The post-World War era was one of the most pivotal points in automotive history. There were more opportunities and challenges which encouraged rapid technological innovation. Consequently, motoring enthusiasts have plenty of drool-able cars built in the 1950s. But, it was luxury cars that best helped display the booming economy and the spending spirit of the era.

Cadillac introduced its top-of-the-range luxury car, the Eldorado, in 1952. They went on to build it across twelve generations until 2002. The 1959 model year marked the beginning of the fourth generation with two versions; the Eldorado Biarritz Convertible and the Seville Hardtop. The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was a highly sought-after vehicle by the wealthy at its release and is still a desirable and highly collectible classic car today. Here are surprising facts about the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz.

10 A Sumptuous Classic Convertible With Unique Design Features

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The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado had many unique design features, including a "sweep spear" body-side trim that extended from the front fenders to the car's rear and a tail fin design inspired by jet aircraft of the time.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
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Designers drew inspiration from jet aircraft, from the sharp, swept-back tailfins, to the front parking lights that share similarities with the B-52 bomber air intakes. Also, it was the first Cadillac to feature quad headlamps, which became a signature design element for the brand in the 1960s.

RELATED: This 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Restomod Is The Ultimate Cruiser

9 Symbolizes The Exuberance And Excesses Of 1950s America

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
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For many people, the mention of Cadillac conjures images of the bold, finned, chromed, and gadget-laden models of the fabulous 50s. They were the best representation of America’s postwar prosperity that fired Detroit’s high ambitions with cars that paid tribute to the booming jet age.

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And the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz epitomizes the peak of the enthusiasm, self-confidence, self-indulgence, and extravagant styling common with cars of the 1950s.

8 The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Was The Most Expensive American Car At The Time

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2-Door Convertible Classic Car In Persian Sand Color
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The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was a luxury car and a top-of-the-line model with a price tag to match. It came with an MSRP of $7,401. For context, the average annual wage in 1959 was $4,965.

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Despite its high price tag, the Eldorado Biarritz was popular among celebrities and the wealthy. Elvis Presley owned one, as did Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

7 Arguably The Most Spectacularly Stylish Cadillac Ever

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible Classic Car
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While they are still as luxurious as ever, you are unlikely to find modern Caddy lining up in a beauty pageant. But the American marquee prides some of the most beautiful vehicles ever built, and the Eldorado Biarritz has a big shout for the most spectacularly stylish Cadillac ever.

The Eldorado Biarritz was known for its extravagant styling, including a distinctive wraparound windshield, lavish chrome trim, and massive tail fins. The interior was equally lavishly appointed, with materials such as leather and chrome accents. It also featured many innovative features for the time, including power windows, power seats, and air conditioning.

RELATED: A Detailed Look Back At The Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

6 The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Is One Of The Longest Cadillacs Ever

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
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The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was a large luxury convertible known for its impressive size and presence on the road. It was 225 inches long, which made it one of the longest Cadillacs ever produced. For comparison, the biggest modern big boy from Cadillac, the Escalade, a seven-seater SUV with loads of cargo space, is 203.9 inches long.

Also, the 1959 Eldorado Biarritz was the last of the "finned" Cadillacs, as the company moved away from this distinctive styling feature in the 1960s.

5 The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Is Extremely Rare

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz 2 Cropped (1)
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The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz is one of the most badass Cadillacs ever and one of the rarest. Only 1,320 convertible 1959 Eldorado Biarritz models were produced, making them quite rare and collectible today.

1959_cadillac_eldorado-biarritz-convertible front
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Even in the 50s, the Biarritz was a rare gem, and Cadillac historian Bill Refakis confirmed that only about 325 examples of this drool-able classic still exist, raising its exclusivity bar and making it arguably the most desirable Cadillac out there.

4 The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Came With The Tri-Power 390ci V8

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
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Cadillac equipped the 1959 Eldorado Biarritz with a 390 cubic inch V8 engine that featured tri-power carburetion, which refers to three two-barrel carburetors. This setup was known as "three deuces" because of the two barrels on each carburetor. The tri-power V8 engine in the 1959 Eldorado Biarritz produced 345 horsepower and generated 430 lb-ft of torque.

It was a powerful and sophisticated engine popular among luxury car enthusiasts at the time. The Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was a high-end luxury car known for its impressive performance and opulent features, and the tri-power V8 engine was a key component of its appeal.

RELATED: This Is What A 1976 Cadillac Eldorado Is Worth Today

3 The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Was Named After A Place

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There are many iconic cars named after places, and the Eldorado Biarritz has the shout for the coolest of them all. It got its name after the coastal town of Biarritz, located in the Basque region of France. Biarritz is known for its sandy beaches, picturesque harbor, and luxurious hotels, and it has long been a popular destination for tourists and the wealthy.

Cadillac chose the name "Eldorado" to evoke a sense of luxury, refinement, and exclusivity, and the addition of "Biarritz" further enhanced the car's prestige and refinement.

2 The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Was Easy To Maneuver For Its Size

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz
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The Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz was a massive luxurious car at 5060 pounds heavy and 225 inches long, but it was quite easy to maneuver. The combination of power and a three-speed automatic transmission made it relatively easy to drive. And it had a relatively tight turning radius which made it more maneuverable.

Also, they built the car's suspension to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, making driving easier over longer distances.

RELATED: 10 Things Everyone Forgot About The Cadillac Eldorado

1 Most Expensive Example Sold For $410,000

Red Cadillac Eldorado from 1959, 3/4 view
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A fully restored 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz sold for $410,000 on Bring a Trailer auction, making it the most expensive example from the model year. The car in question came new with a Seminole Red finish, but the seller had it repainted during the 2016 refurbishment.

It is easily one of the most difficult and costly classic cars to restore, clearly reflecting its price tag. This beauty has seen its value double in the last 15 years and proved that there is still love for American stock cars from the '50s.