|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
![]() | ![]() | View more photos Chassis Num: 536268308 |
The Eldorado was a preview of Cadillac's to come, but only 532 of the 1953s were built, largely because the price was a towering $7,750. Production of the car was so labor intensive, that even at this hefty price, it was believed to be unprofitable. It was virtually hand built in Warren Michigan.
The car came loaded with standard equipment to include a 331 cubic inch engine with 210 horsepower, power steering, windows, seats and top, as well as a power radio antenna. It also had a signal seeking pre-selection radio with a floor mounted tuning button. Optional items included power brakes, tinted glass and autronic eye.
![]() | ![]() | View more photos |
This car has a 210 horsepower v8 overhead valve engine, dual exhaust, Hydra-Matic Transmission, Hydraulic powered windows and top and has a top speed of 80 MPH. Other options include chrome wire wheels, Heating System and a Signal Seeking Radio.
![]() | ![]() | View more photos Chassis Num: 536276687 |
The post war era of the automobile was exciting. Many of the designs were carried over from before the war. A few marque's experimented with new styling; some were met with success while others ended up out of business.
GM enticed buyers with bold new designs which were lead by their exciting Motorama cars. These cars were futuristic and gave hints at the direction of the automobile. The Eldorado of 1953 was based on a show car from the prior year. It featured a convertible top, wraparound windshield, mostly-covered rear wheels, and custom interior.
The car cost $7,750 which was nearly double the price of a coupe. With only 532 examples created, it was a very exclusive automobile and rare by modern standards.
Under the hood of the Eldorado was a Cadillac overhead valve engine. The engine had been introduced in 1949 and was attractive for many reasons - it was powerful and lightweight. As the years progressed, the horsepower increased. By 1953 it had risen to 210.
This example has been treated to a full restoration. The exterior was finished in cream and all the chrome was triple plated. The interior is finished in red and white.
At auction, the quality of the restoration was reward and the limited production numbers was understood, as the car sold for $132,000.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | View more photos |
In January 1953, America first saw the new Eldorado as it carried Dwight D. Eisenhower down Pennsylvania Avenue enroute to his inauguration as the 34th President of the United States. Imagine that, yet another head of state riding in a Cadillac! The 1953 Eldorado was produced as a halo car for Cadillac and was based on the 1952 Motorama show car. At a base price of $7,750, it cost nearly twice that of a standard Series 62 convertible. Only 532 of this exclusive model were built.
Motorama pedigree styling needed to be impressive, and the 'Eldo' featured special cut down doors, wire wheels, wraparound windshield and a metal cover for the folded top. This gave the Eldorado a low sleek look that still holds up well today. Inside, luxury was expected and the leather interior, power seat and signal seeking radio were worthy additions to this ultra prestige car. Power came from a high compression 331 cubic-inch, 210 horsepower V8.
The 1953 Cadillac Eldorado convertible is a certified milestone car.
![]() | Chassis Num: 536 282229 |
The Eldorado first appeared in 1953 at the General Motors Motorama show where it was filled with advancements that would trickle their way into other GM cars for years to come. These were the widest, longest and sat lower than any other Cadillac had ever done. To propel the car, Cadillac outfitted these vehicles with the largest production car engine in the world. 532 examples were sold and each carried an extremely high price tag of $7,750.
This car has been in the same possession for the past twenty years. It has seen very little use and was used as a static display in a European museum exhibit. It was offered at auction without reserve and estimated to sell for $100,000 - $140,000. That estimated proved to be very accurate, as a high bid of $121,000 fell right in between the high and low, and the car was sold.
![]() | View more photos Chassis Num: 536 628 4624 |
![]() |
The Eldorado sported a wraparound windshield, chrome wire wheels and a convertible top that disappeared into a metal covered boot. The cut-down doors, lowered beltline and shortened windshield created a unique, rakish look that made this Eldorado 'Dream Car' one of the sportiest Cadillacs since the 1940s.
The car is powered by a 331 cubic-inch overhead-valve, V8 engine producing 210 horsepower, coupled to a hydra-matic automatic transmission. It has a top speed in excess of 100 miles per hour.
![]() | Convertible Coupe |
The Harley Earl designed Cadillac Series 62 De Ville was a very large vehicle that featured a large, 6,390 cc (390 cubic inch) V-8 engine. The back had large fins that did little for performance and handling but was all about the style of the vehicle. The design of the vehicle was inspired by the space program and the era of jet engines. The large, 4400 lb car was fitted with drum brakes. These often wore out quickly. If a U-turn needed to be made, the driver would need a parking lot. The turning radius was 24 feet.
The car was a luxury vehicle that could carry six individuals comfortably. The car was a convertible with the top being raised and lowered automatically. The interior had electrical gauges. The head lights would turn on at dusk and were also capable of switching from high beam to low beam when they sensed oncoming traffic. In total, there were eight lights on the front of the vehicle. The four on the top were the driving lights while the lights mounted on the bumper were the parking lamps. To add to the driving comfort, air suspension was used. This aided in providing a very soft ride but there was significant body roll when cornering. With the V8, it was capable of creeping to sixty in 11 seconds. This reinforced the notion that this Cadillac was built for comfort and not for speed. The drivers enjoyed the ride and they looked good cruising along, enjoying the large open road.
The car was a luxury vehicle that could carry six individuals comfortably. The car was a convertible with the top being raised and lowered automatically. The interior had electrical gauges. The head lights would turn on at dusk and were also capable of switching from high beam to low beam when they sensed oncoming traffic. In total, there were eight lights on the front of the vehicle. The four on the top were the driving lights while the lights mounted on the bumper were the parking lamps. To add to the driving comfort, air suspension was used. This aided in providing a very soft ride but there was significant body roll when cornering. With the V8, it was capable of creeping to sixty in 11 seconds. This reinforced the notion that this Cadillac was built for comfort and not for speed. The drivers enjoyed the ride and they looked good cruising along, enjoying the large open road.
| View more photographs |
| Similar Automakers |
| Add Review |
| Cadillac History |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Other models by Cadillac |
| 1953 Cadillac models |
| Cadillac Eldorado Custom |
| Cadillac Series 60 | 1953 Cadillac Concepts |
| Cadillac Le Mans |
| Vehicle Spotlight | ||
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() | |




















































