The Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, introduced for 1957, was a tour de force from an automaker at the height of its power. Packed with an impressive array of luxury and technology features, it boasted cutting-edge styling, highlighted by Cadillac-first quad headlamps and a brushed stainless steel roof. For 1958, the final year of this body style’s two-year production run, the model’s Brougham-specific 365-cubic-inch V-8 was upgraded by switching to a trio of two-barrel carburetors, resulting in an improved output of 335-horsepower—more than enough to effortlessly move this imposing automobile.

The Eldorado Brougham’s cost was a staggering $13,074 when new; even then, Cadillac is said to have lost as much as $10,000 on each car sold. That was of little concern, however, as the exclusive model unquestionably confirmed Cadillac’s standing as the “Standard of the World.” Only 400 Eldorado Broughams were sold in 1957, and even fewer, a mere 304, were sold in 1958. Rare when new, these Cadillacs are scarcely seen today—and that is particularly true of cars in well-preserved unrestored condition.

This car, body number 625, is one such Eldorado Brougham. Finished in Fairfax Blue (notably, the color featured in period Cadillac advertising) over a seldom-seen Medium Blue Parisienne Cloth and White Leather interior delivered with blue Mouton carpet, is a stunning and highly original example. Delivered new to Daniels Cadillac of Allentown, Pennsylvania, it was not sold and titled until 29 December 1960.

Its eventual purchaser was Thomas R. Mullen, co-founder of Lehigh Structural Steel. Mullen would keep the car for just over two years. In February 1963, it was acquired by Milton W. Wood, also of Allentown, founder of what would become a highly successful commercial catering and industrial housekeeping company. Wood, an early and active member of the Brougham Owners Association, clearly cherished the car over the course of his long-term ownership.

Following Wood’s death in 2003, it was acquired by the consignor from the Wood family in 2005. As he also resides near Allentown, this Cadillac has quite remarkably remained in the vicinity of its delivery from new!

While there is some evidence of prior exterior paint correction, this Eldorado Brougham’s body panel gaps display original factory-built consistency throughout, and its brightwork and stainless steel roof remain dazzling. Its original interior materials are in similarly appealing condition, though the driver’s seat displays the expected signs of use. The car’s suspension air bags were replaced with conventional springs, a task believed to have been performed shortly after its initial sale—a common conversion due to the system’s complexity, even at the time—though the correct underhood air compressor is retained. Interestingly, the car rides on Cadillac Sabre wheels, rather than the Eldorado Brougham-specific design; Cadillac promotional and auto show photos on file depict a factory show car wearing these same Sabre wheels, and it is believed that they were installed on the car from new or while at the dealership.

In addition to carefully preserving its appealing original condition and performing regular maintenance, recent further work performed under the care of the consignor includes rebuilds of the brake master cylinder and wheel cylinders, including the installation of stainless steel sleeves in their bores, and the fitment of new and period-correct Brougham-specific tires.

Today, the car’s odometer displays fewer than 42,500 miles, a reading commensurate with the car’s impressive overall condition inside and out. Its beautiful presentation earned it an AACA Historic Preservation of Features (HPOF) Junior award in 2016, followed by a Senior in 2018. It has otherwise been shown rarely, with the 2007 Radnor Hunt Concours d’Elegance as the only other show outing under present ownership, though it would surely be at home at many other exhibitions.

A significant example of a landmark Postwar Cadillac, this 1958 Eldorado Brougham is supplied with a history file including ownership documentation, AACA judging documents, and an original owner’s manual, as well as the Eldorado Brougham-specific vanity kit—including a plastic cigarette case, metal tumblers with reproduction case, note pad with Cross mechanical pencil, beveled mirror, Arpège perfume with atomizer, and an Evans vanity case with coin and lipstick compartments, powder compact, Evans pink powder puff, lipstick holder, comb and holder, mirror in lid, and cigarette holder underside.