Finned Flair Cruiser: 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Review
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2021
- A little showcase of one of the most expensive American cruiser of the fifties! It's red, it's white, it's golden. It's the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz!
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Enjoy! - Авто та транспорт
This day just got a whole lot better
Agree
Mine too! :p
I showed this car to my friends, and asked if they would take this car or the Mercedes Benz convertible. All of them said the Eldorado :)
This was not a review; it was a love letter, and rightfully so. Bravo!
Sums up greatly what I was thinking.
Old cars: “It’s too floaty.”
Today’s cars: “You can feel the road, without the road-rash.”
Tomorrow’s flying cars: “it’s too floaty.”
Was looking up the Citroen 2CV (either that or the Lotus 7 has to be the most successful car model in history), and wondering even with modern tech gee-wizardy, could you make something to fit its design specifications today?
I don't know that they could, which leaves me deeply suspicious of modern car design.
Something we forget today is that roads back then were nowhere near as good as they are today. Unpaved roads outside cities were common, for instance. Cars had much higher ride heights to accommodate this, and much softer suspensions to keep occupants comfortable on less manicured, less contoured roads.
@@quintessenceSL in terms of sales I think it's
1. Beetle (21.5m)
2. Ford Model T (15m built)
3. Renault 4 (8m built)
I think 2CV only hits 9m built if you include the vans (~1.5m) and the Mehari.
Corrola hits 50m, but that's across 12 generations, not a single model.
The Lotus 7 and Caterham 7, even if you count them as the same model, don't come close because it was always a hand-built car.
Edit:found some figures
Lotus built 2500 between 1953 Ns 1972.
Caterham were building about 15 per week in 2014, but I can't find an authoritative total.
When I owned a Roman Red 1959 Impala Sport Coupe I often imagined what it would be like if one could simply pull back on the wheel and take off like a jet.
Particularly when sighting along that long, flat, wing like fin and gradually tapering fender line through the side view mirror.
My 1962 De Ville had a similar effect, particularly when opening up the four barrels of its Carter AFB.
literally
Wow this car was so technologically advanced for its time! When a Cadillac was a Cadillac!
100%, and the technology of this car is still useful today, not like a car made from the early 2010's where 1/2 the gadgets no longer work proper like the DVD Sat. Nav., or OnStar with GM just because the manufacture no longer wants to support it. Just think for example about all the Tesla cars on the road now when all of a sudden they decide to stop supporting a model made several years ago that's still connected to the internet leaving a security loophole open that could say cause the car's auto drive to Malfunction if someone with bad intentions decides to exploit it just because again the company said they are no longer supporting that model just to try, and sell you a new one. I love technology, just not when it causes more headaches for the end user, and even runs the risk of becoming dangerous over time just because it's no longer supported by it's maker.
I dare to say, equipment-wise, it rivals the most basic economy cars of today. Not bad for a SIXTY FOUR year old car!
@@EdsAutoReviews My last Honda Civic had all of that except the power top (but did have power for the roof top panel) and it didn't have a 45 rpm record player on option- but the FM stereo was a world better! It also got an honest 31 mpg- that Caddy, running on premium US fuel at .40 (forty cents) a gallon got about 7 mpg- about 3 km/liter. Oh, and the AC had a split themostat- for the driver and the passenger separate! FR
@@EdsAutoReviews Yes, my current car has ventilated sets (fine in hot summer), but it still has now power trunk lid.
i worked on a lot of 90s caddy's as a pro and didn't realise the soft trunk was historically a tradition and sadly 😢thay did away with the extras by 2006 ish B---ing bean counter's, we looked buying/thinking 🤔of a new caddy's and i didn't feel it had it's sole aka id have felt i was getting ripped off buying one and i wasn't all that inprested with a 2011-up models more so next to a 50's model and how hard gm tried if i was buying it 1958 😉
This is my favorite car from the 1950s. As a kid, it would stop me in my tracks. The front is standard '57 Cadillac, but the rear . . . here's a little history: The new crop of GM Art Center graduates were tasked with drawing fins one day. Ron Hill, a 23 year old graduate, postulated that anything with fins could be a Cadillac. “If you stuck a couple of those plastic well-medium-rare steak indicators into a baked potato, it’d look like a Cadillac, too.” To illustrate his point, he drew a cartoon potato, eyes and all, put bumpers on the corners, allowed the eyes to serve as taillights, and posted it on the wall with the rest of the drawings. His drawing was spotted by Harley Earl and he was assigned to the Cadillac studio and instructed to implement his idea, inboard fins, eyes and all.
