Vehicle Description
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!
