Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: Continental on November 18, 2008, 03:41:05 AM

Title: The difference between eldorado Biarritz and eldorado Seville?
Post by: Continental on November 18, 2008, 03:41:05 AM
 59 is the year I would really like to learn about but if it makes a difference in other years I would like to learn about that two. which one is more sought after?

Thanks for all the help...trying to learn about all the caddys...

My dad was a huge Caddy guy.

Thanks again Guys!!
Title: Re: The difference between eldorado Biarritz and eldorado Seville?
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on November 18, 2008, 03:52:24 AM
G'day Alex,

The Biarritz is the top-of-the-range Convertible, and the Seville is the top-of-the-range Coupe.

That is it, and the Convertible has to be the most sought-after.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: The difference between eldorado Biarritz and eldorado Seville?
Post by: wrefakis on November 18, 2008, 10:17:33 AM
a good original seville is a very rare car,many have been used to restore converts
Title: Re: The difference between eldorado Biarritz and eldorado Seville?
Post by: Mike Josephic CLC #3877 on November 18, 2008, 04:05:22 PM
A little bit of history on how there names evolved.

The terms "Biarritz" and "Seville" were first applied to production
cars, the Eldorados, starting in 1956.  Prior to that, in '53 - '55, there were
no such names used.  The Eldorado was only offered as a convertible.

However, in 1956, Cadillac decided to extend the Eldorado product line to
include a coupe -- for which they chose the name "Seville" to distinguish
it from the convertible, which became the "Biarritz".  Prior to that time these
names were used only for a few Motorama (and show cars) as has been discussed
here many times.

Mike
Title: Re: The difference between eldorado Biarritz and eldorado Seville?
Post by: Ralph Messina CLC 4937 on November 20, 2008, 09:42:08 PM
Hi Lou,

In '57 it is on the upper front fender near the headlamp.

Ralph
Title: Re: The difference between eldorado Biarritz and eldorado Seville?
Post by: Walter Youshock on November 20, 2008, 09:44:10 PM
The 1956 Seville came out as a response to the Continental Mark II so Cadillac had a super-luxury coupe in the lineup.  With the exclusive Eldorado body and interiors in full leather or special cloth/leather combos, the "Q" engine, and a Vicodec cloth-covered top, plus a $3,000 lower price than the Continental, AND the Cadillac name, it was quick and cost-effective move on Cadillac's part.

The Eldorado Brougham was supposed to debut as a '56 model, but it was delayed.  The Mark II kind of stole some thunder from Cadillac that year, but, with the Eldorado coupe and the first Sedan deVille, it was a taste of things to come.  What's more, the Seville outsold the Biarritz every year it was made.  1960 was the last Eldorado Seville and 1958 was the last year until 1967 that the Eldorado had a completely distinctive body style.  The '59 and '60 came with standard air suspension.  Eldorados also sported their own colors that were offered on the rest of the Cadillac models at extra cost.  1959 Persian Sand was one Eldorado color that became available on the 1960 cars, but it was replaced with Heather on the Eldorados for 1960.

1957 was the first year the "Seville", "Biarritz" and "Brougham" names appeared on the cars.  The coupe and convertible sported their respective designations on the front fenders while "Eldorado Brougham" was only on the instrument panel.  There were also four sedan Sevilles made in 1957 with Sedan deVille pattern interiors done in the Eldorado materials.  There was a Bahama blue, Starlight silver copper and I think a black one.  At least 2 or 3 of them have survived.  The Eldorado Brougham sedan is a story of its own, but the "Brougham" name reappeared on the top-of-the-line sedans. "Seville" returned in mid-1975 as a new sedan.  "Seville" also was used on a new DeSoto model in 1956.

Personally, I'd take one of each, or at least a time machine to take me back to those days...

Surely, Ford and GM would, too.
Title: Re: The difference between eldorado Biarritz and eldorado Seville?
Post by: David King (kz78hy) on November 21, 2008, 10:02:26 AM
Quote from: Walter Youshock on November 20, 2008, 09:44:10 PM
1957 was the first year the "Seville", "Biarritz" and "Brougham" names appeared on the cars.  The coupe and convertible sported their respective designations on the front fenders while "Eldorado Brougham" was only on the instrument panel. 

Great information, but one little correction.  The Eldorado Brougham's had a fender badge as well.  In fact, the script in that fender badge is the only place on the exterior or interior of the car that has "Cadillac" written.  "Eldorado Brougham by Cadillac"

David
Title: Re: The difference between eldorado Biarritz and eldorado Seville?
Post by: Walter Youshock on November 21, 2008, 11:45:02 AM
Right you are!  I forgot about that one.

Strange that the Ultimate Eldorado was the first one to not sport gold trim.  From a design standpoint, it was a smart move.

The "Biarritz" nameplate was retired after '61 and returned again in the early '70's--not exactly sure what year.