1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
Description
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz represented the zenith of styling excess and American space-age design upon its debut, and over 60 years later, it continues to exude the opulence and optimism that defined the era. The 1959 Cadillac lineup was characterized by jewel-like front and rear grilles, a vast expanse of hood and fenders, and most famously, gargantuan rear fins housing twin rocket tail lights at both corners. For their monumental $7,401 base price, Eldorado Brougham and Eldorado Biarritz convertible buyers received luxury appointments befitting of their decadent styling, including standard power steering and brakes, air suspension, electrically powered front seat adjustment, electric door locks and window regulators, a radio, and a heater. Cadillac’s designers opted for more restrained styling the following model year, reducing the application of chrome trim, lowering the tailfins, and eliminating the fin-mounted taillights. As a result, the single-model-year styling of the 1959 Cadillacs has made them a true icon of the era. One of only 1,320 Eldorado Biarritz convertibles produced in 1959, this Eldorado Biarritz Convertible was one of the most expensive cars of its era and remains a highly coveted example of Cadillac’s superior design and engineering.
Jerry Ferguson, a member of the United States Navy and a co-founder of Biomet Inc., a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of musculoskeletal orthopedic implants and products, was known for his entrepreneurial drive and generosity. He was also an enthusiast of all things 1950s, from music to automobiles. Pursuing his love affair with the automobile, in 1984 Ferguson established the Classic Car Centre of Warsaw, Indiana, a company dedicated to the acquisition and restoration of mid-century American Classics. In operation until his return to Biomet in 1993, today Hagerty Marketplace is proud to offer The Ferguson Collection, comprising the long-hidden remaining inventory and personal collection of Jerry Ferguson.
Highlights
Offered from The Ferguson Collection
One of only 1,320 Eldorado Biarritz produced for 1959
Wears an older restoration in Persian Sand Metallic (98) with a power-operated Ivory pinpoint vinyl soft top
Bronze Metallic grain leather upholstery, Bronze carpet (18)
Replacement 345 horsepower, triple-carbureted, 390 cu-in V8 engine topped with a factory Tri-Power carburetor and air cleaner
Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission
Power steering, power brakes, power front seats, power windows, power vent windows, electric door locks, fog lamps, heater, and radio
Coil spring suspension added
Original fiberglass “parade boot”
Restored dash pad
Chrome brightwork presents nicely
Available for the first time in 33 years
This Eldorado Biarritz is offered with the five-digit odometer currently displaying just 143 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown
Features
15-inch Eldorado steel wheels with stainless covers
Chrome bumpers, front and rear
Chrome grilles, front and rear
Quad headlamps
Rear fender skirts
Bullet tail lights
Bench seats, front and rear
Dual sun visors
Remote-controlled driver’s exterior rearview mirror
Horizontal 120 mph speedometer
Two-spoke color-keyed steering wheel
Tinted glass
Clock
Power antenna
80/20 nylon loop carpeting
Back-up lights
Dual exhaust outlets
Known Imperfections
Please note that all of the lots in The Ferguson Collection are offered in non-running condition after being stored without operation in a climate-controlled facility for at least 10 years. As a result, the lots will benefit from additional mechanical attention before being driven to address any imperfections associated with long-term storage or individual preferences. All lots are sold as is, where is.
Some cosmetic imperfections commensurate with an older restoration
The rear window is separated from the convertible top
Weatherstripping around A-pillars is wavy
Some sheet metal appears to have been sourced from a Coupe de Ville parts car
Included
Convertible top fiberglass factory “parade boot” cover
Spare wheel and tire with cover
Dent on the trunk lid
Ownership documents
Partial service records
Ownership History
This Eldorado Biarritz was acquired out of Jackson, Mississippi by The Ferguson Collection in 1990.
Additional Notes
A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle
Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 email: donnie.gould@broadarrowgroup.com
