Chassis No.
5770097698
A study in Dream Car design and engineering, Cadillacs Eldorado Brougham stood as quite likely the worlds most luxurious and advanced automobile. Previewed in concept form at New Yorks Waldorf Astoria in 1955 and in production-ready guise at GMs 1956 Motorama shows, the Brougham was built for 1957 through 1960 and stands as one of the last truly hand-built Cadillac models. Ample power 325 horsepower was delivered by a twin-carbureted 365-cubic-inch Eldorado V-8 engine and Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Incredibly well-equipped, the Eldorado Brougham featured air-conditioning, myriad power amenities, push-button-operated rear doors and trunk lid, and door locks automatically activated when the car was placed into gear. A memory front seat was a production-car first, as were forged aluminum Saber-Spoke wheels. Personal items within the glove box included a ladies vanity case with compact, powder puff, comb and holder, lipstick, coin holders, six matched beverage tumblers, a tissue dispenser, and cigarette case. The rear seat armrest contained a notepad and pencil, mirror, and a one-ounce atomizer of Arpge perfume by Lanvin. Intended for the eras elite, the Eldorado Brougham was priced at $13,074 new, twice the cost of the Eldorado Biarritz convertible and more than the contemporary Rolls-Royce and Ford Motor Companys Continental II. Still, GM reportedly lost about $10,000 for every Brougham produced. Just 400 Eldorado Broughams were assembled for the models initial 1957 production year, and this particular example is the 127<sup>th</sup> example to be built. Acquired by the current owner two years ago, he purchased it from the estate of David Kimes in Fort Wayne, Indiana, who was a helicopter mechanic, allowing him to perform much of the maintenance on this Eldorado in-house. Reportedly presented with just one repaint in its original color code 118 Deauville Gray, it presents quite well and is a perfect pairing with its eye-catching brushed stainless-steel top. Inside, the cabin is cloaked in its original light gray Mojave cloth with dark gray leather, which is said to be one of only nine other examples to receive this trim combination from the factory during the model year. More than just eye-candy with its dramatic tailfin styling, the 325-horsepower 365-cubic-inch V-8 engine with its twin four-barrel carburetors and four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission is said to be well-sorted and ready for further road enjoyment. Carrying all the luxurious creature comforts and then some, its luxury is furthered thanks to the partial items from the vanity accessories kit: a ladies compact and comb, a cigarette case, reproduction stainless drink tumblers, and most importantly and hardest to obtain, the Arpge by Lanvin perfume with an atomizer. Along with the vanity accessories, accompanying this Cadillac is an owners manual, large grouping of shop manuals, service information books, diagrams, and parts list books that pertain to the Eldorado Brougham model. The Cadillac Eldorado Brougham truly is American excess in the grandest package and is set to never lose its important and memorable place in automotive history. As 1 of just 400 built for 1957 and presented with its distinctive colors and trim, this Eldorado Brougham offers a limited opportunity to experience Cadillacs boldest expression of mid-century luxury exactly as it was intended. * The zenith of lavish and luxury in the 50s * 127th of just 400 examples produced for 1957 * Factory-original color of Deauville Gray over an original interior * Impressive 365-cubic-inch V-8 engine topped with ionic batwing air cleaner From the Kruse Auctions
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