CADILLAC DREAM TEAM: A trio of fine finned offerings

February 28, 2018
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

Fabulous fins on a 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, one of several fine Cadillacs crossing the auction block in Palm Beach at No Reserve as part of the John Staluppi Cars of Dreams Collection.

These three Cadillac Eldorado convertibles from the John Staluppi Cars of Dreams Collection are wondrous examples of what every classic car lover has ever dreamed – or daydreamed – about when it comes to big-finned convertibles. All three will be offered at No Reserve during the upcoming Palm Beach Auction.

1954 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

Flashback to the postwar classic era with this fabulous example of Cadillac style, innovation and prestige. This car is the product of a methodical two-year, no-expense-spared, frame-off restoration where not a single nut or bolt has been overlooked. All work was performed by John Ecclesine’s restoration facility of the same name in Ramona, California. Upon completion of this restoration in 1998, the car won Best of Show at the Deer Park Concours event in Escondido, California.

Striking Aztec Red exterior paint covers pristine body panels reassembled and fitted with the touch of a master. All chrome plating, including the wire wheels, sparkle like the treasures they are. The restoration of this Cadillac’s red leather interior is the work of Jenkins Interiors and represents the highest quality imaginable.

This beautiful Cadillac still flaunts its original engine and transmission both of which operate just as Harley Earl insisted they should.

This 1954 Eldorado is one of only 2,150 produced and is loaded with all the features you’d expect from a classic luxury Cadillac from this unforgettable period of automotive history. It’s impeccable black cloth soft-top is power-operated and even offers a correct parade boot for those very special occasions, like when the mayor begs you to drive the grand marshal of your city’s parade down Main Street.

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

The 1957 Cadillac design is the result of some of the sweetest pen strokes ever put to paper by automotive designers. For those of us lucky enough to have been around when this Eldorado was first introduced, we still remember how it made almost any other car around look old and quaint by comparison. Finally, a land-bound jet was available to all those with the means to purchase one.

This particular version in Dakota Red paint has been meticulously restored to its original luster. The red and white leather interior provides the perfect contrast to its exterior hue. To back up its space-age image, a dual-quad 365ci V8 engine motivates this machine over the landscape in a smooth and effective manner by the standards of even today’s most discriminating collectors.

The Sabre wheels have a turbine-blade look to them and are ideally suited to the car’s futuristic design. Power steering, brakes, seats and top – as well as 24-karat gold emblems – are additional features that let any drivers know they were light-years ahead of the closest competitor.

Only 1,800 Biarritz convertibles were produced in 1957, substantiating this Cadillac’s glamor and rarity all the more. This highly collectible machine comes with its ownership history, along with restoration receipts. A first-place win at the Huntington Beach Concours d’Elegance proves the experts know an exceptional gem when they see it.

1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

Cadillac began the new decade of the ’60s with a tastefully redesigned model that added just a touch of reserve to last year’s classic by virtue of smaller and sleeker rear tailfins – proving once again that bigger is not always better. Yet this 1960 model still delivered on its space-age design heritage with that smooth fuselage-style profile. This wonderfully restored example sports its original exterior color paint (Heather) with a sumptuous white leather interior, blending as perfectly as an act of Mother Nature.

The Cadillac’s powerful look is solidified with a 390ci V8 engine sporting a Tri-Power induction system consisting of three two-barrel carburetors. Not only do they add to the performance, but they also provide a noticeable boost in your listening pleasure when the volume pedal is pushed. The powerplant is backed up by the GM’s famously innovative 4-speed Hydramatic transmission.

This brilliant example of 1960s luxury is loaded to the sills with options that even include the mystical Autronic Eye headlight dimmer system, cruise control and the requisite parade boot. Only 1,285 examples of this model were ever offered to the public. This car still drives and runs like the top-tier dream machine it was almost 60 years ago.

This threesome of Cadillacs represents the very best of the best from any era. So if it’s time for you to finally fulfill your own dreams and make one (or all three) of these Cadillac Eldorados your very own, consider this your personal wakeup call.

For up-to-date information on these vehicles and others from the John Staluppi Cars of Dreams Collection, view our Preview Docket HERE.