By the early 1950s, Cadillac had displaced Packard at the summit of the American fine car market, and in late 1953, the Motorama-inspired Eldorado crowned its model range. Fitted with a fashionable wraparound windshield, a luxurious custom interior and a daring beltline dip, the 1953 Eldorado carried a staggering price of $7,750 when new. Powered by Cadillac’s state-of-the-art 331-cubic inch V-8, it was optioned only one way -fully loaded.

However, the extensive hand labor and limited production volumes meant that Cadillac reportedly lost money on every Eldorado produced during 1953. Nonetheless, this “halo car” increased Cadillac’s prestige and attracted valuable publicity. A 1953 Cadillac sales brochure declared the Eldorado as having been “dramatically styled by Fleetwood to capture the heart of all America,” and this was no overstatement. In fact, the Eldorado proved so popular that it joined the regular Cadillac model line in 1954, priced at $5,738, with 2,150 examples produced. All Eldorados featured a host of standard features including chrome wire wheels, special ribbed lower rear fender moldings and gold crests, adding further distinction to this already striking, limited-production automobile.

Finished in red with a red and white interior and leather upholstery, this 1954 Eldorado was restored some time ago and continues to present very well. It is fully equipped with standard Eldorado features including a power-operated seat, power windows and a power-operated top. Other amenities include power brakes and steering, a signal-seeking AM radio, the Autronic-Eye headlight dimmer, chrome wire wheels and E-Z Eye tinted glass. The Continental spare tire kit and a fiberglass parade boot only further enhance this outstanding show piece.