Beautiful car, from an era when a luxury vehicle meant quality and elegance, as opposed to how many touchscreens and redundant gadgets you can fit in a vehicle.
What ?!? You’re telling me you don’t want a steering wheel that’s also an iPad?
@@LucasFernandez-fk8se As tempting as that sounds, I'd definitely pass. Lol
Power windows, power brakes, power door locks, automatic transmission,power convertible top, power seat adjustment, record players on option; is all that cottage cheeze? Cadillac has been the king of "useless gadgets" for a century!
@@fredericrike5974 You're comparing apples to watermelons. An automatic transmission and power windows, for instance have a great effect on the usability and enjoyability of a vehicle for someone in the luxury market. A touch screen that changes the color of your cars mood lighting and activates your powered arm rest (A real feature on some more "luxurious" Land Rovers) is not the same thing. And there's little thought or useful innovation to be had in the gadjets like that in modern luxury cars.
@@josephg41 All of those gadgets detract from the basic function of an auto- to get an individual from A to B. Automatic Transmissions, even the best of them, still have a mileage penalty. For too many American drivers, another misuse is the fact that not needing t shift constantly leaves them free to operate and talk on their cell phones. I do agree that it makes the "experience" or driving generally more pleasant. But not worth the extra weight and loss of driver attention to the road and car. the there are power windows, central locking and power seat adjustment- does any of that really help the cars basic function or are they just tools for salesmen/women to jack up the price of the car? AC can at least be shown to increase driver stamina and road awareness, but even that is pushing that basic definition.
And , yes, I was a "boy racer" long ago and farther away than I ever wanted to be.
FR
Wow no negative comments or a dislike I guess Cadillac just makes magic happen
The electronic Eye isn’t just to dim the headlights, it’s so the Cadillac doesn’t have to look at the other lesser, uglier cars on the road.
It’s better than that. Cadillac called it….The Sentinel.
"I do not wish to look at the poor today"
Autronic eye.
Some models also had wipers that started automatically when rain water bridged a switch.
@@tylernewton7217 That was a later name for it.
My 1970 DeVille had Sentinel.
@@ramairsupreme4774 Imperial, as well.
Ahhh, the best of American post-war prosperity. I especially love the influence the jet age had on the design. 1950's America was special. Thank you for producing this video.
When I was a kid in high school a guy named Skeet Lundgrin drove on campus in a 1957 Oldsmobile and I thought it was the most beautiful car I ever saw and have wanted one ever since but I would jump over ten of them to get that Caddy. Absolutely beautiful and my new fantasy.
Gotta love these elegant cars
I agree!
Absolutely!
This is anything but elegant....
A pure beauty like they aren't anymore. Perfection of forms and details, a pleasure to the eye.
Whoa! That fin removal was a great “party trick”! Cool idea. I actually think I like it better without, which as and American, is almost sacrilege to say!
Blasphemy!
"actually"
I don't know, without the fins if looks like it has a really FAT butt.
Without the fins it has no extravagance,
@@wopalongcassidy Because the rest of the body, the dash, the interior and the engine are so very understated.
I've worked for 5 years every Saturday for this company when i finished highschool. Just to Polish all the Classic cars in this big hall. The owners are the best! I had the best time there! So much beauty indeed👌🌟
We miss you, Chris! Groetjes van ons
I learned to drive in the mid 80's in my grandparent's 1967 Cadillac Calais. Absolutely no driver feedback, but man to this day I love to be able to have it for a long road trip. I can remember being told shortly after I go my license at 16 that I was driving the family in the Caddy on vacation from Pittsburgh to Florida. It may feel dead, but man it was a comfortable, relaxing ride. Those cars were made for a long haul drive. I ended up driving 17 hours straight only stopping for gas and quick runs to the rest room, but even still we arrived in decent shape.
What was your gas mileage in this car, on that trip?
@@watchmanonthewall14 I can't exactly remember, but it was lousy.
