Dual-Quad V8: 1955 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

Hiding in this garage is a project candidate that will appeal to enthusiasts who prefer their classics with a touch of luxury. This 1955 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible spent most of its life in a dry climate, meaning it is a solid old beast. A previous owner rebuilt its engine, which hasn’t fired a shot since. The seller started work on this Caddy but feels it needs a new home with someone who can do it justice. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Chuck F for spotting this promising project.

Cadillac’s First Generation Eldorado was a single-year model that graced showroom floors in 1953. It represented a “toe in the water” approach from the company, with 532 buyers paying a premium to park the range-topping model in their garage. The Second Generation variant graced showrooms from 1954 until 1956, with the sales total growing each year as Cadillac made the Eldorado more affordable. They still weren’t cheap, but splashing the cash proved easier with each passing year. This 1955 Convertible is a stalled restoration needing plenty of love. Its Alpine White paint has deteriorated to the point where stripping the panels to bare metal would seem the only viable approach. That would provide an opportunity to address the few minor panel bumps and bruises that aren’t severe enough to justify steel replacement. The seller confirms the Eldorado arrived in its current location from Texas in the mid-1990s, and it appears it has been garage-kept ever since. Therefore, the lack of visible rust is unsurprising. The exterior sheet metal looks clean, and the floors visible in one interior shot look rock-solid. It appears some trim pieces are missing, but the glass looks okay.

This Eldorado is consistent because its interior requires as much TLC as its exterior. A complete retrim is the only solution to its shortcomings, and dismantling it would provide an opportunity to refresh the painted surfaces. It is impossible to tell whether the bright components are pitted or blistered, but budgeting for a trip to the platers would be wise. It isn’t loaded with luxury appointments by modern standards, although the new owner will appreciate the power windows and factory radio once this classic returns to active service.

Cadillac enjoyed a reputation during the 1950s and 1960s for powering its cars with excellent engines, and this Eldorado is no exception. Its 331ci Dual-Quad V8 sent 270hp and 345 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission. Power-assisted steering and brakes were standard features on this luxury drop-top. It is worth noting that the power and torque figures were necessary because with this car tipping the scales at 4,980 lbs, lower figures would have delivered a car with less than sparkling performance. The seller indicates that the previous owner treated the engine to a rebuild, and it hasn’t fired into life since work ended. The new owner will face the task of installing many of the peripheral components, including the Dual-Quad setup that currently occupies the front seat. It is almost inevitable that some perishable items will require replacement, but the rebuilt engine will undoubtedly be welcomed by anyone considering pursuing this classic further.

Eldorado sales rose in 1955, but with the car positioned as the brand’s halo model, the price was a determining factor for many potential buyers. While 3,950 buyers took an Eldorado home that year, these classics are still relatively rare. The seller listed this Eldorado here on Facebook Marketplace in Kansas City, Missouri. Their price of $16,000 looks quite affordable, especially if it is as solid as the photos suggest. Tidy examples consistently sell for over $50,000, with pristine cars capable of achieving $70,000. That leaves plenty of room to move on this restoration before it becomes financially questionable. That makes this Cadillac worth a close look.