For Sale: 1953 Cadillac Eldorado in St. Louis, Missouri

In 1953, Cadillac was celebrating their 50th Anniversary in style by debuting the Eldorado which was built without compromise to showcase the ultimate is Cadillac styling, engineering, and craftsmanship that they are still famous for. A big, luxuriously equipped vehicle that would earn its place at the top of the prestigious Cadillac line-up and be the most expensive GM car built to date with an initial sticker price of $7,750 in 1953. A distinctive bodyshell with stylish coachwork that rode low to the ground on standard chrome wire spoke wheels. The Eldorado name translates to "Golden One", and with a total of 12 generations produced spanning from 1953 to the year 2002. Cadillac proved year after year that the Eldorado deserved the moniker.

The initial 1953 Eldorado was a limited production, special-bodied convertible with just 532 built, making it one of the most desirable post-war Cadillacs amongst collectors. It was the 1952 El Dorado "Golden Anniversary" concept car brought to life. Showcasing a wraparound "panoramic" windshield with windshield washers, cut-down door sills that dipped at the end of the doors, dual exhaust that tastefully exited out of the large chrome bumper, a 12-volt electrical system, power seat, E-Z-Eye tinted glass, and a heater as standard equipment. The car carried no special badging other than a gold-colored "Eldorado" nameplate in the center of the dash. A flush-mounted, body colored hard tonneau cover conceals the convertible top when lowered.

We are extremely proud to offer this rare first generation 1953 Cadillac Eldorado refinished in Aztec Red with a White power folding convertible top. The interior remains code correct 38- Red/White Leather. According to the factory build sheet included with this Eldorado, it sold and delivered new from a Los Angeles, California dealer. Powering this special Cadillac is its original, numbers matching 331ci OHV V8 engine producing 210 horsepower mated to a 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. For its debut year, Cadillac's Eldorado included top-of-the-line features including power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, Wonderbar signal-seeking AM radio with a vacuum powered antenna (in-op), electric dash clock, heater/defroster, and chrome Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels with Firestone Deluxe Champion 8.20-15 wide white wall tires.

This prestigious Cadillac Eldorado has been meticulously cared for by the previous owner, John Hendricks of the Gateway Automobile Museum Collection, for the past 18 years. Prior to his acquisition, it had already received a comprehensive restoration in approximately 2004 including a careful engine-out, professional repaint of the exterior as this car was originally color code 22- Artisan Ochre. Although a very interesting yellow-gold color, with just 2 Eldorado's painted this color in combination with a red/white interior from the factory, it apparently was not as appealing to the eye as Eldorado exclusive Aztec Red. This extensive bare metal process was completed in expert fashion along with replacing all the window seals & body weather stripping; a new interior carpet set, leather seating upholstery, & trunk interior were installed by Cadillac specialist Jenkins Interiors; and the rear bumper would be the only chrome requiring re-plating. The original engine and transmission would only be cleaned, rebuilt as needed with fresh gaskets, properly detailed, and reinstalled. The restoration also included the installation of a new white convertible top to replace the original black one fitted from the factory. The results are truly exquisite with an overall presentation worthy of any high-end show field!

It would be parked in museum fashion on display in Gateway, Colorado in 2005 with only 36,000 miles on the odometer, which are believed to be actual due to the originality of the car prior to restoration. This specifically designed, climate-controlled facility would become the home of over 50 hand-selected specialty show vehicles. This would include Duesenberg, Auburn, Cord, Cunningham, and Pierce-Arrow just to name a few! This is quite the opportunity to own a piece of prestigious Cadillac history with this Eldorado being #287/532 ever constructed and featuring such a rock solid, low mileage foundation! A genuine blue-chip classic that's sure to steal the show wherever you cruise to! Thank you for your interest and please contact sales for additional information or come into our showroom to see this beautiful car in person!