@@currentsitguy I drove my dad's 72' El Dorado, getting 8-10 mpg. No surprise, though. She was a grand floater and seemed very controlled and smooth at 100 mph. Cheers.
There must have been nothing else that came close in 1957. This car still looks good to me. I can't say that about a 1957 Lincoln. The fins were period correct and it would look "unfinished" without them in my opinion. Nice video, thanks!
I have a ton of channels on my sub list. This is one of the very few that I get existed when I see that little red dot next to your channel because I know I'm in for a treat. This episode was no exception.
What an absolute dream it must be to step into the La Salle show room, with the intention and possibility to buy a car. Fantastic sight!
That’s why I love the cars from the 50s and 60s just automotive works of art.
3:09 Love your focus work in this scene
I absolutely love the fact that he drives in the bus lane with it 🤣🤣🤣 when its not visible enough that its BIG
Its a good day when a Dutchman posts a video about an American car
This was when Cadillac was truly the standard of the world. I prefer the non tail fin photo. I must be doing something wrong but the price converted into U.S. dollars is $21,350. Denmark right?
Netherlands. It priced at $158.862, 00
70,000 in 2020 dollars.
GLAD to see you back, Ed!!!
Been following you for some time now Ed. Love your Style and presentation. For such a young guy you have the American Classic Car Addiction. I’ve had it since I can remember.
One of the cool options on the Biarritz was a chrome glove box drink mixer kit, complete with Cristal glassware. So you can have your Manhatten while driving through Manhatten. Amazing time.
That was the Brougham, and they were magnetic cups to stay on the glove box door.
If this car had rolled off the assembly line without fins, there wouldn't have been an un-clutched pearl in all of Detroit. But it's even more stunning that way. This from a fin lover. Heresy!
Wonderful video, Ed!
Cadillac made a concept car around this time period with functioning radar guided cruise control. They used the system from the F-86 Sabres radar guided gunsight and stuck it in the dagmars. Worked beautifully but practically doubled the price of the car.
It's my birthday today, and this channel is the best effin' present EVAH! My Canuck arse really loved your "Malaise Era" quadro-docu effort.
I once thought Mr. Regular was the coolest thing operating atop four questionable wheels while lamenting with such eloquence and humour on the hits and misses of the auto industry. But you, sir (yes, I'm including some of my specialties; REALLY bad grammar, syntax and run-on sentences for your cringing displeasure while reading...if that ever happens) have achieved G O D-LIKE status with your very well researched, written and produced opus.
I was a child of that particular era, and have to completely agree with you. While we Canadians are often regarded as softer, more watered down versions of Americans, we also tend to climb into vehicles that have no business being in our driveways. Yet, in saying that, there are distinct differences between what an average American motor-head will buy, and then helm as opposed to their neighbours on ice up atop the 49th parallel.
With exceptions made for Texas North (Alberta), not a one of us would be caught dead in a Hummer. And most of us have never laid eyes on a Chevy Caprice past that God-forsaken 1990's whale that GM tried to pass off as affordable luxury. Here, we generally do like our practicality.
Being that Canadians are generally wary of the asphalt ice rinks that allow us to ramble about cautiously; we actually have a legitimate need for the SUV's and Crossovers. Reason? Well, it has a lot to do with very icy roads sleeted over with packed slushy snow that habitually veneers this nation for months on end. A car any smaller than an SUV often finds itself launched into a snow bank after spinning out on black ice, or trying to get a grip while accelerating helplessly trapped in an ever-deepening ice trench of it's own unfortunate design. Generally, people in urban centres like Toronto or Vancouver will opt into buying that Honda Civic, if buying a vehicle at all. So, we Canucks definitely guilty of buying these overpriced, oversized road blimps.
For most Canadians (and any Northern State would likely agree here), it's due mostly to need of weight and traction than anything else. That same logic applies to people who live in rural areas with a lot of gravel or unprepared roads, which are becoming more and more common now than it's ever been. In short 4 wheel drive and traction control; things not available on your average compact sedan.
Where we truly differ from Americans is, well, practicality. While we do like our little luxuries (most of our conveyances come equipped with power windows and door locks), what most of us generally turn heel on are garish rolling penises. Well, at least those of us over the age of 20.
