Description
This car is Lot 123 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Quail Auction on Friday August 15, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Wednesday August 13 from 09:00 until 18:00, Thursday 14 August from 09:00 until 18:00, and Friday 15 August from 08:30 onwards, at The Quail Lodge.
Lot 123
An AACA 'Preservation Class' award-winning Eldorado
1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Registration no.
Chassis no. 58P054802
365ci OHV V-8 Engine
Three 2-bbl Carburetors
335 bhp at 4, 800 rpm
4-Speed Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
Independent Front, Live Axle, Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Power Drum Brakes
* One of just 304 built for the 1958 model year
* Sophisticated Fairfax Blue and stainless steel roof
* The most expensive and luxurious American car of its time
* Highly desirable 1958 model with "Tri-Power" V8
* An exceptionally well-preserved car recognized by the AACA
* Fully loaded with power windows, power seats, radio, air conditioning, and more
THE CADILLAC ELDORADO BROUGHAM
In December of 1956, Cadillac announced an exciting new flagship sedan for the 1957 model year. Designed by Ed Glowacke, the new, limited-edition Series 70 Eldorado Brougham was a four-door "hardtop" sedan inspired by Cadillac's Motorama cars the 1953 Orleans, and the 1954 Park Avenue. As GM's response to Ford's ambitious Continental Mark II, the new Eldorado needed to make a bold statement, achieved through a four-door body with 'suicide' rear doors said to be America's first true pillarless four-door sedan. The low and sleek profile was enhanced by a novel stainless steel roof panel, lower profile tires, and elegant rear fins. It was also the first appearance of the quad-headlamp arrangement, distinct bullnose bumpers, and beautifully intricate forged aluminum wheels.
Befitting a top-of-the-line Cadillac, the Eldorado Brougham came loaded to the gills with virtually every conceivable power option for the time. Power steering and brakes were requisite fittings, along with electric windows, signal seeking radio, auto-opening trunk, electric door locks, and power operated seats complete with a revolutionary memory function. Passengers were pampered in the cabin with lady's and gentlemen's grooming kits, a perfume atomizer, magnetized glovebox drink tumblers (as to not spill your whisky whilst being chauffeured), polarized sun visors, dual heating system, air conditioning, and a range of optional upholstery choices including Mouton or Karakul wool floor mats.
Cadillac's standard-setting 365ci OHV V8 was topped with twin 4-barrel carburetors or three 2-barrels for 1958 rated at 325 bhp, and 335 bhp respectively, and paired with the proven 4-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. Auto start, Autronic Eye, and other niceties ensured an effortless experience whether behind the wheel or riding in the expansive back seat.
Such opulence came at a heady price of $13, 074 one of the most expensive production cars in the world at the time. Yet, like Ford's experiment with the Continental Mark II, Cadillac lost money on each Brougham built. Some say as much as $10, 000 per car! Not surprisingly, production was quite limited just 400 cars built in 1957, and a further 304 following in 1958.
THE CAR OFFERED
Exuding mid-century elegance, this 1958 Eldorado Brougham, body number 625, is finished as-new in Fairfax Blue with rarely seen Blue Parisienne Cloth and White leather upholstery, and blue Mouton carpets. This is one of just 304 built for 1958 with the tri-power 365ci V-8 engine.
It is believed that this car was first sold to Mr. Thomas R. Mullen, a steel magnate from the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, who kept the car for just over two years. In 1963, it was acquired by another Allentown, Pennsylvania businessman, Mr. Milton Wood. During Mr. Wood's tenure, it was clearly cherished, as Wood was an early member of the Brougham Owner's Association and took great pride in keeping his elegant Cadillac in top form. He so loved this car that it remained in his care from 1963 to the time of his passing in 2003. The previous owner acquired the car from the Wood family in 2005, carrying on the legacy of careful preservation.
Remaining in its factory-correct shade of Fairfax Blue, there is some evidence of select paintwork, however, the car remains exceptionally well-preserved with beautiful brightwork all around. Likewise, the interior displays some wear, particularly with the blue fabric, though it is also refreshingly honest with an inviting, broken-in character. Details like the underhood suspension air compressor remain, however the car was converted to conventional springs early in its life, a welcome and widely accepted update. Additionally, this car rides on Sabre wheels, which are different from the Eldorado-specific design, and it is thought that these were also installed very early in the car's life.
The 42, 900 miles recorded at the time of cataloguing are consistent with this car's exceptional originality. In 2016, it earned one of the AACA's most coveted honors, recognition as an original car in the Historic Preservation of Original Features (HPOF) category. Eminently desirable and clearly cherished for its entire life, this Cadillac Eldorado Brougham is the 4-wheeled incarnation of the glamour, sophistication, and optimism that defined America in the mid-twentieth century.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
