Description
For sale in our forthcoming auction during our sale Automobiles sur les Champs, on 22 October 2023:
US title, customs cleared
Chassis n°the details below
- 15, 600 miles from new
- One owner between 1955 and 2006
- Substantial equipment and Cadillac's flagship car
Since 1949 and while its competitors were still in the business of making lateral valve engines, Cadillac launched an overhead V8 version. In the mid-1950s, 5. 4-litre to 5. 9-litre engines were producing between 230 and 300hp, depending on the year and version. These attractive qualities made Cadillac a prime choice for the elite of that era: politicians, celebrities, businessmen or gangsters; during that time, the brand became known as an undisputed and unrivaled high-end automobile. It also had some success in motorsport, the most notable one being the performance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1950 from a Series 61 coupe entered by Briggs Cunningham, which took tenth place at the chequered flag.
The Cadillac Eldorado was launched in 1952 as the make's flagship model and its market presence lasted 50 years, with various designs and engines which consisted in adopting (throughout its long evolution) the very latest aesthetical, technical and technological innovations. This is the brand's most important achievement, an iconic and luxurious model.
This particular Eldorado is exceptional for many reasons. It has a mileage of only 15, 600 genuine miles and its first owner kept it for 51 years. It has never been fully repainted and the majority of the paint is very original, as well as the hood, the upholstery, the carpets and chromes which are in a rare original condition.
The car was also highly commended at the Oklahoma City Concours d'Elegance in the "Preservation Class" category. In 1955, it was the most desirable American car on the market, the most prestigious and fitted with the 270 hp V8 engine. It was acquired new by James Raisbeck, who kept it for 51 years. The second owner purchased it in 2006 during the sale of the estate, before getting the engine rebuilt and carrying out a thorough clean. This Cadillac is richly equipped with air conditioning, electric windows and a convertible roof, two quadruple-barrel carburettors, 4-speed hydramatic gearbox, antenna and electric seats. Being the make's most exclusive model, the originality of this Eldorado is impressive and the likeliness of finding another example like this one with such a low mileage is pretty much impossible.
Photos ©Luuk Van Kaathoven
Estimation 110 000 - 130 000 ?
