National Award Winning Eldorado Convertible 331/230 HP V8 4 Speed Auto PS PW PB

Description

SUMMARY

Ground-up restoration completed in 2007
Awarded AACA First Junior status in 2008 / Awarded Cadillac and LaSalle Club Senior status in 2008
Original 331 cubic inch V8
Original Hydra-Matic transmission
Correct Alpine White paint
Correct red and white leather interior
Correct 15 inch wire wheels
Factory power drum brakes
Factory power steering
1 of only 2,150 Eldorados built for the 1954 model year

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-fram, 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 "you've made it" better than a Cadillac Eldorado. In 1954, this world class convertible was well on its way to being one of the most prestigious automobiles money could buy. Today, its near universal appeal speaks of the fabulous wealth and high style that characterized the golden age of Detroit. With production numbering only 2,150 units, this pristine Caddy is a very rare piece. And with strong international demand, old school American iron is one of the hottest segments in the global collector car market. That means pedigreed restorations are only going to increase in both value and exclusivity. So don't miss your chance to own this spectacularly beautiful classic!