There are boys that will buy that first car, and proceed to affix what are commonly known as fart cans the the tail pipe of their little grocery hauler. I mean; nothing screams "I'm Cool" louder than a Chevrolet Cobalt belching and buzzing like a lawn mower on the drag strip, eh?.
This breed will also clear the cladding sale racks at Canadian Tire and fasten as many plastic panels as possible to their ride. This process happens ONLY after chopping the suspension and adding neon lights below to complete their expression of "manliness". This breed is known as the Canadian "speed ricer". You can often find them careening out of control into people's bedrooms at two in the morning, or choking back bravado while watching their baby being hauled to the impound lot after a highway patrol person clocks them at 125 km over the speed limit.
Aside from these fools, most of us tend to like our vehicles hauling groceries on demand, picking up the brood when needed (or drop them off), taking the dog to the vet, or getting us to and from work (or a park and ride lot). As a rule; we like our vehicles sedate, with our expressions of vanity proudly plastered to the rear windshields and bumpers.
Now, with my lament on the state of our vehicular sins lain to rest here, I truly want to thank you again for perking up my ears with your ribald and hilariously cynical diatribe on an era where cars were honestly built like junk. With the Chevy Vega (and Pontiac Astre) and their insta-seize engines, wheels falling off at highway speeds (which were not fast by any stretch of the imagination), the Volare's chronic fuel and brake problems (the list is seemingly endless), etc; well, you summed it up hilariously.
I have subscribed. I will watch. I will occasionally comment. And I will look forward to many more wonderful moments on your channel.
Thank you.
Every day you get closer to 100,000 subs, I'm rooting for you E.A.R!!
I can go to sleep happy now, Thank you Ed!
I love the rear end. It takes the sleek Corvette style and puts two sharp points on it. It looks like dating a vampire.
I had a marketing teacher at business college that described the late 50s car designs as ........... Detroit Baroque.
One of the most riveting classes I ever had.
Detroit Baroque.
Amazing video again Ed! It really made me laugh to see you prancing around the bus lane in the convertible like you had no idea
As someone from the Basque Country, the way you say "Biarritz" gives me an aneurysm, but I still love you Ed.
Great video! Your presentations get better and better. Thank you for the beautiful camera and audio work that befits this classic Cadillac.
Thanks for a well thought out review. Thanks LaSalle Motors for lending this Gem to Ed.
Love the fins, no fins comparison. Although I would never touch what a beautiful example of design and style from a time long ago, the no fins looks pretty sweet.
When I was a kid our neighbor had one. There was a body noise...sort of a squeak that occurred over bumps and that was annoying. But it was a "sports car". We had a short Fleetwood. They were about absolute isolation and effortless driving. I think they achieved it. Our previous car was a Packard Caribbean and that was truly special, quite different from the Cadillacs.
A "short Fleetwood" - you funny!
If Cadillac is the quality of car making, you sir, are the equivalent of making car reviews. Your beautiful voice over with the perfect sound effects makes me feel like I'm truly watching the american dream, amazin
I love luxury cars from the 50's, and 60's as it was time when luxury meant quality, and usually the best a company could build, unlike today where "luxury" cars/trucks/SUV/etc.. are all about how much tech, and other gadgets can we cram into the damn thing that will either be broken and/or outdated/useless in 5 years rendering the luxury status, and the value of the vehicle to barely anything of it's original overinflated price. This is why these days I like basic cars/trucks/SUV/etc.. with basic features that will last much longer, and are simpler to work on when they do break.
So true
And we don’t have to pay features that we won’t use if they are basic luxury cars
Kinda like the hilariously outdated Power Everything on this car? Luxury features are always rough, shiny tech that get refined into standard features. Of course the tech in today's cars will be outdated ... when they get included on the upper trim package of an econobox in five years.
I mean to be fair, they did exactly the same in the 50s and 60s they added more and more tech. Power steering, the power windows, power seats, heated seats, automatic climat control, cruise control, auto leveling, power truck release, power soft trunk closing, power antenna, autronic eye, some even had power assisted doors, hood mounted turn signal and light indicators, side turning lights, steering wheel squeezing horn, power breaks, smoother and smoother trannys, central locking system. But the thing is, some of these may be standard on cars nowadays, like power steering, windows, breaks, auto AC, but everything else still defines a luxury car today. At least to me. A luxury car is one that you drive on a cloud. And no modern car can do that as much garbage tech like bouncy house mercedes they pack into these shitty things. A 50s cadillac is still luxurious today and thats magical !
