LOT 282 •
1954 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Chassis no. 5462 13574 Engine no. 5462 13574
Estimate: US$75,000 - US$85,000
Lot 282•
1954 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible Chassis no. 5462 13574 Engine no. 5462 13574
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
1954 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible
Chassis no. 5462 13574
Engine no. 5462 13574
Chassis no. 5462 13574
Engine no. 5462 13574
Highlight of the 1953 model year was Cadillac's new Eldorado convertible. Taking cues from a 1952 modified Series 62 show car, it had a wrap-around windshield. Where the standard convertible had a straight beltline the Eldorado's dipped at the rear of the door. The top disappeared under a metal cover when down. Less than 59 inches high, it came with standard chrome wire wheels and loaded with other equipment that was optional on other models. At $7,750, it cost a hefty $3,607 more than an ordinary Series 62 convertible. Just 532 were built.
For 1954 the Eldorado was integrated into the Series 62 product line. All Cadillacs had been given the Eldorado look with the panoramic windshield, so a special body was not necessary. Extra touches that distinguished the Eldorado from a standard 62 convertible included ribbed metal trim panels on the rear fenders, gold Cadillac crests on the door sills, fenders and wheel covers, and a lavish leather interior. The top boot was now made of fiberglass, but the chrome wire wheels remained standard equipment. There were four special Eldorado colors, Aztec Red, Azure Blue, Alpine White and Apollo Gold. The price had dropped to $5,738, and 2,150 customers took advantage of the offer.
Beneath the hood lurked Cadillac's 331 cubic inch overhead valve V8. At 230 horsepower it was just five short of Chrysler's newly invigorated hemi. The seasoned Hydra-Matic transmission was standard, as were power steering and windshield washers. Cadillac sales picked up in 1954, in what was an off year for the industry in general. At year's end, GM's prestige marque had gained four places in the sales sweepstakes.
GM Heritage Center have supplied copies of the original build records for the car, which confirm that it left the factory on March 2nd, 1954 destined for a Chicago Cadillac dealer in the Apollo Gold paint scheme, with matched interior trim that it still wears today.
In the present owner's collection of American classics for the last six years, it is an extremely fine example of the model which has benefited from a complete frame off restoration in recent times.
For 1954 the Eldorado was integrated into the Series 62 product line. All Cadillacs had been given the Eldorado look with the panoramic windshield, so a special body was not necessary. Extra touches that distinguished the Eldorado from a standard 62 convertible included ribbed metal trim panels on the rear fenders, gold Cadillac crests on the door sills, fenders and wheel covers, and a lavish leather interior. The top boot was now made of fiberglass, but the chrome wire wheels remained standard equipment. There were four special Eldorado colors, Aztec Red, Azure Blue, Alpine White and Apollo Gold. The price had dropped to $5,738, and 2,150 customers took advantage of the offer.
Beneath the hood lurked Cadillac's 331 cubic inch overhead valve V8. At 230 horsepower it was just five short of Chrysler's newly invigorated hemi. The seasoned Hydra-Matic transmission was standard, as were power steering and windshield washers. Cadillac sales picked up in 1954, in what was an off year for the industry in general. At year's end, GM's prestige marque had gained four places in the sales sweepstakes.
GM Heritage Center have supplied copies of the original build records for the car, which confirm that it left the factory on March 2nd, 1954 destined for a Chicago Cadillac dealer in the Apollo Gold paint scheme, with matched interior trim that it still wears today.
In the present owner's collection of American classics for the last six years, it is an extremely fine example of the model which has benefited from a complete frame off restoration in recent times.
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| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |