Cadillac’s Eldorado Biarritz has a rich history that spans several decades. First introduced in 1953, the Biarritz became synonymous with luxury and elegance. The name itself is a nod to the glamorous resort city on the Atlantic coast of France’s Basque Country, where one might imagine a high-living oil heiress driving around in her brand new Eldo during the late 1950s.
The Biarritz designation was initially used for Eldorado convertibles until 1964, after which it was dropped. However, it experienced a revival in 1976 as the name for a gloriously ornate trim level. For many enthusiasts, the definitive Eldorado Biarritz is the version produced between 1979 and 1985. This particular model featured a stainless-steel roof panel inspired by the iconic 1957 Eldorado Brougham.
The 1983 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz holds a special place in popular culture, as it was featured in the 1995 film “Casino.” In one memorable scene, Robert De Niro’s character, Ace Rothstein, falls victim to a bomb planted in his car – a 1983 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz.
In 1986, the Eldorado underwent a radical downsizing, losing 16 inches in overall length and shedding some of its bulk. Despite these changes, the Biarritz version continued to be offered, albeit without the stainless-steel roof that had been a defining feature of previous iterations.
The 1991 Eldorado Biarritz package offered several luxurious features, such as two-tone paint, “Tampico” carpeting, and birdseye maple wood accents on the dashboard and console. Additionally, it boasted 10-way power front bucket seats and faux-wire-wheel hubcaps. The distinctive padded landau roof with integrated opera lamps further enhanced the car’s sophisticated appearance. Inside the cabin, a full digital instrument cluster awaited drivers.
Under the hood, the 1986-1991 Eldorados were powered by Cadillac’s High Technology pushrod V8 engine, specifically the 4.9-liter HT engine. Generating 200 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, this engine provided ample power for the luxury coupe.
It’s worth noting that the final generation of Eldorados, produced from 1993 to 2002, featured the advanced DOHC Northstar engine. However, this particular 1991 Eldorado Biarritz was equipped with the 4.9-liter HT engine. This engine, introduced in 1991, was a step up from earlier versions that displaced 4.1 and 4.5 liters.
In terms of transmission, this car featured a four-speed automatic gearbox. The era of manual transmissions in Cadillacs had come to an end with the last production of the three-pedal Cimarron in 1988.
The Eldorado came to an end in 2002, making way for the CTS coupe. The 1986-1991 eleventh-generation Eldorados were the smallest of all the generations.
Pricing is always an interesting aspect to analyze, and the 1991 Eldorado Biarritz had an MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) of $34,425, which would be equivalent to approximately $80,326 in 2024 dollars. Comparatively, the similarly sized 1991 BMW 525i had a slightly higher price tag at $34,900 ($81,434 in today’s dollars). On the other hand, the most expensive Cadillac of that year, the Allanté hardtop convertible, commanded a price of $61,450 ($143,384 today).
In a testament to its quality and excellence, the Eldorado Biarritz won the prestigious 1990 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
Though the Eldorado Biarritz is no longer in production, its legacy lives on as a symbol of Cadillac’s commitment to luxury and innovation. Car enthusiasts and collectors still appreciate the timeless elegance and unique features that made the Biarritz a beloved icon in automotive history.