Another fine review! I really enjoy these classic reviews you do!
Your new friend from Detroit!
Pete Pellerito
legit your videos make my day go from 1 to 10 just like that. you are the best car channel on youtube!!!!! keep it up.
Another great video, Ed. This was back when owning a Cadillac really did elevate one's status. Not like in the later 60's when they were a dime a dozen. Thanks, Ed!
They were still a low volume production car. I have a 70 Eldorado and they made about 24,000 of those. They make a lot more new Corvettes.
in 1970 it still was a big deal as my milnar grate grandpa had a convertible and a hardtops coups late 60's-75 caddy's as did most of the rich business and ag/farmers people he knew but the downsized and cheapened caddy's he and others didn't want anything to do with aka about a 1977-up model years and as he put it they fell from grace as he liked the caddy over say a R&R
the other said of the rich family has caddy's 1995-up to about the end of the v8 branded engines and they have said about the same thing and at least when they where new at the time it was like buying a C-class but not like the 50's-70 of a mayboch or R&R
Man, I have missed your uploads.
There is just something about your intro, and how you talk about cars.
Also the interesting cars you talk about, it just feels like home...
I don't really know how to describe it.
I was born in '75, but when I watch one of your videos, it seems to almost transport me back time, to like the '40s or 50s, and it just feels comfortable, like coming home.
Does anyone else experience this, or something similar???
Anyways, this video made my night. Thank you again.
This one is a dream.
It makes me think the US did Art Deco style cars very well. It did Streamline Moderne style like this one brilliantly.
As it tried Modern it kind of lost the plot.
We are now in Post Modern!
New designs will be very welcome.
Fins anyone?
Really enjoying your reviews!
Thank you, Edward. A beautiful trip down memory lane.
ahhhh i was expecting this, and im very happy it happened! nice to see ed doing some reviews
Cruising the open road in style with the hum of a big V-8 fed by two four-barrel carbs, my God, I love it!
The fins absolutely make the car, I love that Elegant back to it.
Great review! So nice to see young people appreciate these magnificent automobiles!
Ooooooo getting reviews like this from you sounsd awesome
When I was a kid in the late 70s in Massachusetts my stepfather had one of these, as well as an ice blue 59 convertible and a handful of other cars.
Beautiful car, wonderful review
Yes, that was very cool Evan!
Thank you! I might be crazy but I think the car looks smoother without the tail fins. Also and please understand this is written with all respect the trim level is pronounced “Bay-a-ritz”. Once again, i mean no disrespect. I am simply trying to help here.
This is my all time favorite vehicle
I believe that the fins enhance the vehicles beauty. Thanks for the review.
That must have been an incredible time to be alive! Such a simpler time with more chrome and no cell phones. That's unmistakably a Caddy with those fins and if you took the fins away in that era they would have called you crazy!
But mobile things are a good thing.
Virtually no export sales and no foreign competition. The big three plus Rambler were trying to wipe each other out.
Great video with very competent comments. Thank you and do not give up this way!
Great job on the video! You are a natural, keep em coming!
Already enjoyed your content. Now, I love it.
You get it. You understand the attraction of this and other 1950s vehicles. It's a beautiful car and your description of it was wonderful. Of course it took you a an hour to photograph this vehicle. By the tone of your voice you probably could have taken even more time to photograph it. It's a work of art and you appreciate it. Thank you for your videos, your perspective is much appreciated.
Great video Ed! Thank you! In my opinion, though, if you remove the fins it turns the car's profile into a bit of a fat-butted dowager, certainly not GM's intent!
Your channel is amazing. I have enjoyed every video. I will enjoy all the new ones you create, too. Thank you.
Love looking at car interior designs like this; so much more luxurious than a new S-Class. If technology and touchscreens = luxury then why did Bugatti implement a "minimal screens" philosophy for its interior design, and why does Bentley have an option to replace the centre infotainment screen with analogue dials? Imagine if Ferrari made the mannetino a touch panel (which will probably happen with the direction they're heading).
