Harley Earl’s signature is all over the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, even if he wasn’t actually on the assembly line hand-building these carefully crafted icons of American luxury. The big sedan previewed the Brougham Dram Car concept at the 1955 General Motors Motorama show set an exceptionally high standard.

Just 704 were built over a two-year run. It is estimated that Cadillac lost as much as $10,000 on every example it built, even though the car was priced at nearly $14,000, or double what it charged for the hardly spartan Eldorado Biarritz.

Luxurious features included an all-transistor radio, Autronic Eye automatically dimming headlamps, power-adjustable front seats with an innovative memory function, and air conditioning with power-retractable vents. A built-in vanity compartment provided old-world convenience in a modern setting with its tissue dispenser and cigarette-package compartment.

Of course, the Eldorado Brougham provided more than adequate acceleration from its 365-cubic-inch V-8, which silently muscles power rearward via a sophisticated four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox.

This first-year example has been recently refinished by Blascyk Paint & Body Shop of Abilene, Texas, in its original stately Fairfax Blue with the requisite stainless-steel roof and details that bear Earl’s unique touch. Underneath, the problematic Air Ride suspension was replaced by factory technicians with coil springs many years ago, and new shocks and springs provide a properly Cadillac-comfortable ride. The smooth V-8 has been recently rebuilt and retains factory-style finishes underhood.

Inside, its interior retains original two-tone fabric upholstery, which was protected for years by vinyl covers, and its chrome trim shines as if new. Rebuilt instrumentation includes the clock, radio, and more, while new weather stripping ensures a sealed cabin. A nearly complete vanity kit is included, as well as a jack.