The year 1955 offered intense competition among the domestic luxury car manufacturers. Chryslers featured dramatic new styling, courtesy of Virgil Exner; the hemi-powered Imperial was no longer a top-of-the-line Chrysler, as it was now being offered as a separate nameplate; and Packard, in an attempt to re-establish itself in the luxury market, featured all-new styling, a modern V-8, and torsion bar suspension. Despite the onslaught of its competitors, this had little effect on Cadillac, which remained the leader in the luxury market.

While the rest of the Cadillac lineup received modest changes, the 1955 Eldorado received dramatically new rear styling. The Eldorado was the first production Cadillac to use the rocket ship tailfins seen earlier on the La Espada and El Camino Motorama show cars; eventually, the fins appeared on all Cadillac models after 1958. Round brake, turn signal, and back-up lights were paired in clusters at the base of the long tailfins.

Eldorados came equipped with an exclusive, high-performance 331-cubic inch V-8 that could produce 270 horsepower through two 4-barrel carburetors and breathed through a massive gold-painted “batwing” air cleaner. Gorgeous, new Sabre Spoke wheels appeared for the first time and were highlighted by rear wheel openings without fender skirts, which were also making their initial appearance. At a base price of $5,814 before options, Eldorado production remained limited. The 1955 Cadillacs were introduced in November 1954 and once again set a new production record of 140,777 units, of which only 3,950 were the luxurious Eldorado Convertible.

This striking Eldorado, which was originally titled in Utah, is a former Best in Class winner at the 2012 Wings and Wheels celebration, which took place during the Vail Automotive Classic in Vail, Colorado. It was the beneficiary of a frame-off restoration during the 1990s, and it is currently painted in the correct Code 52 Mandan Red. The car is also fitted with a black Stayfast convertible top and a contrasting black and white leather interior by Jenkins Interiors, of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. At the time of restoration, all of the glass was new and all of the exterior trim was re-chromed or polished. It has been part of the consigner’s collection for three years and has been used sparingly during his and the prior owner’s tenure. It is believed to have been driven less than 500 miles since restoration.

The engine bay and undercarriage are detailed, and the car is fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system. At the time the car was restored, a new wiring harness was installed and the engine, transmission, steering, and front suspension were rebuilt, as were the generator, radiator, and fuel pump. Most recently, within the last 18 months, the brakes were overhauled and the hydraulic pump for the power top was rebuilt. Like all ’55 Eldorados, it is lavishly equipped with fully working power accessories, a Hydra-Matic transmission, an AM radio, and stunning chrome Sabre wheels. Included in the sale of this car are a fiberglass parade boot, two shop manuals, a Cadillac LaSalle Club authenticity manual, and the original Cadillac tool box in the trunk.

This striking Eldorado is described by the consigner as being in excellent condition throughout, and it is ready for its new owner to show or tour.