305 bhp, 365 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine with Eldorado dual four-barrel carburetors, four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic power drum brakes. Wheelbase: 129 in.

Cadillac’s signature tailfins quietly debuted on the 1948 models, a design hallmark that would last for more than 15 years, with each year bringing an even larger version. A year later, the trendsetting Series 62 Coupe de Ville made its debut. Although styling changed annually, designers at Cadillac were careful to maintain continuity.

Cadillac also enhanced its image with some pretty fantastic advertising. During World War II, Cadillac ads featured action illustrations of Cadillac-powered tanks crusading through the front lines of occupied territory. By the mid-1950s, these ads had changed to feature elegantly dressed women in evening wear with beautiful diamond and ruby necklaces, a return to the bread and butter of Cadillac’s image. Additionally, each ad always featured a catch phrase to drive the message home that Cadillac was truly the leading name when it came to personal luxury in America. The 1956 models were no exception, their slightly updated bodies and trim options defined the cars as new models, but its soul was still an unmatched V-8 with a great reputation.

This example is finished in a brilliant Mandan red; the paint application is of a very high quality, while the same can be said for the brightwork, which is also of a very high quality. A body-off restoration performed some years ago, with the interior finished in pleated red and white leather upholstery, which only shows light wear on the driver’s seat. The odometer only shows 1,835 miles, presumably since restoration, and is surrounded by nicely refinished gauges and dash equipment, including the Autronic Eye headlight dimmer. Other options include a power seat, power windows, power brakes, power steering, a power top, a day/night mirror, a power antenna, and an AM signal-seeking radio.

Cadillac’s most noticeable accoutrements on the exterior are the Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels and the Continental kit, which adds considerable length to an already sizeable automobile. Under the hood is the original 365-cubic inch V-8 with dual four-barrel carburetors and a Bat-Wing air cleaner, which was an option for the lower-series Cadillacs. Nicely restored, the 1956 Cadillac is near the pinnacle of Cadillac’s post-war flamboyance.