1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

For many of Detroit's front-running car manufacturers, the early 1950s were among the most fertile years for automotive design.  Cadillac, in particular, contributed to this stylistic Renaissance with such design developments as the "Florentine Curve" roof, distinctive egg crate grilles, and "Dagmar" bumpers.  Such advancements found an eager audience in the thousands of Motorama show-goers who, since 1949, had attended GM's traveling motor show to witness the latest in design and technological innovation.

Cadillac was rapidly replacing Packard as a leader in the fine car segment, becoming the preferred choice of a new generation of affluent consumers and style-minded auto enthusiasts.  Meanwhile, the stylistic influences of Harley Earl and his Art & Colour Department contributed to an already formidable reputation enjoyed by Cadillac industry-wide. Earl's tailfins and extravagant chrome trim simultaneously evoked a feeling of spaceflight and automotive progress.  1953 was especially significant for Cadillac, as it marked the introduction of the Eldorado, an elegant, trendsetting convertible inspired by the futuristic automobiles on display at the GM Motorama.  The limited-production Eldorado body shared little with the standard 1953 Cadillac convertible coupe.  In fact, the front and rear fenders, trunk lid and floor pan are the only common elements, while the hood, cowl, doors, and body shell were fabricated by the craftsmen at Fisher/Fleetwood.

The long and low appearance of the Eldorado is no mere illusion.  It actually rode one inch lower and stood three inches shorter than the standard convertible.  Fitted with a unique wraparound windshield, a custom interior and daring beltline dip, the new Eldorado carried a staggering price tag of $7,750, the highest in Cadillac's history and five times that of a contemporary Chevrolet.  By comparison, a standard Series 62 Convertible Couple could be had for about $4,144.  However, the extensive hand labor and limited production volume meant that Cadillac very likely lost money on every Eldorado produced during that first model year.

Economics aside, Cadillac management recognized the Eldorado as a "halo car" that increased the prestige of the entire model range, and gained valuable publicity for the division.  A 1953 sales brochure issued by Cadillac declared the Eldorado as having been "dramatically styled by Fleetwood to capture the heart of all America."  This was no overstatement.  The Eldorado, while exclusive in its distribution, was representative of a nation with a thriving economy and forward-thinking automotive tastes.  The 1953 Eldorado was immediately immortalized as the car that carried President Dwight D. Eisenhower during his inauguration parade, leading a motorcade of new 1953 Cadillacs of various body styles.  For the 532 fortunate buyers of the original Eldorado, the staggering purchase price brought with it virtually every imaginable option and extra in Cadillac's luxury arsenal and the exclusivity of owning a car that comprised less than one-half percent of Cadillac's total production numbers for 1953.  The Eldorado was powered by Cadillac's 331 cubic inch overhead-valve V8 engine, and was offered only one way - fully loaded.  In fact, the electrical system was upgraded to twelve volts in order to supply power for the multitude of accessories that included power steering, power windows, power seat, heater, signal-seeking pre-selector radio, windshield washer, and power top.The very elegant Eldorado we are pleased to offer here is presented in beautiful Alpine White, with a red and white leather interior, and benefits from a complete, body-off restoration.  Accented by a white convertible top, the quality of the paintwork is observed as very nice, revealing a smooth surface finish without obvious imperfections.  It is also fitted with the hard tonneau cover, otherwise known as the "parade boot".  Chrome and stainless steel brightwork, a major component of the Eldorado's presence, are also in very good condition, along with the glass, which includes the correct wraparound windshield.  The eye-catching red and white leather interior has been restored, with all upholstered components in beautiful condition.  The Eldorado displays a correctly restored and refinished steering wheel, along with new, correct, and properly fitted carpeting.  The trunk area is equally finished, fitted with the correct style trunk material in red with sides trimmed to match.  The underside of the trunk lid has been refinished properly in body color white.  A Firestone wide whitewall spare tire, mounted on a chrome wire wheel, is located and secured in the proper location, along with a detailed and correct bumper jack, also stored in the proper location.

The extensively detailed engine compartment reveals the 331 cubic inch Cadillac V8 engine, in 210-horsepower form, and Hydra-Matic transmission.  The engine block and rocker covers are refinished in Cadillac blue while the various components, including the heater housing, power steering reservoir and pump, oil cap and breather are finished in gloss black. Meanwhile, the firewall, underside of the hood, and inner fenders are refinished in body color white.  The Eldorado rides on beautiful chrome wire wheels shod with wide whitewall tires.  The extensive list of features also includes back-up lights, twin outside mirrors, and remote engine oil filter.  Formerly part of the Mr. Wayne Davis collection and he is well known for his first-rate cars and in great running order, maintenance and drivability of the cars in his collection, and this 1953 Eldorado is no exception.

In today's collector car market, the Eldorado's exclusivity is only enhanced by its relationship with the 1953 Oldsmobile Fiesta and Buick Skylark, of which the Eldorado was by far the most expensive. Together, ownership of all three cars constitutes a collector's "Grand Slam" and a rare achievement of considerable historical significance.  Handsomely finished, and highlighting a beautiful restoration, this Eldorado is an outstanding example of a certified Milestone Car and one of Cadillac's most desirable classic automobiles.