign retained Cadillac’s imposing presence.

The Eldorado’s exclusivity and long list of features contributed to a pricey bottom line. A 1961 Biarritz commanded a price more than twice that of a Chevrolet Impala convertible of the same vintage. Just 1,450 units were produced in 1961, making the Biarritz rare when it was new and even more so today. Values are on the rise. This example’s $79,000 Buy-It-Now price wasn’t cheap, but it was less than half of some other recent sales.