El Dorado! Over the passing decades, the name has come to refer to a legendary “City of Gold,” long sought-after and never acquired by all those who seek fame, fortune, and plunder. Only slightly less desirable in 1953 was Cadillac’s Eldorado, which was, at the time, the most glorious automobile that the company had ever produced. It was the first production Cadillac to carry a name that would continue to mean the finest in American luxury for generations to come.

One of four 1952 General Motors Motorama dream cars that were ushered, largely unchanged, into limited production the following year, it was, essentially, a Series 62 Convertible Coupe. However, the body was radically reshaped, incorporating a wrap-around windshield, Packard Darrin-like “dips” in the doors, and an acrylic fabric convertible top that disappeared neatly behind a metal boot when lowered. This being the 1950s, comfort abounded within: power seats, windows, and steering were all standard in the leather-trimmed cockpit, as was a signal-seeking radio, an automatic heating system, and windshield washers. The package was finished with wire wheels shod with wide whitewall tires.

In a public relations coup for the ages, the first production Eldorado literally rolled out with the president of the United States in the backseat, as Dwight Eisenhower used it for his inaugural parade in January 1953.

Only 533 lucky souls got to experience what Ike experienced. The original Eldorado has gone down in history as the most unique and rarest of the many cars to carry the famous name, and it remains among the most desired of all post-war Cadillacs.

The Don Davis Collection naturally includes a 1953 Eldorado among its ranks. The 309th built, this car is formerly of John White’s respected Ramshead Automobile Collection in Central California. Several years ago, it was the recipient of a respectful and correct cosmetic restoration in black with an optional two-tone black-and-white interior and black cloth top, performed by noted 1953 Eldorado restorers, Steve Henson and Ronald King. There is only very minor wear to be found throughout, and overall, the car is still in very impressive condition and very much as it appeared when it left the factory. Additionally, finished in the outstanding and unique color combination of triple black, the Eldorado demonstrates quite an imposing and sleek presence.

The 1953 Eldorado is an American legend, a term often overused but here accurately applied, as the first of a long line of cars that marked the finest efforts of the Standard of the World. Don Davis’ example is an excellent opportunity to acquire such a car and perhaps to cruise leisurely down Pennsylvania Avenue, just as Ike did in 1953.