Specifications: 325hp, 365 cu. in. overhead valve eight-cylinder engine, four-speed Hydramatic transmission, live rear axle, servo-assisted four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
Wheelbase: 129"
Cadillac had long been the leader in the luxury car field in this country and the introduction of the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham further confirmed that position in American life. It was unrivaled throughout the industry on both sides of the Atlantic.
The 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham took its inspiration from the Eldorado Brougham Motorama car of 1956. Like the 1954 Park Lane, the Eldorado concept car was a sleek Town Car. The stylish Eldorado Brougham featured a brushed stainless steel roof favored by GM styling chief Harley Earl.
Earl had promised the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham would enter production in 1956, but it wasn’t until 1957 that this limited production “dream” car was available. At $13,074, it was the most expensive Cadillac ever built and not until the 1975 Seville was launched would another Cadillac model be equal in price. Only 704 of these much more exclusive first generation Cadillac Eldorado Broughams were built in 1957 and 1958.
The new Eldorado Brougham stood only 55.5-inches high and was built on the standard tubular X-type frame. The broad flat hood and rear deck were lower than the fender lines and, along with its gleaming, brushed stainless steel roof and projectile-shaped, gull-wing front bumpers, provided the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham with a very unique and distinctive look.
That look was enhanced by the narrow, one-inch whitewall tires that were an industry first and the air intakes built into the tops of the fenders. An anti-dive control was built into the front suspension. The Eldorado Brougham was also the only model to ride along on Cadillac’s new air ride suspension. This breakthrough technology provided an unmatched ride, both soft and supple, and it kept the car level regardless of load or road conditions. The system was complex and extremely expensive to manufacture. Cadillac discontinued the feature after the 1960 model year.
With the ignition on, the engine started automatically as soon as the Hydra-Matic gear selector was moved into “neutral” or “park.” The center-opening doors were automatically locked when the Brougham was put into gear. Three shell horns and a trumpet horn could announce your arrival. Standard comfort features included power steering, power brakes, power windows- even the ventiports, power seat, power door locks, a power trunk and power antenna.
No luxury was overlooked, including a bar and vanity set, as well as air conditioning, an E-Z Eye tinted windshield, an automatic headlight dimmer, a tissue dispenser and more.
This stunning maroon 1957 Eldorado Brougham displays an older restoration that has been refreshed and fully serviced. The brushed stainless steel roof is in immaculate condition, and although the chrome is not of concours quality, it has excellent luster and is generally very good.
The paintwork and maroon and white combination cloth and leather interior bear a slight, but warm patina. The leather dashboard is in exceptional condition as are the wool carpets and the like-new trunk. The fully detailed engine runs smoothly and is ready to put power to the stylish road wheels fitted with original style, narrow whitewall B.F. Goodrich tires.
Cadillac Motor Car Division General Manager James M. Roche declared the company had built, “…the finest car possible.” The fact the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was accorded full classic status decades ago attests to this statement. In many ways incredibly complex and opulently equipped, the styling tour de force 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, with a mere 400 built, was a most exclusive automobile.
A dream machine in 1957, the Eldorado Brougham continues to be the model most serious followers of the marque desire to add to their Cadillac collection. Perhaps this is the time your dream will come true?
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