Lot 124: 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz

For a short time in the 1950's, American makers produced cars of unprecedented flamboyance which have become powerful emblems of an era when people faced the future with optimism. It was a time when you did not have to look at a registration plate to learn a car's age because, each year, Detroit's big three remodelled their entire ranges.Cadillac set the trend in those heady days of fins and chrome before a down turn in the American economy constrained manufacturers. Their fins were bigger than other makers and they featured more brightwork, yet beneath the exuberant styling were the values which made Cadillac the car to which buyers aspired. Film stars, business tycoons and senators drove Cadillacs. The Eldorado was introduced in 1953 with styling developed by the legendary Harley Earl. In 1957 the Biarritz was completely restyled with a new "X" member chassis and a profile 3 inches lower than before with the body work liberally garnished with chrome. Other items included gadgets and features ahead of all other automobiles such as a powered hood and windows and a 390 cubic inch V8 engine.This particular example, ELD 7, was owned by John Entwistle, bassist for the legendary British rock group The Who, one of the biggest rock bands of the 1960's and 70's with global hits including My Generation and Pinball Wizard. Their rock musical Tommy, which starred Elton John as well as Entwistle playing himself, became a huge West End hit as well as cult 'Rock Opera' movie. In addition to playing bass, Entwistle helped out on backing vocals and released half a dozen solo albums. The band really took shape in 1964 and were suddenly known as the original bad boys of rock with a habit of trashing stage equipment. Fortunately this is a trait Entwistle did not carry over to his cars as ELD 7 is in good working order with all electric windows and hood working faultlessly. Sadly with his passing the car had been stored and is now offered here directly from the executors of his estate. ELD 7 drives well and is offered with a current MoT, an iconic American car with a fabulous rock and roll history it will make a great addition to any car collection.