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It’s A Runner–Sort Of: 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Seville

I suppose since there are fuel tank issues, the title really isn’t quite correct, but I was surprised nonetheless to read that this 1956 Cadillac Eldorado actually runs and drives as long as you use an auxiliary fuel tank and don’t need brakes. It’s located in Ancaster, Canada and is listed for sale here on eBay. The Caddy is available using a buy it now option at $14,900, but you are welcome to make a lower offer to the seller.

The seller tells us that they think this is the original paint. I know there was a vinyl top originally in place, or as the brochure says, a ‘Vicodec hardtop roof”. Interestingly, I found from reading this article that vinyl roofs at this point were not padded, and that GM was pleased enough with the response to this vinyl top that they quickly spread it to other models.

Not only does this car sport some terrific fins, but you can see the scoops on the rear deck for the factory air conditioning. That’s right, the air actually is cooled just behind the rear seats. Of course, it will take a good amount of work to get it functioning again!

This huge car looks pretty neat from underneath. There’s certainly not a lot of corrosion here.

The “Sabre-Spoke” wheels are intact, even the spare, and you can see both the air conditioning system and a lot of trim stored in the trunk.

Another surprise happened when I looked over the interior pictures. Again, surprisingly nice, although the seller notes that the door panels and headliner need some help.

The 365 cubic inch V8 is still utilizing it’s original twin four barrel carburetors. Since only 2,150 of these cars were sold in 1956, you won’t be seeing another one frequently — but I’ll bet you’ll wave (a royal wave, I’m sure) at any other owners! What do you think about this great car? Would you restore it, or merely fix what needs fixing and drive it?

Comments

    • Avatar Mountainwoodie

      Hey its the holidays…even the guys a Barnfinds need a break :)

      BTW……..looks like the putative purchaser from earlier this week reneged so the seller relisted it

      Happy New Year everyone!

      Like 0
      • Avatar Steve R

        Last time through it was a no reserve auction. Now he has it listed with a set price higher than its previous closing bid. It seems I bit odd.

        Steve R

        Like 0
    • Avatar Jamie Palmer Staff

      My fault, Alan! I was on vacation just before Christmas and missed it!

      Like 0
  1. Avatar Joseph Wayne Haddock

    I’d clean it up and drive it, all day long…..

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Rick Reynolds

    Drive it like it is. It won’t be 40K more enjoyable after a resto.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Wagon master

    Ohhhh man …. this floats my boat. Hmmmm. Seems like a lot of special car for the money.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Jay

    Fix the mechanics & drive her 👍

    Like 0
  5. Avatar 68custom

    although worthy of a resto this one looks like it could be fixed up and enjoyed with out too much work. and the A/C may be operative or at least the compressor spins since the belt is attached and these early GM systems did not have an electroclutch.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar newfieldscarnut

    Nice car .
    It’s in Canada and the seller has a GTX listed in another Canadian location . A little too far and fishy for my liking , beware .

    Like 0
  7. Avatar pat ruelle

    it’s a 57

    Like 0
    • Avatar Ikey Heyman Member

      It’s a ‘56, see comments on previous listing.

      Like 0
  8. Avatar LAWRENCE

    Yep….it’s what list’r /flippers do…what ever the last high bid on a no-reserve auction is…is what the the starting bid or BIN….get it ?

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Nigel Jones

    Rare car and worth the resto but beware, lots of chrome and many hours. I just completed a 12 year frame-off restoration on a ’55 Coupe DeVille, virtually the same car, every nut and bolt, numbers matching and totally original except fro the Optima battery in the trunk. Over 5000 hours and $50k doing most of the work myself. These cars are big, complicated, and expensive. I have a Friend who restored a ’35 Rolls who also owned a ’56 convert, said the Cad was way more work than the Roller. Lovely car, deserves to be restored, only made around 2000 of them.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Rick Reynolds

      Nigel, kudos re your persistence. 12 years of focus, and the associated pile of receipts, is beyond the measure of most. Your experience and honesty will be an eye opener for anyone anxious to take on this Caddy project. I hope you have many well deserved years of pleasure with your finished product. But, 12 years of effort invested, is it too nice now, to drive?
      Thanks
      Rick

      Like 0
      • Avatar Nigel Jones

        Hi Rick, no, I built it as a driver but wont be doing any transcontinental trips with it, just shows and events here in the Okanagan Valley on nice days. Thx for the comments.

        Nigel

        Like 0
  10. Avatar Tiger66

    Quote: “Since only 2,150 of these cars were sold in 1956….”

    Nope. 3,900 coupes were produced. The 2,150 number is for the convertible.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Dt1

    It’s a beauty

    Like 0

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