Lot 3163

Fort Lauderdale 2018

1953 Cadillac Eldorado

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$242,000 USD | Sold

United States | Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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Chassis No.
536237197
  • One of just 532 built
  • AACA Senior and Grand National winner
  • Nicely equipped, including the rare mirror spotlight

For 1953, General Motors introduced a series of limited-production specialty convertibles. These included the Chevrolet Corvette, the Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta, the Buick Roadmaster Skylark, and the car offered here, the Cadillac Eldorado. At $7,750, nearly $65,000 today, the Eldorado convertible was the most expensive car offered by Cadillac for the 1953 model year. It was truly exclusive; with just 532 cars built, there simply weren't enough to satisfy the strong demand. Even today, these cars are highly sought after, as the Harley Earl-penned wraparound windshield, low body line, and characteristic dip in the beltline just behind the doors combine to make the 1953 Eldorado an example of the finest in pure American design from the pre-Jet Age years.

This example, the 73rd of the 532 Eldorados built for 1953, was beautifully restored in the late 1990s and has seen just 100 miles since the work was completed. One of the premier show Cadillacs of the last 20 years, the car has always been trailered to events and is a multiple award-winner, including an AACA Senior award in 1996 and a highly coveted AACA Grand National award in 2000.

As a pampered show car, the Eldorado's restoration has been beautifully preserved, and it remains in immaculate condition. The car is stunningly presented in factory-correct Alpine White with a white top and a red interior with white accents. The proper Eldorado trim, filigree work, and the unique-to-1953 clamshell lid for the convertible top are all present. The car is also equipped with the optional wire wheels and dual spotlights, including the highly rare and desirable combination spotlight mirror on the driver's side. With the potent 331-cu. in. V-8 backed by the legendary Hydra-Matic transmission, this car is sure to be a highlight of any Cadillac collection.