- Three-year concours level nut-and-bolt restoration
- 12-time Best in Class award winner at noted concours events between 2002-2023
- Best of Show, Enclosed Car at the CCCA '07 Grand Experience
- The 107th of just 400 examples produced for 1957; includes vanity accessories kit
- The zenith of lavish and luxury in the '50s
LOT 608
Selling on Saturday Evening
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
A study in "Dream Car" design and engineering, Cadillac's Eldorado Brougham stood as quite likely the world's most luxurious and advanced automobile. Previewed in concept form at New York's Waldorf Astoria in 1955 and in production-ready guise at GM's 1956 Motorama shows, the Brougham was built for 1957 through 1960 and stands as one of the last truly hand-built Cadillac models. Ample power, 325 horsepower, was delivered by a twin-carbureted 365-cubic-inch Eldorado V-8 and Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Incredibly well-equipped, the Eldorado Brougham featured air-conditioning, myriad power amenities, push-button-operated rear doors and trunk lid, and door locks that automatically activated when the car was placed into gear. A memory front seat was a production-car first, as were forged aluminum "Saber-Spoke" wheels. Personal items within the glove box included a ladies' vanity case with compact, powder puff, comb and holder, lipstick, coin holders, six matched beverage tumblers, a tissue dispenser, and cigarette case. The rear seat armrest contained a notepad and pencil, mirror, and a one-ounce atomizer of Arpege perfume by Lanvin.
Intended for the era's elite, the Eldorado Brougham was priced at $13,074 new, twice the cost of the Eldorado Biarritz convertible and more than the contemporary Rolls-Royce and Ford Motor Company's Continental II. Still, GM reportedly lost about $10,000 for every Brougham produced. Just 400 Eldorado Broughams were assembled for the model's initial 1957 production year, and this particular example that Worldwide Auctioneers is proud to offer is the 107th example to be built. Sold new in New York, this Brougham's history would pick back up when a Xenia, Ohio man inherited this example and four other Broughams when his father passed away in the early '90s. This would lead to fellow Ohio resident Robert Werner to acquire this one and his friend to acquire two as well. Robert's father, Calvin J. Werner had worked for GM for 46 years and even served as Cadillac's general manager for three years before retirement, so Robert grew up around these cars and knew this Brougham was the perfect fit for him from the start.
Wanting to show the car, he commissioned Bob Morris of Morris Auto Restoration in Bellbrook, Ohio to perform a concours level nut-and-bolt restoration. The labor-intensive restoration would take three years to complete due to its unique parts and complexity, but the outcome was truly special and well worth the wait. Finished in factory-correct Dakota Red over a lavish and plush white and red interior, this Eldorado Brougham made its show debut in 2002 at the Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance at Ault Park where it went home with a Best in Class award. From there, it continued to garner Best in Class awards at numerous events such as the Cadillac La Salle Club Grand National Meet, Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, Indianapolis Concours d'Elegance, the Lexington Concours d'Elegance, Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance, Dayton Concours d'Elegance, Concours d'Elegance of America in Plymouth, Michigan and various other noted events. This rare Brougham also achieved Best of Show, Enclosed Car at The CCCA Grand Experience in Hickory, Corners, Michigan in 2007.
More than just a show piece, the 325-horsepower 365-cubic-inch V-8 engine with its twin four-barrel carburetors and four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission is said to be precisely dialed in and ready for enjoyment. Carrying all the luxurious creature comforts and then some, its level of luxury is furthered by the elusive glove box vanity accessories kit.
Featured in an eight-page Hemmings magazine article , Robert said this, "I've always thought the 1957 Eldorado Brougham was a masterpiece of both engineering and style, and the car has enriched my life. It is American excess at its very best!" Maintained in the same family for over 25 years, this stunning, award-winning concours restored Cadillac Brougham truly is American excess in the grandest package and is set to retain its important and memorable place in automotive history.
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