I pressed the thumb up as soon as it started with adverts. I knew it would be good, as always.
Thank you!!! A truly deserving tribute.
Got to be up there with the collest cars you could possibly own. Love all that chrome.
coolest
Beautiful car, and I really love the dashboard!
I don't know, it kind of looks better WITHOUT the rear fin. But that wouldn't work in 1957...
Here in Australia somewhere there is a newer model Eldorado that's had extra axles added, four wheels at the back and four wheels at the front. It's also got a jacuzzi in the trunk and a BBQ under the hood in front of the motor. Whoever thought that one up obviously didn't have the respect for the name that Ed has. :)
Even though the '58 had notable changes over the '57, I've always loved the '57 appearance. So many people complained that the '57 rear end was too short so they added reverse-angled fins for '58. The '58 does ride better with significant suspension changes--not talking about the airbag suspension, but the normal one.
I picked up a 57 caddy eldorado siville a few weeks back. Hasn't been on the street since 1974. It's a project but will be fun to bring it back and put it on the road.
Its a Wirlitzer jukebox on wheels and it was the rocket age, so fins were a must
Today's equivalent of this car would be a Rolls Royce or a Bentley. Nowadays Mercedes is what Buick was in the 50s
Only the most beautiful review for such an astonishing car
What a beautiful Cadillac!! 👍👍
Cars like this are works of art
So pretty, personally the fins make it just enough over the top which is something I can appreciate
And best of all.....it's a Cadillac! Another awesome video.
Good video! Thanks, Edward. Excellent Whatnot!
Always my dream car.Has perfect styling.Wouldn't change a thing!
The musical jingle for Ed's Auto Reviews reminds me of an old LA radio station called KHJ. Not sure if it's still around but it was a popular AM top 40 station in the 1960s growing up there
Excellent content and beautifully done.
The Cadillac of Cadillacs. The true cruiser.
Loved this model even as a young lad when they were 20 odd years old. They seemed so unlike new cars of then that it was like a mind bend at how quicky Detroit ( and the world) took the sober pill.
The fins on this are perhaps dagger- like but even the regular line's fins are super cool to my eyes. Without fins I'll quote Virgil Exner
"They look like plucked chickens"...
That Cadillac is rolling art.
That car was/is stunning. I'm glad you didn't judge the styling by modern standards, although I may agree with you with the tail fin delete (I'll have to watch that part again). But the fins are also what help make the statement. And you're correct about the details, both inside and out. I was born in 1957 and I still remember seeing a Cadillac (not an Eldorado) parked in our neighbor's driveway when I was about 8 or 9 years old. It must have been grandpa's car because nobody in our neighborhood could afford a Caddy. I remember looking in the windows like it was a department store display window. The color was a sort of blue-green that I had never seen on any of the cars on the block. It was special, for sure. Now I have
an 8 year old Cadillac SRX and it's been a pretty good car but nothing as unique as the Eldo.
Love the theme from "This is your life" 😎🥰
very special car. It's just jaw dropping.. Nice commentary and editing on your video my friend! glad I subscribed! Electronic eye.. awesome
That car looks so out of place in the Dutch countryside. But I do recall seeing many an old, American barge-cars the times I visited. But none as nice as this Cady. What a privilege to be able to drive one of those.
Love the coverage of this car
A great review for one of the greatest brand in the world!!
My day is better now (:
Really enjoying this channel
So cool they let you actually drive the car!
I am a typical Cadillac American my Seville is so automated and comfortable It is truly a dream to drive cross country to California. My wife's mustang GT takes so mucj efforts and attention to drive and the ride is truly like a horse is is a pain to drive 50 miles on the road.
truly the Cadillac of cars
Back in those days Cadillac was CADILLAC. Good stuff.
I've always found the rear of the '57 Eldorado too rounded, like a melted marshmallow. Removing the fins only highlights the bulbous proportions. The '57 Eldorado's rear needs better defined edges that match the front styling, that's why I prefer the '57 Deville convertible. Thank you for showcasing an amazing survivor from the Fabulous Fifties.
fantastic car and fantastic review! hello from croatia
For me, this is the most beautifull car ever made. The ultimate oldtimer.