Vehicle Description
1956 Cadillac Eldorado Seville 2-dr Hardtop
Designer: Bill Mitchell
�
Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000
�
Chassis Number: 5662049420
Decoded: 56=1956; 62=Series 62; 049420=Serial
Engine: 365 cid OHV V8
Dual Carter 4-barrel Carburetors/305 bhp
3-Speed Hydramatic Automatic Transmission
Power Assisted Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
�
Odometer: 34.100 miles
�
First year of the Seville Hardtop
Factory Air Conditioning
Restored to Highest Standard
�
The Model -It was a cold January morning in 1953 when the newly
elected President, Dwight Eisenhower, rode down Pennsylvania
Avenue, that many Americans caught a glimpse of a brand-new luxury
convertible, the Cadillac Eldorado. For the first three years of
the Eldorado's life, it was not only the highest priced domestic
car on the market, it was also available only as a convertible.
That changed for 1956 with the introduction of the Seville hardtop.
Based on the Coupe de Ville, the Seville had luxury appointments
that placed it well ahead of the competition. Priced on a par with
the convertible it featured a full array of power amenities such as
steering, brakes, windows, seats and even a powered radio antenna.
A specially anodized golden grille was available at no extra cost,
as were the unique Sabre wheels, available in polished aluminum or
in gold tone, either available at no extra cost. About the only
accessory one could order was air-conditioning. With a base price
of $6,711, the extra $538 for keeping the car cool was less than
10% of the total cost. Interiors were appointed in all leather,
however, a fabric inserts were available for the Seville. Best of
all was the special Eldorado engine, fitted with dual four-barrel
carburetors rated at 305 HP, which was about as powerful as any
other American car. Just, 2,150 Sevilles were produced in the
model's premiere year, and while not a money-maker for the brand,
it was an image-maker that was positive in every way.
The Car - Finished in its original Bahama Blue, accompanied by the
gleaming white Vicodee fabric roof, this example of the 1956
Seville is picture perfect. So stunning is this color combination
that this selection was used in a number of factory brochures and
advertisements for the best that Cadillac had to offer. It is
fitted with all the power accessories that were standard, such as
power steering and brakes, as well as windows and a six-way power
front seat. It is also fitted with the optional air conditioning,
which was a "must" when meeting the social elite. While the
original owner opted for the less flamboyant golden grille, they
did opt for the gold-tone Sabre wheels which really sets off the
visual impact of this fabulous ride. The interior in finished in a
two-tone of blue and gray leathers and all of the interior extras
appear to be in excellent condition. Showing just under 34,100
miles, which are believed to be from new, this is an outstanding
example of America's leadership in the world of automotive
production during the mid-1950's. Eldorado's styling in 1956 set it
apart from the rest of the Cadillac line with rear end design that
was a signal to what was coming in future years. The Eldorado
Seville was an instant classic, bringing the most luxurious ride on
wheels into hardtop beauty for the very first time, and this
example deserves to be in a collection of only the finest quality.