Model year 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 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-levelling 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
3.88-inch stroke and another compression tweak, the figure was now 345 for the newly
enlarged 390-cid 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. (The Brougham was another matter entirely.
Now bearing coachwork built and styled by Pinin Farina of Italy, it was far different
in character than the 1957-58 design and actually predicted a number of styling
features that would be adopted for the regular 1961-62 production models.)
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 and license frames. The Brougham was now incorporated
into the line as an Italian-bodied, limited production car. A vertical crest medallion
with Brougham script plate appeared on the front fenders and a single, thin molding
ran from front to rear along the mid sides of the body. Styling on this car was not as
radical as in the past and predicted the 1960 themes used on other Cadillacs. The
standard equipment list was pared down to match those of other Eldorados plus Cruise
Control, Autronic Eye, air conditioning, and E-Z-Eye glass.
