Eldorado Cadillac Models & History 1959
Modelyear 1959 brought another complete restyle for the entire Cadillac line and—except for the Eldorado Brougham—the wildest tailfins Detroit would ever produce. Cadillac historian Walter McCall described these appendages as “flamboyant,” “ludicrous,” and “of questionable taste.” Other critics have said harsher things, but the public seemed to go along with the excess. The economy had picked up somewhat and, as where in the industry, Cadillac sales improved a bit. Air
1959 Cadillac Eldorado suspension, pioneered by the Brougham two years earlier, was now standard for Biarritz and Seville. Though it offered a cloud-like ride and the convenience of automatic self-leveling in response to changes in load, the airbag setup was leak-prone and troublesome. Cadillac would abandon it after 1960 as Detroit’s fascination with such gimmicks waned in proportion to a growing number of customer complaints.
Eldorado horses again numbered 20 more than on other Cadillacs. Thanks to a longer 98.4mm stroke and another compression tweak, the figure was now 345 hp for the newly enlarged 6.4 Liter V-8, which would prove to be the all-time power peak for a rear-drive Eldo. Echoing 1954, the Biarritz and Seville lost much of their previous styling distinction this year. Their only differences from comparable Series 62s were a chrome swath along the upper rear fender contour and the Eldorado name in neat block letters along the lower edge of the front fenders.
As if to cause confusion, the 6400 Eldorado sub-series included two 6400 models: the Seville and Biarritz, and one 6900 model, the Brougham. (Whoever said automakers are logical?) All were characterized by a three-deck jeweled rear grille insert, but other trim and equipment features varied. The Seville and Biarritz had the Eldorado model name spelled out behind the front wheel opening and featured broad, full-length body sill moldings which curved over the rear fender profile and back along the upper beltline region. Standard equipment included all items found on DeVilles plus
- heater
- fog lamps
- 345 horsepower V-8
- remote control deck lid
- radio with antenna and rear speaker
- power vent windows
- Six-Way power seat
- air suspension
- electric door locks
- license frames
I. D. NUMBERS
- The motor serial number system adopted in 1958 was used again with numbers in the same physical locations
- The first pair of symbols changed to “59” to designate model year
- The third symbol (a letter listed as a Body Style Number suffix in charts below) identified model and series
- Consecutive unit numbers began at 000001 and up
STYLE
| Model Number | Body Style | Doors | Model | Seat | Price | Weight | Production Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59-64 | 6437H |  Seville Hardtop |
6 | $7401 | 2207 kg | 975 | |
| 59-64 | 6467E |  Biarritz Convertible |
6 | $7401 | 2300 kg | 1,320 |
ENGINE
| Type | V-8 Overhead valves |
| Block | Cast iron block |
| Displacement | 6.384 Liters |
| Bore and stroke | 101.6mm x 98.4mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Brake horsepower | 345 @ 4800 rpm |
| Power | 257 kW @ 4800 rpm |
| Bearings | Five main bearings |
| Valve Lifters | Hydraulic valve lifters |
| Carburetion | Three (3) Rochester two-barrel Model 7015901 |
CHASSIS
| Wheelbase | 3302mm |
| Overall Length | 5715mm |
| Tires | 8.20 x 15 |
| Dual exhausts | standard |
| Rear axle ratios | 2.94:1 standard; 3.21:1 optional or mandatory with air conditioning |
CONVENIENCE OPTIONS
| Radio with rear speaker | $165 |
| Radio with rear speaker and remote control | $247 |
| Automatic heating system | $129 |
| Power window regulators | $73 |
| Power vent regulators | $73 |
| Air conditioning | $474 |
| Air suspension | $215 |
| Autronic Eye | $55 |
| Cruise Control | $97 |
| Electric door locks on two-doors | $46 |
| E-Z-Eye glass | $52 |
| Fog lamps | $46 |
| White sidewall tires 8.20 x 15 four-ply | $57 exchange |
| 8.20 x 15 six-ply | $65 exchange |
| Door guards on four doors | $7 |
| Door guards on two doors | $4 |
| Remote control trunk lock | $59 |
| License Plate frame | $8 |
| Note: Bucket seats were a no-cost option on the Biarritz convertible |
LOCAL OPTIONS
| Utility kit | $15 |
| Monogram | $12 |
| Acryllic Lustre finish | $20 |
| Undercoating | $25 |
| Radio foot switch | $10 |
| Gas cap lock | $4 |
| Pair of rugs for front | $8 |
| Pair of rugs for rear | $5 |
HISTORICAL NOTES
- Assembly of 142,272 units was counted for the 1959 model year.
- This was the next to last season for selling the Brougham.
- Flat-top roof styling was used on four-window sedans
- Six-window jobs had sloping rooflines with rear vent panes.
- Power steering and shock absorbers were improved this year.
- Charles E. Arnold was chief engineer
Keyword: Eldorado Cadillac History 1959