To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$100,000 - $125,000
- One of just 704 built between 1957 and 1958
- Refinished in its original Fairfax Blue
- Original two-tone fabric interior
- Rebuilt 365-cubic-inch V-8
- Includes a nearly complete vanity kit
Harley Earl's signature is all over the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado
Brougham, even if he wasn't actually on the assembly line
hand-building these carefully crafted icons of American luxury. The
big sedan previewed the Brougham Dram Car concept at the 1955
General Motors Motorama show set an exceptionally high
standard.
Just 704 were built over a two-year run. It is estimated that
Cadillac lost as much as $10,000 on every example it built, even
though the car was priced at nearly $14,000, or double what it
charged for the hardly spartan Eldorado Biarritz.
Luxurious features included an all-transistor radio, Autronic Eye
automatically dimming headlamps, power-adjustable front seats with
an innovative memory function, and air conditioning with
power-retractable vents. A built-in vanity compartment provided
old-world convenience in a modern setting with its tissue dispenser
and cigarette-package compartment.
Of course, the Eldorado Brougham provided more than adequate
acceleration from its 365-cubic-inch V-8, which silently muscles
power rearward via a sophisticated four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic
gearbox.
This first-year example has been recently refinished by Blascyk
Paint & Body Shop of Abilene, Texas, in its original stately
Fairfax Blue with the requisite brushed-aluminum roof and details
that bear Earl's unique touch. Underneath, the problematic Air Ride
suspension was replaced by factory technicians with coil springs
many years ago, and new shocks and springs provide a properly
Cadillac-comfortable ride. The smooth V-8 has been recently rebuilt
and retains factory-style finishes underhood.
Inside, its interior retains original two-tone fabric upholstery,
which was protected for years by vinyl covers, and its chrome trim
shines as if new. Rebuilt instrumentation includes the clock,
radio, and more, while new weather stripping ensures a sealed
cabin. A nearly complete vanity kit is included, as well as a jack.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/fl20.
