Cadillac Eldorado, 1957

Location: Santa Monica, California

$82,500 USD | Sold

• 365-cid, 325-hp V-8 with two four-barrel carbs
• Hydra-Matic transmission
• Well-preserved, original interior
• Air suspension refurbishment in 2014
• Rust- and damage-free with fresh repaint
• Mechanical aspects serviced
• Originally white; former Harrah's Museum car
• Also respected Cadillac collector ownership
• Only 400 built in 1957
• Exclusive & expensive

The 1957 Series 70 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was an automotive dream that became a reality. The Brougham embodied the greatest number of styling features of any car on the road in period. A completely new design; it featured low fenders and hood, a true four-headlamp system, individualistic rear fins, big compound windshield and the signature brushed stainless steel roof.

James M. Roche, Cadillac General Manager at the time pointed out that two years of concentrated testing and development preceded the announcement of this extraordinary limited production car. “Our goal is to build the finest car possible,” said Mr. Roche, and the experiment has been a success….we feel that it represents achievement of the goal we set out to attain – and more.” Termed in press releases as a “super luxury sedan“ the Eldorado Brougham was fitted with standards that were accessories on virtually every other car on the market; it was built in limited numbers, with only 400 built in 1957 with a whopping cost of over $13,000; a price similar to Ferrari and Rolls-Royce at the time.

This example of the premier period Cadillac is reported as never being damaged or rust-corroded. It is thought to have been delivered to Los Angeles, California finished in Chamonix White (code 112) with its interior presented in White leather with Black accents and carpet. It found its way to the legendary Harrah’s Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada where it remained for many years after being refinished in the elegant tone of Argent Silver. The condition of the original, very well preserved interior is thought to be consistent with the present odometer reading of 51,106 miles, though the title does state exempt.

The factory plastic lubrication label in the left door jamb reads 37,504 miles, but the date is illegible. Interestingly, the extra key screwed to the right front door hinge post has survived.

As of 2006, it resided in the collection of Dr. Rick Zeiger, a most enthusiastic collector of exotic Cadillacs, as well as an avid devotee of postwar Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars. A regular contributor to the Cadillac Database, he was kind enough to pass on his voluminous research files in 2011 to the next owner in Palm Beach, Florida. The original air suspension was intact, but not in reliable, functioning order.

In 2014, after being assured by several repair facilities of their ability to return the suspension to dependable operation, it was traded to Vantage Motorworks of Miami, Florida against a less challenging Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur. While in his charge, replacements were found to complete the complement of factory accessories.

The Vantage facilities did refurbish the air suspension system and it remains, as of this writing, leak-free and unaided by the wooden chocks often employed to preserve the proper ride height when not in operation. As part of the refurbishments in preparation for its next caring owner, the undamaged Fleetwood coachwork was freshly refinished to its current tasteful Ebony Black, and extensive, properly executed re-chroming of the exterior trim elements, as necessary. The mechanical aspects have been serviced, so as to render the Cadillac worthy of consideration for the addition to the next proud owner’s stable.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca16/lots/r0051-1957-cadillac-eldorado/