Cadillac 62 Eldorado Generation 2 Series 56-62 6267SX Convertible Biarritz by Fisher
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Automobilhersteller : |
Cadillac |
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Modell: |
62 Eldorado Generation 2 Series 56-62 6267SX Convertible Biarritz by Fisher |
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Jahr: |
1954-1956 |
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Art: |
Cabriolet |
The 1956 Cadillac line offered buyers a choice of Eldorado’s for the first time. The convertible returned with the name Biarritz (body style series #6267SX) to set it apart from a new two-door hardtop companion called Seville (body style series #6237DX). Both names were taken from historic—and, of course, prestigious—European cities, Seville in Spain and Biarritz in France. Styling changes common to both included the addition of a smart, twin-bladed hood ornament—suitable for impaling unsuspecting pedestrians—and a pair of ribbed chrome "saddles" on the door tops.
The Coupe de Ville was joined by the Series 62 Sedan de Ville, Cadillac's first standard production 4-door hardtop. Similarly to the Coupe de Ville, it was also more expensive and more luxuriously trimmed that the standard 4-door Series 62. With 41,732 sold, it also easily outsold the Series 62 sedan in its very first year. Given their sales success, it was only natural that the Coupe de Ville and Sedan de Ville were moved to their own separate series in 1959, the Series 6300, being joined by a De Ville convertible in 1964.
The Seville proved to be particularly popular, outselling the Biarritz by nearly 2 to 1 (3900 to 2150). Interestingly enough, their positions would be reversed within three years. Under the hood, the Cadillac V-8 was enlarged for the first time since 1949, with a 4.8mm increase in bore (101.6mm) and the same 92.1mm stroke bringing swept volume to 5.972 litre. Compression was 9.75:1. Horsepower was rated at 305 @ 4700 rpm for the two Eldorado’s, again 20 more than that of other models. The engine had two carburettors (rather than one for other models): Carter WCFB four-barrel Model 2371S.An Eldorado script finally appeared with fender crest on the car which was further distinguished by a twin hood ornament. Extras featured on the Eldorado convertible, now known as the Biarritz in order to distinguish it from the Seville, were a ribbed chrome saddle moulding extending from the windshield to the rear window pillar along the beltline and flat, pointed rear fender fins. Power steering was now standard.
The Eldorado Seville two-door hardtop was introduced to the public almost a month earlier (October 24, 1955) than other models which were introduced on November 18. The 1956 Hydra-Matic transmission incorporated changes that increased its size and smoothed out shifting qualities. It was developed by GM at a cost of $35 million.
Series 62 sales reached an all-time record in 1956 at 134,502 units, accounting for an all-time record 86.4% of all Cadillacs sold. This included 66,818 De Ville and 6050 Eldorado’s.
