If this car is still listed on this site, it is still available. One of only 975 built. Beautiful paint and new white leather interior. Strong-running 390 cubic inch V8 with Tri-Power. Recent chrome wire wheels and wide whitewall radials. Rare and dramatic ’59 Cadillac.
The 1959 Eldorado Seville was an extremely expensive car, priced at $7401—it should be no surprise that only 975 were built. Styling was entirely new and the towering tail fins are perhaps the most iconic of any car built in the ‘50s. Nothing else looks like a ’59 Cadillac. The two-door models show the dramatic fins best and the hardtop offers trim styling with an emphasis on “jet age.” This particular Eldorado Seville embodies that elegance with stunning styling and lots of chrome, and there’s no angle from which it doesn’t look spectacular. Recently repainted, it offers a flashy yet tasteful look thanks to the two-tone treatment that seems to make it seem even longer than it is. The cowl tag says this one was originally code 90 Olympic White, but now that you’ve seen this one, it sounds kind of boring. Finish quality is quite good, with straight sheetmetal that probably required weeks and weeks to fully prepare for the glossy two-stage paint on top. Eldorados included extensive chrome in addition to the already sparkling Series 62 models, most notably the sweeping trim pieces that extend from the doors to the tail and wrap into the bright rocker moldings—they’re completely unique. Someone has invested rather heavily in the restoration of the chrome on this car and it all remains in excellent condition.
The gorgeous glove-soft white leather interior is entirely new and was replaced at a cost of nearly $15,000. Door panels, seats, and carpets are new, and the dash is wrapped in the most ornately stitched and contoured leather that’s apparent only under close examination. Dark red carpets and two-tone door panels echo the exterior paint scheme, as does the custom refinished steering wheel. All Eldorado Sevilles came loaded with every available feature except A/C, which was an option, and this car has it (although it requires service). Plenty of bright trim makes the interior look ornate and someone has cleverly installed a modern AM/FM stereo head unit in the dash that manages a CD changer in the trunk. Other features include a power front seat, cruise control, and an autronic eye on top of the dash. Thanks to the massive 130-inch wheelbase, even back seat accommodations are spacious and the trunk is positively massive, fully finished with matching carpets, a full-sized spare tire, and correct jack assembly.
Cadillac’s V8 was all new in 1959 as well, a muscular 390 cubic inch unit that was the first significant upgrade over the original. Wearing three Rochester 2-barrel carburetors, the Eldorado Seville makes a rather substantial 345 horsepower, the most of any car of the era. After all, horsepower was the ultimate luxury. Thanks to recent tuning, this one starts easily, idles nicely, and pulls the mammoth coupe around without apparent strain and cruises easily at speeds that will still get you arrested in most states. It’s probably worth mentioning that this is the car’s original, numbers-matching engine with a VIN stamped into the block on the driver’s side above the oil pan rail, and it wears correct Cadillac Blue engine enamel. The gold air cleaner up top, complete with twin snorkels, indicates Eldorado-spec Tri-Power underneath.
We do not believe the body has ever been off the frame, so the car has a solid feeling that many restored cars can’t quite replicate, but that also means it’s not shiny and perfect underneath. The floors are in good condition and there’s a recent dual exhaust system with four mufflers, so this Eldo has just the right sound (although the quad exhaust tips are a little racier than stock). The familiar 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission shifts crisply and has proven to be incredibly durable over the years, and with 3.21 gears in back, it remains effortless in everything it does. Power assisted steering and massive drum brakes make it easy to manage in any environment and the chrome wire wheels are simply gorgeous. Recent 225/75/15 wide whitewall radials are fitted, improving ride and handling in a tangible way—it’s still a big luxury car, but it doesn’t feel clumsy or soft.
Documentation includes an original owner’s manual, factory shop manual, restoration receipts, and some aftermarket catalogs for spare parts.
Some cars just have presence, and this Eldorado Seville dominates the space wherever it goes. There’s nothing so dramatic as those towering fins and the muscular exhaust note, sleek, low-profile look, and glittering chrome suggest this is a car for someone who has truly arrived. It’s beautiful, comfortable, and rare, all things that make some cars special. If you appreciate the rarefied atmosphere for which this car was designed, perhaps it’s time you treated yourself to the Standard of the World. Call today!
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