1959 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Photos, engines & full specs

It was the jet age era for the car design industry, and the Eldorado Convertible is one of the finest examples for that, but it was more than just a beautifully penned vehicle.

At the beginning of 1959, Alaska became the 49th state of the U.S. of A. Not exactly a place to drive an open-top Cadillac, but still an important moment for that year. For those who had more patience, Hawaii became the 40th state in the same year. That was truly a place to drive with the top down this majestic, fourth-generation Eldorado.

When Chuck Jordan designed the vehicle, he installed the highest tail fins ever placed on a production vehicle, and that statement lasted only for a year. But they attracted looks wherever an Eldorado Convertible was driven or parked. Its dual bullet styling for the taillights was another unique feature of the car. At the same time, the amount of chromed elements installed on the vehicle was astonishing, starting with the bumper and radiator's grille and continuing with the side trims and rocker panels.

Inside, the luxurious vehicle featured a bench for three at the front and another one in the back. The driver fronted a two-spoke steering wheel adorned with more chrome that matched the vehicle's exterior trims. Cadillac hid the removable roof behind the rear passengers in a designated compartment covered with a vinyl cap.

Underneath the hood, GM installed a 390 ci (6.4-liter) V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission as the only option available.