By 1954, Cadillac was the undisputed king of American luxury cars, as it was pampering owners with bold styling, lavish amounts of glowing chrome, one of the most powerful V-8 engines yet produced, and a wealth of electrically operated gadgets. This was never clearer than on that year’s Eldorado Convertible, an over-the-top ragtop on which, what was optional on most cars, was standard.

Windows opened and closed at the touch of a button, and steering and braking were both power assisted. For the radio, a travel-tuner would stop when a power transmitter was interrupted, and the antenna was raised and lowered with the flick of a switch. Getting underway was as painless as pulling a lever; afterward, all the shifting was done for the driver, who simply had to sit back and keep his or her eyes on the road. Another convenience was the Autronic-Eye, which automatically dimmed the headlights when approaching motorists were detected.

The Eldorado’s exterior let the world know it had arrived, with sparkling Kelsey-Hayes chrome wire wheels, rear quarter panels covered in bright aluminum trim, and an optional “Sport-Deck” rear tire carrier, better known as a continental kit, as well as bright saddle trim at the top of the doors—just another splash of flash.

The beautiful 1954 Eldorado presented here, from the collection of Richard and Linda Kughn, was the subject of a cosmetic restoration in its previous ownership. It has since been well-maintained and used only for short drives and occasional showing. Finished in beautiful Aztec Red and fitted with a white leather interior in the factory-correct pattern, it is equipped with all the power extras and accessories of the day, down to automatic windshield washers, a “Sport-Deck,” extended exhaust pipes ported properly through the bumper extensions, and a full spare. Underneath and under the hood show very well for driving and local cruises, preferably with several friends aboard enjoying the sun and fresh air.

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.