• Year of manufacture 
    1957
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Lot number 
    r0232
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Location
    United States
  • Exterior colour 
    Other

Description

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$100,000 - $125,000

  • One of just 704 built between 1957 and 1958
  • Refinished in its original Fairfax Blue
  • Original two-tone fabric interior
  • Rebuilt 365-cubic-inch V-8
  • Includes a nearly complete vanity kit

Harley Earl’s signature is all over the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, even if he wasn’t actually on the assembly line hand-building these carefully crafted icons of American luxury. The big sedan previewed the Brougham Dram Car concept at the 1955 General Motors Motorama show set an exceptionally high standard.

Just 704 were built over a two-year run. It is estimated that Cadillac lost as much as $10,000 on every example it built, even though the car was priced at nearly $14,000, or double what it charged for the hardly spartan Eldorado Biarritz.

Luxurious features included an all-transistor radio, Autronic Eye automatically dimming headlamps, power-adjustable front seats with an innovative memory function, and air conditioning with power-retractable vents. A built-in vanity compartment provided old-world convenience in a modern setting with its tissue dispenser and cigarette-package compartment.

Of course, the Eldorado Brougham provided more than adequate acceleration from its 365-cubic-inch V-8, which silently muscles power rearward via a sophisticated four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox.

This first-year example has been recently refinished by Blascyk Paint & Body Shop of Abilene, Texas, in its original stately Fairfax Blue with the requisite brushed-aluminum roof and details that bear Earl’s unique touch. Underneath, the problematic Air Ride suspension was replaced by factory technicians with coil springs many years ago, and new shocks and springs provide a properly Cadillac-comfortable ride. The smooth V-8 has been recently rebuilt and retains factory-style finishes underhood.

Inside, its interior retains original two-tone fabric upholstery, which was protected for years by vinyl covers, and its chrome trim shines as if new. Rebuilt instrumentation includes the clock, radio, and more, while new weather stripping ensures a sealed cabin. A nearly complete vanity kit is included, as well as a jack. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/fl20.


RM Sotheby's
5 Heron Square
Richmond
TW9 1EL
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
Title 
Mr
First name 
Augustin
Last name 
Sabatie-Garat

Phone 
+44-2078517070