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2007 Australian International Motor Show Auction
Lot
31

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Seville "Cool '57" Custom (LHD)

$80,000

melbourne

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8, 365-cid
Gearbox 3-speed automatic
Body Work Coupe
Colour Magenta
Interior Pearl White
Trim Leather
Wheels Steel disc
Brakes Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

Inspired by the Orleans, Eldorado Brougham and Park Avenue show cars of the 1954-55 Motoramas, the 1957 Cadillac range featured brand new styling. With a lower, wider look thanks to the new X-frame platform, the sleekest model in the range was the Eldorado, built either as a the Seville hardtop or Biarritz convertible, both priced at an eye watering $7,286. The Eldorado's rear end was particularly elegant, with sculpted fins that grew out of the gently curved tail. The Eldorado was equipped with the most powerful engine in Cadillac's line-up, using twin four-barrel carburettors to lift horsepower from the usual 300 to 325. Due to the bespoke nature of the Eldorado, only a limited numbers were made relative to overall Cadillac production - just 2,100 Sevilles left the factory in 1957 out of nearly 150,000 Cadillacs made that year. No automobile better symbolises the styling excesses of the chrome age than the Cadillacs of the 1950s and for decades, these flamboyant cars have proven hugely popular with custom designers. One of the most highly regarded customisers in the world is John D'Agostino, with over 750 show entries in the past forty years. Growing up in Pittsburg, California in the 1950s and 1960s, D'Agostino was drawn into the world of customising through the work of names like Barris, Bailon and Winfield and is now himself a legendary figure on the scene. D'Agostino's spectacular work has been featured in many automotive publications and examples of his automotive art reside in the renowned Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Each of John D'Agostino's hand-built creations is unique and owning one of them is something very few can aspire to, with no more than one or two projects completed each year. Finding an original D'Agostino custom on the market is difficult enough, but to locate one already in Australia makes this '57 Cadillac a very desirable car, one that would form the centrepiece of any collection. With prices of top customs reaching record levels in the US, the '57 Cadillac Eldorado offered here is certain to prove an excellent investment and is a timeless design that has appeal for custom car enthusiasts, Cadillac collectors or anyone who simply appreciates fine workmanship.