Vehicle Description
El Dorado, the mythical city of gold, lent its name to perhaps the
most luxurious, beautiful, and expensive of all Cadillacs. Changed
from two words to one by GM marketers, the Eldorado convertible was
a cost-no-object for celebrities and wealthy businessmen who wanted
the very best of everything. Proof was the $7,000+ price tag that
the Cadillac Eldorado wore... in 1954. Meant only for the elite,
only 2150 were produced in '54. Understand that in the 50s, when
Cadillac was still the undisputed Standard of The World, owning one
meant that you were positively at the top of your game. I suppose
that sentiment still holds true because this stunning Series 62
Eldorado is for the well-versed connoisseur who enjoys quality,
value, and prestige above all. As an official member of the rare
2,150 cars assembled during the second year of Cadillac's most
storied nameplate, this pristine drop-top is an investment grade
example of one of the rarest and most desirable collector cars ever
produced. If you fancy the ultimate classic to park at shows and
parade down Main Street, this professionally restored masterpiece
will bring your dreams to life!
BODYWORK/TRIM
We all know trim is what makes 50s Cadillacs so cool, and WOW is
there a lot of chrome on this Eldo. Put it this way: if you want to
look at this vintage drop-top under the lights, be sure to close
the shades because the reflection from your garage will probably
wake the neighbors! At the front of the car, T3 headlights and
chrome-trimmed parking lamps visually dissect a cellular chrome
grille that's positioned low enough to emphasize a road-hugging
stance. Below that grille, a wraparound gull-wing bumper features
prominent chrome guards. And above that grille, a brilliant hood
goddess overlooks a fresh Cadillac crest and slim-line "V" emblem
that inspired Cadillac's current performance moniker. At the top of
the car, a stainless-trimmed cowl intake panel rides between Cadet
Visor headlight bezels, a low-profile hood, and bright stainless
wipers that clear a stainless trimmed EZ-eye windshield. At the
sides of that windshield, Eldorado-exclusive emblems ride between
new-for-'54 vent wings, traditional chrome door handles and a
power-operated top. And below that windshield, Eldorado-exclusive
emblems are perfectly aligned between stainless trim spears,
air-slot fender breaks and fluted rocker trim. At the back of the
car, a rolled trunk hangs a block-lettered "Eldorado" script above
a second gold V and new-for-'54 bumper guards. At the sides of that
trunk, squared off fins feature modern-looking tail lights. And
below that trunk, a second wraparound bumper features cleanly
integrated exhaust tips.
ENGINE
Powering this spectacular cruiser is an original 331 cubic inch
overhead valve V8 that wears a correct VIN stamp, creates a stout
230 horsepower and cranks out a stellar 330 ft./lb. of torque.
That's plenty of chutzpah to move this Eldorado down the boulevard
with authority, and the big mill is buttery smooth with a
distinctive rumble. At the top of the navy blue block, a familiar
Cadillac air cleaner swirls wind though a big 4-barrel carburetor.
In front of that carburetor, a tagged and rebuilt generator spins
fresh V-belts around pliable hoses and correct squeeze clamps. And
behind that carburetor, a correct points distributor shoots spark
through correct manifolds via high quality Packard Suppression
wires. Nothing has been overlooked in this top notch engine bay,
and the professionally finished powerplant is complemented by a
full assortment of well-planned and well-executed details. Fire is
provided by a reproduction Delco yellow cap battery. A glass washer
reservoir hangs behind brains for the car's Autronic Eye system.
Adding to the appeal and uniqueness of this ride is the warranty
card centered on the radiator cradle. And the car's solid inner
fenders, fully finished hood and factory firewall are covered in a
smooth coat of correct Alpine White paint.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Throw this Caddy on a lift and you'll find a super clean
undercarriage that's no less spectacular. The car's beefy X-frame ,
displays a nice coat of gloss black paint. The blue V8 throws
torque through an original Hydra-Matic transmission that wears a
correct 1954 (54) Cadillac (D ) build stamp. Ahead of that stellar
drivetrain you'll find an independent front half that's been
painstakingly restored to factory specifications. Behind that
stellar drivetrain you'll find a rebuilt rear end that's centered
on leaf springs. Braking is handled by four big drums that bring
the car to a power-assisted stop with surprisingly little effort.
Factory power steering reinforces turns and greatly improves slow
speed navigation. And a fresh flex-pipe exhaust system sounds
muscular yet luxurious. Above those fully sorted mechanicals,
solid, over-restored floors are painted a nice shade of burgundy
and provide an excellent backdrop for fresh stainless hardware and
new stainless brake and fuel lines. At the corners of those floors,
four substantial wire wheels spin meaty white wall rubber around
classy Cadillac crests. And all the small details like leak-free
shocks, a big stainless fuel tank and a correct starter have been
painstakingly located and professionally installed.
INTERIOR
Loaded with virtually every option in the book, this classic
Eldorado's correct Red and White interior features a perfect mix of
outrageous style and traditional American luxury. The front power
and rear bench seats are stuffed with fresh padding, covered in
correct Cadillac-embossed leather, and trimmed in pristine
stainless brightwork. In front of those seats, a darker red
leather-topped dash hangs a contoured instrument panel and a
rebuilt electric clock between GM's advanced Autronic Eye system
and multiple chrome accessory knobs that, among other things,
operate the car's optional heater. At the base of those seats,
like-new carpet is anchored by slick sill plates, protected by
stainless-trimmed floor pads and flanked by intricately detailed
kick panels. At the sides of those seats, red and white door panels
hang new chrome handles and chrome power window switches between
bright white toppers and sculpted armrests. In front of the driver,
a two-tone steering wheel spins a chrome horn ring around a chrome
steering column, and chrome gear selector. Behind the passengers a
fiberglass parade boot rides over a fully restored trunk. GM
designers definitely knew what they were doing in 1954. And all of
this car's unique details were restored, right down to the cool
Eldorado crests at the base of its seats.
PROVENANCE
With production of Cadillac's '54 Eldorado numbering just into the
thousands, this stylish cruiser is a factory-accurate rarity.
Here's a detailed look at the car's VIN and Cowl Tag numbers.
VIN: 5462XXXXX
54 - 1954 model year
62 - Series 62
XXXXX - Sequential Production Number
COWL TAG:
STYLE NUMBER: 54-6267SX - 1954 (54) Series 62 (62) Convertible (67)
Eldorado (SX)
BODY NUMBER: FW73 - 73rd (73) Eldorado body assembled at GM's Clark
Street (FW) manufacturing facility in Detroit, Michigan
TRIM NUMBER: 38Y - Red and White (38) leather (Y) interior
PAINT NUMBER: 18C- Alpine White (18) exterior paint
ACC: E-H-R - EZ Eye tinted glass (E), Heater (H), Unknown
option�
AWARDS
AACA First Junior Award
- 2008
Cadillac & LaSalle Club Senior Award
- 2008
Even today, there is no car that says &quo...for more
information please contact the seller.
