1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible #68 of 532 Built. Very Rare

Cadillac Eldorado 1953 Description

1953 CADILLAC ELDORADO CONVERTIBLE
Chassis no. 536236409
Engine no. 536236409

Body no. 68

331ci OHV V8 Engine
Single Four-Barrel Carburetor
210bhp at 4,150rpm
3-Speed Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*One of only 532 built
*Cost nearly twice as much as a Corvette when new
*Fitted with a rare, dealer-installed Continental Kit
*Delivered new to San Francisco, California
*One of GM's 1953 "Triple Crown" cars
THE CADILLAC ELDORADO
Turning 50 is a big deal, so when Cadillac's Golden Anniversary was approaching, General Motors made sure that it wouldn't go by unnoticed. Harley Earl and his styling team, including Bill Mitchell, went to work creating something special and unique. Starting with a Series 62 Convertible as a basis for the project, virtually every panel was changed. Save for the four fenders, trunk lid, and floor pan, every bit of exterior metal work was uniquely crafted. Acting not just as a tent pole for the brand but a precursor for the future of GM Styling, numerous touches were added signaling what was to come - the most obvious of which was the sleek wrap around windscreen. Christened the Eldroado, Spanish for the "gilded one", the car made its debut on September 20th, 1952 with the promise of a limited run.
GM's top of the line 331ci V8 and heavily optioned straight from the factory, it was described in factory literature as meeting "the full needs of an American sports car." While Cadillac's definition of a "sports car" may differ from most, it was unquestionably a magnificent car. Long and sleek, a high beltline and strategic use of chrome trim gave the car a Jet Age look. The power top collapsed fully into the bodywork and was hidden under a metal "parade boot" cover. The interior was fully lined in rich leather and there was ample seating for six people.
All this luxury did not come cheap, however. The base price for a '53 Eldorado was $5,181.12 - tack on tax, delivery, and a few options and you were well over $6,000. Had you wanted something a bit more sporting and less practical, you could have easily saved yourself nearly $3,000 and gone to the Chevy dealer to buy a new '53 Corvette.
The '53 Cadillac Eldorado, along with GM's other uniquely 1953 model year only Oldsmobile Fiesta and Buick Skylark that make up the "Triple Crown" of 1950s American motorcars, have become automotive legends. Only 532 Eldorados rolled off the line in 1953, but the model would resonate so strongly with the buying public that GM continued to apply the name to its top-of-the-line two-doors for another 50 years, finally discontinuing the name in 2002.
This elegant Eldorado was originally finished in Alpine White over Red and White Leather with a Black top. Restored in the late 1990’s this car now sports Aztec Red with Red Interior. Virtually every Eldorado was delivered new to the US, and this car was no different, originally shipped to Dayton, Ohio. While a handful of options were offered, including the $34.95 E-Z-Eye Tinted Glass option featured on this car, the Continental Kit was not one of them, but it did appear as a dealer option and is reflected on this example.Lovingly maintained its entire life, this example is reported to have fewer than 61,000 original miles on the clock andruns like new. Recent mechanical work includes rebuilt water pump, new valve cover gaskets, and rebuilt transmission. All hydraulic components are in fine working order including power top and windows compliments of "Hydroelectric." Ready to be driven and enjoyed!

GM's own marketing department probably said it best when they released the car, "The Cadillac Eldorado – Most Exciting Car Ever Built."

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