Is this my favorite Cadillac of all time?
YES!
I love the Eldorado Brougham for all its quirks, but most of all for its incredible design and packaging. Here is a fairly compact — for the era — machine with low-slung lines and width to take up an entire freeway lane. Hidden rear suicide doors are truly invisible until you know where to look. Then once these all open you discover a pillarless layout! That makes it unlike nearly all other coach-door classic cars and quite special in my book.
The other really coupe-like element that ties the design togehter is the bubble hardtop roofline. By eliminating rear glass and with shorter rear doors than proper sedans, the Eldorado really has the proportions and design elan of a proper coupe.
The design details are a flashy mix of Jet Age with a heavy swirl of Art Deco detailing — especially in the cabin. This means squared off dials and details marry with round chrome cans for other instruments and gauges. It is a symphony of brightwork and blue leather inside here.
This machine was the flagship of the Caddy line during its day and that top-dog status really shows in its design elements and detailing from any angle — not to mention equipment. Power everything and even factory AC in this Eldorado. Some delightful elements like the scalloped air vents in the door panels are sexy and modern. The integrated tailpipes into the giant chrome bumpers out back are extra special as well.
If you have desire for a 1950s Caddy in your life… but the 25-foot length and 8-foot tailfins of the 1959 seem excessive… than this Eldorado Brougham is a fantastically worthy option.
This beauty is on the auction blocks at RM Sotheby’s Ft Lauderdale 2019 auction this Spring. More details and links below the photo gallery.
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Presale Estimate: $120,000 – $150,000
RM | Auctions – FORT LAUDERDALE 2019 – Offered from the Retro Motors Collection
- Offered from the Retro Motors Collection
- 325 bhp, 365 cu. in V-8 engine
- Three-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission
- Fully restored example; long term single family ownership from 1958-2012
- Presented in Copenhagen Blue; 1 of 24 delivered in 1957 in this color
- Air conditioning; power windows, steering and brakes
- Accompanied by select vanity items and Cadillac build sheet
Details here.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.