Well-preserved, barn-find ’57 Cadillac begs to cruise once more
1957 was a banner year for Cadillac Eldorado. The second generation of the flashy model brought more prominent fins and the two-door hardtop Eldorado Seville got a stylish, raked C-pillar. For many Cadillac collectors, they’re the highwater mark as far as ’50s designs go, rival only by the iconic fins and bullet taillights that would come in 1959. Just look at those bumperettes! We spotted one for sale on eBay by Corvettes and Customs that’s reportedly been stored away for ages and looks ready to make a comeback.
The listing’s “Buy It Now” price of $55,000 is rather optimistic, barely under the model’s current #3 (Good) value and well over the $32,000 #4 (Fair) value in the Hagerty Price Guide. However, that’s not to slam the example in question, which is ostensibly in running condition. The listing includes lots of photos and many of them point to a very intact car with a surprisingly well-preserved interior.
One of the most difficult aspects of a restoration of a Cadillac of this vintage would be tracking down all the trim pieces. If this car is as complete as the photos indicate, it may be an excellent candidate for restoration and save a lot of headaches.
Under the hood, a single four-barrel indicates that this is the 300-hp version of Cadillac’s 365 V-8. (A 325-hp dual-quad option was also available.)
After a cursory look at the photos, the most concerning detail appears to be the vinyl top … or what it may be concealing. Is that just the top coming loose from the metal underneath, or is it hiding rust?
The buy-it-now price is a bit high, but perhaps a good detailing is in order to convince buyers to make a serious offer. We bet that paint still has quite a bit of luster under that generous coating of dust. Corvettes and Customs also notes in the listing that the collection includes a Lincoln Continental, Pontiac Bonnevilles, a Buick Starfire, and Plymouth convertibles, so an ambitious collector may be able to scoop them all up for a discount. We’re not sure who would have that much room for all that sheetmetal, but hopefully these cruisers will make their way out of the barn and onto the interstate where they belong.
