Long-Term Storage: 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

Like many classics, certain Cadillac models are more desirable than others. The stakes are pretty high when the attention shifts to a Biarritz Convertible from the 1950s. This 1956 Biarritz recently emerged from long-term storage and is a rock-solid and unmolested survivor that would represent an excellent restoration project. The seller recently coaxed its engine back to life, making returning it to its rightful place on our roads an achievable short-term goal. It is worth a close look, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this gentle giant.

Cadillac’s Second Generation Eldorado graced showroom floors from 1954 until 1956, with the Biarritz Convertible joining the range during the final production year. It was not a cheap car, with only 2,150 buyers handing over the cash to take one home. The history of our feature car is slightly unclear, although the seller confirms it spent many years in storage. The combination of Alpine White paint with a matching power top is as classy as they come, guaranteeing that this Biarritz would have commanded as much attention in its heyday as it will once returned to its rightful place on our roads. The paint holds a pleasant shine, and while a close inspection reveals defects, it would still command respect if preserved as a genuine survivor. The seller identifies small rust spots in the rear end of the rocker near the wheel well. Otherwise, it appears this classic is rock-solid. The top fits tightly, and the parade boot offers it protection in the lowered position. The tinted glass is in good order, and the trim is intact. A few items, like the bumpers, might benefit from a trip to the platers. However, the rest needs little beyond a spot of manual labor with a high-quality polish.

Cadillac enjoyed a reputation during its glory years for bolting excellent motors under the hood of its various models. This was almost essential, especially when cars like this Biarritz tip the scales at 5,050 lbs. An engine with limited power would have hampered performance, but the 365ci V8 powering this classic is up to the challenge. It sends 305hp and 400 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission. This is a luxury car, so finding power assistance for the steering and brakes isn’t a shock. Outright acceleration was surprisingly good for a vehicle of this type, while the top speed of 119mph represented fairly rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring. The seller recently rebuilt this Caddy’s dual-quad carburetor setup, coaxing the engine to life. They state that the Biarritz isn’t roadworthy, but getting it to that point may not take much time or effort. The perishable items may require replacement, and there will be other items that may need attention. However, a running engine is always a good starting point for such an undertaking.

One of the more expensive aspects of this restoration could be whipping the Biarritz’s interior into shape. It is acceptable if the buyer craves the shabby-chic look, but there is no doubt the upholstered surfaces have seen better days. The front seat wears a replacement cover, while the leather on the back seat shows deterioration. The dash and pad are pretty impressive, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. Luxury cars deserve creature comforts, especially when buyers pay a premium for the ownership experience. This car adds power windows, an AM radio with a power antenna, and an Autronic eye to the leather trim and power top.

The seller listed this 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible here on Facebook Marketplace in Aguanga, California. Their price of $50,000 means it isn’t a cheap project candidate, and some readers may question whether that figure is justified. The short answer is that it seems to be. The lack of significant rust issues suggests that any restoration should be straightforward. A high-end result will comfortably yield a value of around $80,000. If the new owner throws caution to the wind seeking perfection, we suddenly climb into six-figure territory. That is only the tip of the iceberg because with values climbing faster than the market average, it should also be an excellent long-term investment. That makes this Biarritz worth a close look.