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1958 proved to be a tumultuous year for the American
automobile industry. Sales and production were
adversely impacted by both an economic recession and
a prolonged strike by the United Auto Workers Union.
The 1958 Biarritz was only slightly modified from
the same model in the prior year. The rear bumpers,
front grill and body trim were redesigned. The front
quarter panels were modified to accommodate dual
headlights. Standard equipment on the Biarritz
included gold plated saber-spoke wheels, six-way
adjustable front seat, remote-control trunk lid
lock, E-Z eye tinted glass and “Autronic Eye” that
caused the headlights of the Biarritz to switch from
high to low beam when another car approached from
the opposite direction.
Five special Eldorado Biarritz convertibles were
built with completely automatic top riser mechanisms
and metal tonneaus and incorporated humidity
sensors, which activated the top rise mechanism in
case of rain. These cars had four-place bucket
seating and custom leather interior trims.
The 5,070 Lb. Biarritz was powered by a triple
Rochester two barrel carburetor (“tri-power”) 365
cubic inch V-8 engine that produced 335 horsepower
at 4,800 rpm. The 1958 Biarritz had a MSRP of
$7,410.00. Total production was 815 units.
The 1958 Eldorado Biarritz is a certified Milestone
Car. |
