Usually when a car’s sales listing proclaims, “restoration started but not complete some years ago“, one can think, “OK, here we go, this should be good”. But that’s not the case with this 1955 Cadillac Eldorado. Actually, the resto is claimed to be of the “high-end” variety and that appears to be true – it’s a great start. Take a look at this Riverside, California resident and you’ll see what I mean. It’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $24,100 with the reserve not yet met. T.J. gets the credit for finding us this very collectible Caddy!
So the seller tells us, “Very high-end restoration started but not finished. Estimates cost of duplicating what has been done so far would be $150-200k in today’s world“. I have no way to verify the claimed value but the work that has been done looks well executed. As to why the progress stopped, it’s not stated. According to the trim tag, the Copper Bronze finish is supposed to be correct – it certainly makes a visual statement! Sitting for about five years, it is suggested that the following items need attention:
- Missing the 2 rear tail fin trim pieces at the moment (the seller has a few leads so if anyone knows where some are, he would appreciate the information).
- Interior and top
- Mechanical servicing to make it roadworthy
- The left front fender has yet to be color sanded or buffed out
- Paint touch up left lower rocker area
Said to have been last started five years ago, the status of the matching number 270 HP, dual-quad equipped 331 CI V8 engine is unstated. The seller maintains that all mechanical components have been done but does not elaborate beyond that. A Hydramatic automatic transmission is in place, driving the rear wheels.
That previously mentioned trim tag indicates that this Eldo was outfitted with tan leather upholstery and that will continue to be the case as the listing claims, “We have the correct leather, we have the correct Daytona weave carpet for the car, we have original door panels, glass is also new, all new wiring, everything under the dash and in the doors have been done“. From what can be spied, the dash and instrument panel check out and the floors show as being very sound – it seems that all of the tough stuff has been covered!
The seller makes the curious statement, “We are not able to complete the car at this time and have decided to put it on the market“. Maybe there’s a clue of an issue in there and maybe it means nothing at all. Regardless, this is one restoration-in-process that truly does appear to be well executed and the finishing steps are in close reach (assuming that you can find those potentially unobtanium tail fin trim pieces). I generally shy away from these “you finish it” projects, but I’d be willing to make an exception in this case, how about you?
I’ve seen this `55 Eldo for sale for a long time. Too bad no takers yet. For the right buyer able to finish this, it will make a stunning car once completed.
I know the seller. He is a Cadillac expert and very honest.
That back end is all wrong for a 55. It looks like the back end of a 57 or 58 has been grafted onto the original car.
The rear end for a 1955 Cadillac Eldorado was different than the rest of the Cadillac models. The car for sale here IS correct.
Thanks John. I didn’t realize that. I immediately thought ’57.
I stand corrected. My apologies but I had never seen a 55 with this back fin before. Thank you John.
The ’55 and ’56 Eldorado rear fenders were almost the same, and were basically a preview of what was to come in 1957.
Regrettably I sold a nice original yellow 1956 Eldo convertible to Sweden about 35 years ago. At the same time I also had a red 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood 60s, and parked side by side, the 1 year old sedan looked much older than the Eldorado.
Robert I think youre correct
This was one of my favorite Caddies….. this same year, I purchased my first car (1965 Impala SS new). An older friend purchased the 1965 Caddy Hardtop. I really liked his car, but I wasn’t interested in trading either…. LOL
Stunning color and the work done is top notch. Somebody is going to buy this beauty and be a one lucky owner.
Here are the top 10 reasons people sell an uncompleted car like this Eldo, in no specific order:
1. Owner passed away.
2. Owner had medical issues that preclude working on the car.
3. Reduced financial situation [invested in Tesla for example].
4. Lost interest in car.
5. Loss of storage/work space.
6. Too many projects.
7. Bought another vehicle.
8. Wife says “Me or the car.”
9. Not financially worth finishing [not likely on this example!]
10. Other [fill in the blank] ________________________.
10. Other: Didn’t realize it was a Cadillac. Wanted an Escort.
Stu,
“Wanted an Escort”.
Yeah, I’ve heard there are escorts that charge that kind of money!
1959 Cadillac had the highest tail fins, but 1955 had the largest Dagmars!
So many knees got banged up on those things.
I believe the ’55/’56 Eldorado were the precurser design elements for the ’57/’58 de Villes and the “regular” Cadillacs.
Seller has been doing Cadillacs for 40+ years, could be that he wants to semi-retire or completely retire to enjoy his own cars. Completed you would have about a $150-200K Eldorado.