Called “a mirror of the actual future” in this vintage video, the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham offered every possible convenience to buyers with no concern for cost. A list price of over $13,000 equates to more than $125,000 today. This specimen in Westfield, Massachusetts sat some 40 years before coming to market here on Craigslist. Lower and narrower than conventional Cadillacs, the Eldorado Brougham strikes a dashing and sporty countenance, subtle and impressive even now. The seller notes the “worst thing” is the damaged nose, with completeness being the “best thing.” Thanks to reader Larry D. for spotting this 1 of 400 hand-built diamond in the rough.
The 368 cid (6.0L) dual quad V8 made 325 HP during a year when Chevrolet’s V8 sedans topped out at 220 HP, according to Wikipedia. The four-speed automatic transmission made full use of that power while other poor beggars suffered with two-speed automatics. Engineering advances included America’s first four-link rear suspension, self-leveling air ride, and more. Thanks to Hemmings for some details.
The polished stainless steel roof is super-cool, the perfect jewelry to top off this muscular tuxedo-black sedan. Using controls in the glove compartment, Brougham owners could open, close, and lock the trunk while white-gloved servants removed or loaded their valuables. By the time you finished a Manhattan at the hotel bar, your bags and room would be prepared for your respite.
The tidy headliner and dashboard show every sign of excellent storage conditions. Once the Edorado Brougham’s elite buyers signed on the dotted line they needed only to make selections pertaining to color and materials as every unit left the woolen and stainless steel womb birthed with all available options. Power memory seats, power vent windows, air conditioning, and an interlock that prevented the driver from selecting a gear if the rear doors were not power-latched round out some of the car’s many features.
Doors on the pillarless hardtop opened away from center and electrically locked to the spindly latch visible here. The seller shows some areas of rust-through but I’d gladly tackle body or even frame repairs on this bespoke classic. Low-production parts present in good condition here. Despite their rarity, one “Eldo-Bro” popped up recently as an LS-powered custom. Drive or ride? Would you slip behind the wheel or count your money in the back while your Chauffeur charts a course to the lake house?
Definitely a very cool Cadillac. Looks like Jeeves must not have known that the shotgun was loaded when he hit that right rear door with birdshot.
Right? Instant classic. Love this car.
A truly stunning and world class car. I think it’s safe to say Cadillac set the standard for others to follow. I did not know about this particular model and it’s rarity and it’s sheer beauty. It wasn’t until I bought a 60’s GM car that I realized what GM could do when they were at their pinnacle. Sadly I don’t see that ever happening again. I would love to own a piece of history like this one.
This exclusive and very expensive when new Cadillac is a milestone car and should definitely be restored. I can’t believe that there are too many of these still with us, especially considering the extremely low production numbers. Restoration won’t be cheap but you have to believe that when it’s done, you’ll be looking a a car worth well over six figures. One recently sold for $184,800 at auction in Scottsdale, Arizona in January 2021. So even at the asking price, there should be enough room left to throw some serious money into it’s restoration.
“The 368 cid (6.0L) dual quad V8 made 325 HP during a year when Chevrolet’s V8 sedans topped out at 220 HP,”.
Just wrong. 57’s could be ordered in many 283 options well over 220hp. All the way 2*4 barrel at 270 HP and even a FI 283 at 283hp.
ah, but how much torque compared to the Caddy?
Was this the car that had a crystal whiskey decanter and crystal glasses in the glove box?
It appears so Ian. Watch the vintage promo video linked in the 1st sentence and you will see a glass in the glovebox right before she hits the button to open the trunk.
They weren’t crystal, but yes–a decanter & stainless cups came with the car.
These cars are beyond spectacular to look at, ride in and to drive. I’ve always wanted one but persuaded a good friend with much deeper pockets to buy one. Absolutely fabulous..way beyond what Rolls and Bently and even Packard were doing. I had a 56 Coupe Dee Ville which was just errific but this was a big step up. I’d love to have this…but I would drive the wheels off it..
lust…….that is a rare a birchen caddy!!! Always wanted one! I missed one some 40 years ago for $500 in the local newspaper…….
Rick, I also missed one for about $600. Bought an Austin Healey instead. Way different cars, but I was only 21.
It appears Dagmar lost a pasty. (groan)
This car has a lot of rust issues but for the price you might come out okay. They’re boxes of trim pieces shown in the photos that you’ll have to figure out. I remember seeing two of these in a body shop in Miami, Florida back in the late 80’s being restored. Wish the best to whoever get it.
God bless America
What year did the caddy come with the dual headlights
Chev was 58
Some cars had quad lights in 57, but it wasn’t legaI in all 48 states, so you could also get them with single lamps . Desoto was one of the makers that could have had 2 or 4 lights in 57.
That ’41 (?) convertible in the background tells me the seller knows his Caddies. I remember going to an auction in Orange County in the early eighties where there was a ’57 Brougham for sale…….I think it went for thirty grand then, though my memory could be wrong.
Assets to restore aside, I wonder why the seller, if he owns the ’41, is selling it versus restoring it. It will always bring strong money .
I would love to buy this. But I am not sure I can afford to restore it properly.
Isn’t this a 1958 model????
Doug, most cars, including GM cars came out with quad headlights in 1958.
BUT, Cadillac is always first with new trends, so the 1957 Eldorado Brougham got quads a year early. All the other ’57 Cadillacs had single headlights.
In 1985 Cadillac came out with the rear center brakelight. Everyone else had their first year rear center brake light in 1986
Back in the mid sixties when I was a youngin we used to have a customer at my Dad’s service station in SE Portland Or who was just a common bum
except he had a thing for junky fifties Cads to drive. One I recall well as it was special then and now was a 56 ELDO convert. It sat in an open garage and I only recall it driven once. Even though it was junky I knew it was very special with the dual quads and numerous other things. I don’t know what happened to it or any of the other Cads. Nothing like that with new cars, now it’s a trip to the crusher usually with good ridance.