1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Comes From A Time When Cars Were Art

The 1950s are seen by many as the golden age for the automobile in the United States as powerful V8 engines, revolutionary luxury and comfort features, and tail fins were the norm back then.

There is no doubt that Cadillac played a key role in this era where U.S. cars were big, powerful, shiny, and a true status symbol. The Eldorado is one of the most iconic nameplates from that time and the absolute best of what Cadillac had to offer.

It should come as no surprise that the original 1953 Eldorado convertible and 1957-1960 Eldorado Brougham were the most expensive cars Cadillac sold those years. When it debuted for 1957, the latter model wowed the crowds with its quad headlights, signature stainless steel roof, rear-opening suicide doors, and Jet Age air suspension — the first car to use such a system.

Cadillac only built 400 of these luxobarges, each priced at $13,074. That was an eye-watering sum back then and it equates to around $118,270 in today’s money. However, you’d have to spend double that amount to get a mint Eldorado Brougham today.

This 1958 example with 49,912 miles (80,325 km) on the odometer is listed on eBay with an asking price of $225,000. The Eldorado Brougham is powered by a 335-hp V8 with two four-barrel carburetors and is loaded with features such as air conditioning, six-way power driver’s seat with a “favorite position” memory and easy entry/exit mode, power door locks, heating system with under-seat blowers, power trunk opening/closing, and a lot more.

It even featured an automatic headlight dimmer and polarized sun visors that became darker when tilted. Let’s not forget the vanity features such as a matched set of stainless steel drink tumblers, special lipstick and cologne, a cigarette case, tissue holder, a lady’s compact, as well as a rear armrest that included a pad, pencil, and mirror. And just look at those marvelous couches we now call seats.

Cadillac built 304 units for 1958 including the stunning car you see in the photos, chassis number 442. In 2009, 52 years and three owners after rolling off the assembly line, the Eldorado Brougham was refinished completely. The restoration work included a respray in the original Deauville Gray color and a reupholstered interior in the original combination of Medium Blue Parisienne cloth and leather with genuine mouton carpeting.

The owner ditched the Jet Age air suspension for a new self-leveling air suspension that does not leak like the original. Everything else is original and in working order, including the air conditioning, memory seat, and the clock. It still features the original sales sticker inside the engine compartment. All that’s missing is a $225,000 invoice in your name.