Vehicle Description
Engine No. 536269173
Body No. 287
No mere "special edition," the original Cadillac Eldorado of 1953
was quite literally a dream car for the public. Its styling was
virtually a direct copy of the Motorama car of the same name, and
each of the 532 examples was hand-built at a special off-campus
production facility. Each car had its convertible body lowered an
inch and a half on the chassis, for an especially lean, low-slung
look. This was the first American production car to have a
wrap-around windshield and visored dashboard, and shared its
dramatic cut-down doors with another limited-production GM special
of this year, the inaugural Buick Skylark. Unique Kelsey-Hayes
chrome wire wheels were the perfect finishing touch.
The seats were cut down to suit the redesigned bodywork, and were
fitted in an interior with embossed stainless steel door saddle
trim, unique sun visors and rear-view mirror, and sliding interior
door handles similar to those found on Cadillac's Motorama show
cars of the period. A power-operated convertible top disappeared
under a "parade boot," which, unlike the later multi-piece
removable units, was hinged and integral to the car, with a
built-in prop bar. As the boot had to be raised manually, the
switch for the convertible top was inside the car on a rear quarter
trim panel, so that the owner could open the boot and operate the
top without having to get back behind the wheel.
According to a copy of its build sheet, which is included in the
history file, this particular Eldorado was built with body number
287; originally Artesian Ochre, the body was refinished by a later
owner in another Eldorado-exclusive color, Aztec Red, but retains
its correct red and white leather interior, trim code 38. In fact,
close examination reveals that the well-preserved car actually
retains its original upholstery on the door and rear quarter
panels, as well as the dashboard, while the seat upholstery has
been replaced but very authentically so, in the original pattern
and with correct stitching. All the power goodies that one would
expect on an Eldorado are still present, including power steering
and brakes, a six-way power seat, a power white pinpoint vinyl top,
and AM radio. The trunk was properly restored using the original
materials and contains a full-sized matching spare and tire. All
original chrome remains, in fine condition, save for only the rear
bumper which was refinished many years ago.
Examining the undercarriage shows just how nice a life this
particular car has led, unsurprising for an example that was
originally delivered in Los Angeles. It remains solid and
unaltered, with even the original spiral shock absorbers still
mounted. At the time of cataloging the car had recorded 36,449
original miles, an unsurprising reading given the Cadillac's
condition.
The 1953 Eldorado is in the first rank of American automobiles of
its era, and this must surely be one of the best-presented examples
to be found - obviously always a good car, with an outstanding
presentation to satisfy even the most sharp-eyed enthusiast who
knows quality when they see it.
Collection Guarantee Disclosure
Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at
live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection
has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including
this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price
obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.
