1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham #213, Still on air!

[PerryB]

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, number 213 of 400 made. This is an excellent driver quality car that needs some body work and paint.  The car was repainted many years ago in the original Copenhagen Blue while repairing a dent in the driver's side rear quarter panel. Now it is showing a lot of wear, some dents and dings, but with no rust repair required (some partial rust-through damage is found in the battery tray bottom only).  I have done a few touch-ups to keep it from worsening and then polished it all out as is. Most bright work is excellent and bumpers were all rechromed, probably when painted, but are now showing some flaking.

Some EB specific parts are missing, most significant are the triangular air cleaner housing and the power radio antenna.  The original dual Carter 4bbl carbs are still there, using open element air cleaners.  The radio and speaker do work.  Note that the speaker is missing in the pictures but I have it, along with many other original and new parts.  The speaker location is being used for tasteful temperature, pressure, voltage, and suspension psi gauges.  The speedometer works, windows, seat motors (but not the armrest controls), fan controls, all lights, et.. are working fine, but other instrument cluster gauges do not.   The automatic trunk open and close sequencing is getting flaky, works but not always!  Working on it.

The engine was completely rebuilt (several years ago, but with very few miles added since) along with both carbs (done a few months ago).  Additional recent work includes adding seat belts (matching the interior very nicely), relocation of the fuel pump and added an inertia switch for safety, all fluids flushed, some air suspension lines and fittings replaced, leak at the intake manifold repaired, new shocks, complete original starter rebuild, upgraded air compressor, rear main seal replaced, and more, all with receipts.  It runs beautifully and starts right up every time with just a touch of the key.  The transmission has also been rebuilt but a small problem remains. There is a slight hesitation when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. It always does shift, and smoothly, but just takes a noticeable extra second.  Working on that too – TV rod adjustment?

The Eldorado Brougham features a long list of automotive technology firsts, and perhaps most significant is the air suspension at all four corners, including an onboard compressor (a modern compressor has replaced the original).  Many (most?) of these cars have been at least partially converted to a standard coil spring suspension, many of those done while the cars were relatively new.  The air suspension is still doing the job at all four corners for number 213! The air domes will leak down overnight, but no problem at all driving around during the day or even on longer trips. I have recently completed several 100+ mile round trips with zero concerns.  Tires are new.  The serial number has been confirmed as matching across the body, chassis, and engine.

The interior is all original with the seating, headliner, and carpet materials still looking superb.  The leather door panels need some restoration.  Leather on the dash is intact, just starting to lift in some places. It is savable and I will be conditioning it.

Please do some research if you're interested but not very familiar with these cars.  They were built only in 1957 (400 made) and 1958 (304 made) and were designed to be the most sophisticated and luxurious automobile ever, by far - a halo car for Cadillac and GM.  At over $13000, it was also the most expensive automobile ever produced at the time (a new Rolls Royce in 1957 cost about $9000).  Just a few of its remarkable features include the stainless steel roof, no-pillar hardtop sedan design with rear hinged doors at the rear, first fully transistorized radio, memory seats with automatic adjustments for getting in and out (for two drivers), auto locks, tubular X-frame, electric fuel pump (originally inside the tank, now external), powered opening and closing trunk lid, much more.

This is such a beautiful, significant, and rare car, ready to enjoy immediately or a perfect candidate for partial/full restoration if you like.  I am happy to provide any further details, pictures, video.  Best to come see the car in person and go for a ride.   Currently listed on ebay with many more pictures.

[PerryB]

Trying again with pictures.  Asking $63K in WI.   

b65062@charter.net or 920-205-1295

[59-in-pieces]

Perry.

As an owner of a 57 Eldorado Biarritz, I am aware of just how much MORE the Brougham is compared to the Biarritz.

But having said that, I am also so surprised that when ever one of the Broughams is offered for sale that it isn't at a price of a Biarritz plus, plus, plus.

I'm certainly not an expert on these cars (or their rarefied parts and idiosyncrasies), but they sure are a great and handsome car.

Have fun,
Steve B.

[jwwseville60]

Just curious, why do you still have it on the air suspension?

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Cars on their original (working) air suspension command a significant market premium.