Cadillac’s audacious Eldorado Brougham is sometimes referred to as being the Standard of the World’s answer to Ford’s Continental Mark II. In reality, however, General Motors was building an automobile that was not only more exotic and exclusive than the Mark II, but which was three thousand dollars more than the most expensive Rolls-Royce – and GM still lost $10,000 on every one built (enough to buy a new house). The Eldorado Brougham was filled with new technologies, including a memory power seat, air suspension, and cast aluminum wheels with steel rims. Everything imaginable was power-operated, including the trunk lid and a central locking system. The sleek four-door hardtop design was set off by reverse-opening rear doors, in the style of 1930s classics, and by a hardtop finished in spectacular brushed aluminum.

The original Eldorado Brougham was produced for only two years, 1957 and 1958, with the latter year accounting for only 304 of the 704 cars made.

The car offered here, body number 521, was originally delivered in Connecticut, finished in the lovely, subtle color of Deauville Gray with a Medium Blue and White leather interior. It subsequently made its way to Providence, Rhode Island, where it was discovered in 1983. In 2010, its longtime owner passed it to exacting Cadillac aficionado Don Ghareeb of Alabama, for whom restoration was completed by Impatient Creations of Alabaster, and Harbor Auto Restoration of Rockledge, Florida. In a recent conversation with RM Sotheby’s Research and Editorial department, Mr. Ghareeb recounted that the Eldorado Brougham was an excellent, very solid rust-free original car when the work began.

The restoration was obviously performed to concours standards, undoubtedly much better than new, which is reflected in the Eldorado Brougham’s immaculate presentation today. Its paintwork is excellent, with no visible flaws, while the chrome is equally spectacular, and the brushed stainless steel roof – difficult to repair if damaged – is in fine condition. The interior has been properly upholstered in the correct colors, while the carpet is original karakul carpeting. The air suspension system was restored with new correct components so that it would function properly and reliably. Even the tires are correct.

The restoration was awarded Post-war Best of Show at the Grand National Meet of the Cadillac-LaSalle Club in June 2012, and subsequently Chairman’s Choice at the 2014 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance in Connecticut. It has been well-maintained but not recently shown, thus leaving the door open for numerous show possibilities all over the country for a new owner. The car is accompanied by a photo album documenting the restoration, as well as by a 1958 Cadillac owner’s manual and the specific Eldorado Brougham handbook. In addition, it retains a complete set of the “personal accessories” supplied with these cars when they were new, including metal drink tumblers with magnetic bases, a cigarette case, and a perfume atomizer.

This is, without exaggeration, one of the finest Eldorado Broughams in the world. In fact, Mr. Barber believes it to be the finest in the world – high praise, indeed!