With their jet fighter styling, glitzy chrome trim, colour-matched interiors and jukebox instrumentation, Cadillacs of the late '50s/early '60s epitomize an era when nothing succeeded like excess.

General Motors' chief stylist Harley Earl had introduced fins on the 1948 Cadillacs and the device would reach its zenith on the over-the-top 1959 Cadillac and remain controversial even today. But for 1960 the fins were toned down just a little and the overall look was slightly more restrained.

Introduced in the late 1950s Cadillacs incorporated new X-braced tubular chassis frames that increased structural rigidity while making it possible to lower body lines without loss of interior space. 

Although only marginally larger than the previous model, these restyled and low-slung Cadillacs looked wider, longer and bigger which was all that mattered!

This magnificent Cadillac was comprehensively restored in the USA by a previous owner in the early 2000s.  Purchased from a well-known and respected classic car dealer in the USA in 2007 it was imported and registered in the UK that September and spent the following 13 years in the Edinburgh area with its first UK owner. 

At the time of registration the odometer was reading 8,563 miles, and over the following years it was driven sparingly, covering about 100 miles a year.

Subsequently bought by the seller in March 2021 and used only occasionally it currently reads 9,076miles.

We would have to assume that it has in fact covered 109,076 miles in its lifetime, but only very few since its restoration. 

There is an MoT trail for the Cadillac, with a few on file.  The last MoT was carried out in 2016 which it passed with no advisories. There are plenty of bills for work undertaken in the USA, plus various documents relating to its restoration, with receipts for parts and instructions. 

There is a Shop Manual for 1959 in a lever arch file which was the first year of this Series (the mechanical parts are the same, only the bodywork was different).  Also there is a large and comprehensive Cadillac Motor Parts book that covers every part year by year including trim.

The first thing to notice about the interior is its red, - very red!  Anything that isn’t red is chromed, and together it is spectacular! It is also in exceptionally nice condition.  

The official name for the interior colour is Dark Dakota Red. The sumptuous red leather front bench seat would easily seat three across, or with the centre armrest down two, but in spacious luxury.  

Both front and rear seats are in excellent condition with so holes or tears.  The carpets look like they we replaced during the restoration and are clean and fresh, and a good colour match.  The dash area is impressive with chromed switches scattered around in a typically period fashion –and there are plenty!  

These Cadillacs were way ahead of even the most luxurious of European marques when it came to electrically operated conveniences!  Here we have power seats, electric windows, powered hood, air conditioning, Autronic eye self-dipping headlights, cruise control, remote operated mirrors, two speed wipers, AM/FM radio, and even separate driver and passenger ashtrays with lighters! 

The quarter light windows even have their own little winders on each door. It’s hard to find fault with the interior, it may be a little dusty in places, and would benefit from a weekend spent with some leather cleaner and polish, but that would be a pleasure!

The cavernous boot area is immaculate, with clean, perfectly fitted and correct carpet and spare wheel with its cover, plus jack. 

There is ample of room for six people plus just about everything they’d need for a weekend away!

Following the styling excess of the 1959 model the stylists reined in a little for 1960, particularly in the fin department!  Known as the “shark fin” the 1960 model had the same front end as the previous year, but gone were the twin torpedo tail lights to be replaced with a single sculpted fin that incorporated a sleek red tail light on each flank.  

The rear wings finished with chromed ovals that housed twin lights plus reflectors and reversing lights.  Altogether a better considered and less garish solution to European eyes.   

But make no mistake; this is an exceptionally large car at just under 19 feet long.  Bearing in mind it is a two door, the front and rear wings are massive and give the car the long, low look the stylists wanted.

The silver paint is in great condition and looks to have been refreshed during its restoration.  The colour is actually Cadillac Premium Gray Metallic to be correct. Bering in mind the size of the car it is impressive than the body is in such good condition, with no evidence of bubbles or cracks in the paint.  

The exterior chrome is all in fabulous condition, with no pitting or discolouration.  Both the front and rear bumpers have an excellent shine.  The fins with the chrome trim and red plastic are truly spectacular.  

There is a tiny piece of red lens plastic that has broken from the base of driver’s side fin, but only noticeable on close inspection. The sides of the car are perfect with no dents, scrapes or missing paint.  The shut lines are good, and the heavy doors have not dropped and shut well.

The power roof opens and closes properly, if a little slowly.  The roof fabric has recently been replaced, and on the day of our visit it had obviously spent some time stowed so was a little wrinkled. 

After an hour or so in sunlight we reckon it would soon smooth out.  The electric windows all fit snugly to the roof when up, and similarly operated well, if a little slowly.

Lifting the bonnet (hood?) the bonnet reveals an engine bay that is virtually concours condition, correct down to the labels and wiring.  There is nothing that looks out of place. 

There is only light surface corrosion to the exhaust manifolds and a few of the exposed steel fixings. The V5c lists the engine as 5,500cc, but we think it is the correct 390 cubic inch (6,400cc) V8 mated to GMs smooth 4 speed Hydramatic transmission. 

Putting out 325hp it is more than capable of moving the Cadillac at well above comfortable cruising speed!  There is no evidence of fluid leaks.  The engine starts easily at the first turn of the key, and the power steering and transmission appeared to be operating silently and efficiently.

Call this era of American styling what you will; jukebox, glitzy, rock‘n roll or just excessive there is one thing for sure.  We are unlikely to see such an era of optimism and excitement in car styling ever again!  

Park this next to any current SUV and ask yourself what went wrong?  What happened to the sci-fi future we were promised?  Is this really what people wanted? 

But every time you slip behind the wheel and turn the key you can still enjoy the excitement of an era when the future was exciting and the world (at least for Americans) was really a fun place to be. 

Bring happiness into the lives of all as you cruise past. Enjoy the smiles and waves  and arrive in real style!