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 white top, this 1954 Eldorado has received a professional rotisserie restoration in and nut and bolt fashion to the highest standards from a solid original and returned to its factory-born colors with proper fit and finishes exhibited throughout. During this process the engine, transmission and brake booster were rebuilt and the brakes and wheel cylinders were replaced. The body was stripped to bare metal and all the flooring and inner body was sand blasted, epoxy coated then painted for a lasting, beautiful finish. The chrome has been triple plated and the throttle, shift linkage and brackets, hood latches and stricker have all been copper and nickel plated. In addition, all new stainless steel brake and fuel lines and exhaust system have been installed. A new wiring harness and new convertible top hydraulics ensure that you will be cruising in style as well. This outstanding restoration was completed by Mark Barker and shows precision panel fits with laser straight metal and paint. Mr. Barker is well known for being a multiple “best in class” winner at the Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance, and this lovely presentation is a perfect example to demonstrate the quality that has rewarded him with show successes.

It is generously 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, whitewall tires, dual rear-view mirrors and its original parade boot. All elements only further enhance this outstanding show piece.

Today more than ever, this car reflects the best of American craftsmanship and quality. It is big, bold, and brash, and it will be even more spectacular rolling down today’s boulevards than it was on those of 1954.