Vehicle Description
Cadillacs were truly the envy of the world when this 1957 Fleetwood
Series 60 sedan was built. Cutting-edge technology, big
performance, and unparalleled eye appeal made them unquestionably
"the Standard of the World." Today, they still carry a legendary
reputation, and if you're the sort who likes traditional American
luxury, this car combines that big '50s look with some modern
tech.
While the legend of the pink Cadillac has grown, there's still
nothing like a big, red Cadillac to really command respect. The
handsome two-tone white-over-red combination on this big 4-door
hardtop is a great driver-quality example that's striking in a
low-profile kind of way. It also helps minimize the enormous size
of the Series 60 Fleetwood, especially the 4-door versions like
this, which were wonderfully opulent machines. The finish is by no
means perfect, with imperfections found upon closer inspection, but
it has an all-around great look with a nice shine that's perfect
for anyone looking to drive and impress. With good bodywork that
emphasizes the generous curves, up to and including the
P51-inspired tailfins, which had not yet grown to grotesque
proportions. Chrome and polished aluminum trim work (and there is A
LOT of it here) is in solid condition, from the pointed "Dagmars"
up front (look it up), to the unique rear cladding that flows into
the big rear bumper, and the distinctive faux air vents on the rear
doors that were an evolution of Cadillac's mid-'50s design,
everything has been polished to a nice shine. And with a little bit
of gold in the grille and emblems, this Caddy puts the '57 Bel Air
to shame. Even the original EZI glass is still in place and all but
unobtainable today.
The interior is finished in period style, but with a few upgrades
that add a bit of comfort inside. It starts with plush seats that
emulate the original look with the comfort of a more breathable and
luxurious fabric (the original was probably a combination of stiff
vinyl and some synthetic cloth). Two wide bench seats provide
unparalleled comfort, and legroom is expansive front and rear.
Matching door panels, plush carpets, and dark red paint on the dash
give it a cosmopolitan air that suggests an artist at work here,
and all the bright trim bits shine beautifully. From behind the big
steering wheel, you can instantly see where Cadillac spent money on
the design, starting with that intricate gauge package surrounded
in chrome. Those gauges are augmented with a trio of aftermarket
units to the right of the wheel, and the original AM radio and
under-dash speaker are both still in place, although they're due
for an upgrade if you want to cruise with tunes. Power windows and
locks remarkably still work, while the electric seats and A/C are
part of the package (although they need to be serviced), and with
power steering and power brakes rounding out the options list, easy
two-finger steering is definitely part of the driving experience of
this luxurious land yacht. Out back, the massive trunk is elegantly
upholstered and features a mounted spare underneath a matching
carpeted cover.
Cadillac's 365 cubic inch V8 engine was still the talk of the
industry in 1957, but that's not to say a great thing can't be made
better. Today, this Cadillac carries an uber-reliable 350 V8 that
was swapped-in seamlessly, and the improvement in performance is
measurable. Performance is reliable thanks to an Edelbrock 4-barrel
carburetor and intake, with a throaty, expensive-sounding hum from
the long-tube headers and dual exhaust system below. They worked to
keep the engine bay looking neat and close to stock with the big
chrome air cleaner up top, although the finned Edelbrock valve
covers and modern A/C compressor give it away somewhat. The TH400
3-speed automatic transmission is a durable, reliable piece and
this big yacht will cruise at modern highway speeds effortlessly
thanks to highway gears in the original rear end. Power steering
and brakes, and updated shocks are mandatory on a beast this size,
and flashy 20-inch Ridler chrome wheels wrapped in 245/35/20 front
and 285/35/20 rear radials add a killer modern look to this
super-slick Caddy.
Nothing could touch Cadillac's combination of luxury and
performance in the '50s, and it made them an icon. The only thing
that can make it better is modern reliability, comfort and
performance, and this big Cadillac definitely delivers. Call
today!
