331 cid OHV V-8 engine with dual four-barrel carburetors, 270 HP, four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle, four-wheel hydraulically-assisted drum brakes; wheelbase: 129”


General Motors introduced a trio of factory customized, luxuriously appointed, limited production convertibles that included the Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Fiesta and the Cadillac Eldorado. Under the legendary automobile stylist Harley Earl’s direction, these cars featured bodies that were modified to create a longer, lower look. The Fiesta was made only in 1953, the Skylark lasted until 1954, but the glamorous Eldorado would endure for decades. The 1954 Eldorado Sport Convertible was less dramatically modified from the Series 62 Convertible, incorporating a deluxe interior and some special trim and standard wire wheels. 1955 proved to be a very successful year for Cadillac, as car sales were at an all-time high. It was also a significant year for the Eldorado, which benefited from a host of improvements. Although styling changes were rather minimal across the board, the Eldorado was the exception, as it received some unique styling features and a special high-performance engine that would further distinguish it from the rest of the Cadillac line. At the rear, the traditional Cadillac “fishtail” fins, in use since 1948, were replaced with sweeping, pointed tailfins, which were a quintessential feature of the spaceflight theme prevalent in the 1950s. Brake, turn signal, and backup lights were positioned at the base of the fins, and an Eldorado badge appeared on the rear deck. Additionally, the sporty Eldorado featured full rear-wheel cutouts, special interior, fiberglass convertible top boot cover and special ribbed chrome-plated moldings at the beltline below the side glass.

The standard 331 cubic-inch V-8 engine offered on all 1955 Cadillacs produced 250 horsepower, which was 20 more than the previous model year. The Eldorado, however, was equipped with a 270-horsepower version that sported two four-barrel carburetors topped with special gold-colored “Batwing” air cleaner, which was also an optional high-performance setup available for other models. Furthermore, a Hydra-Matic automatic transmission was standard on all cars, and as expected, an array of comfort and convenience accessories were offered, many of which became standard equipment on the Eldorado Special Convertible. The myriad of standard equipment included a heating system, a new electrically operated antenna, a new signal-seeking pre-selector AM radio, fog lamps, “E-Z Eye” tinted glass, electrically operated six-way power seats, and power window and special built-in ribbed floor pads to name but a few. Motor Trend magazine tested a new 1955 model and concluded: “It might well be the ‘hottest-performing car’ of 1955 - definitely as roadable as the best of the ’55 crop.”

At a price of nearly $6,000, the Eldorado, and all other Cadillacs in fact, were directed at clients who were particularly successful and well-to-do. The company’s advertising campaign unashamedly targeted those individuals who had “arrived”, furthering Cadillac’s image as a luxurious status symbol with flashy styling and performance to match. This spectacular looking example recently received cosmetic and mechanical restoration, including a documented rebuild of both the engine and transmission, and has been driven less than 100 miles since then. Special features on this Cadillac include a continental spare and a set of radial wide whitewall tires mounted on a set of authentic Cadillac wire wheels. The Eldorado Convertible offered here is a wonderful example that has benefited from a well-maintained professional restoration. Finished in a striking red exterior with a luxuriously appointed two-tone red and white leather interior, this convertible is complete with all of the amenities that one would come to expect from Cadillac. The vendor reports that this Cadillac is an excellent driver and performs well on the road with all components in proper working order. It's an ideal boulevard cruiser that will turn heads everywhere it goes.