• Built in the first year of Cadillac Eldorado production
• The pinnacle of American luxury and exclusivity, with just 532 Eldorado Convertibles produced for 1953
• Powered by a 5.4-litre V-8 engine with four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission
• Accompanied by a scan of its first purchase invoice, issued by Cadillac Motor Car Division in May 1953

As calendars pinned to walls at General Motors’ headquarters turned to welcome a new year in 1952, plans were afoot to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of its most famous brands: Cadillac. The “El Dorado” prototype was duly revealed—its name a nod to the Spanish translation of “the gilded one”, befitting the theme of the golden anniversary—with the production-spec Eldorado Convertible arriving to great acclaim once it reached showrooms in 1953. The new car represented Cadillac’s revamped luxury-orientated product portfolio and was priced accordingly, topping the range at $7,750—almost double the figure for a standard Series 62 convertible.

Just 532 examples of the first-generation Eldorado Convertible were made before the second-series version arrived in 1954. The model was sumptuously appointed, featuring generous helpings of exterior chrome and interior leather, intended to appeal to well-heeled American customers in an era of prosperity. The Eldorado’s bold Harley Earl styling was typical of its era.

The example offered for sale here was completed by the factory in May 1953. It was finished in Alpine White over a Blue and White leather interior as one of only 24 examples configured with this colour combination. It is believed to have been made for the American market but brought to Europe via Germany in the 1960s. The Cadillac retains its factory-correct configuration today, while its condition suggests an older restoration, allegedly completed in 2010. Rarely seen on this side of the Atlantic, the Eldorado Convertible is justifiably coveted among enthusiasts of true American classics.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa23.