"The Cadillac of Cadillacs" is the only way to describe the 1957-58 Eldorado Brougham. A Cadillac like no other, it was a limited production four door hardtop, GM's response to the previous year's introduction of the Continental Mark II.
Priced at $10,000, the Continental, clearly, was a high-ticket gauntlet Ford threw down before GM. Cadillac countered with the Brougham, a tour de force of advanced, even experimental, engineering and over-the-top opulence; it is, perhaps, the most flamboyant car of the '50's.
For ease of entry, it sported rear "suicide" doors and its futuristic styling was marked by, literally, the sharpest fins yet seen. It was the first production car with air suspension and sported a "memory" seat, a powered trunk lid and quad headlamps even before they were legal in all 48 states.
The roof was stainless steel as was most of the trim. Chrome plated cast aluminum bumpers and wheels are also hallmarks of the Brougham.
The pillarless, roofline was a sweeping design; even the power front vent windows were frameless. The greenhouse was set off by a windshield that not only wrapped around the sides, "dogleg" style, but also swept up into the roofline in a compound curve.
The interior was equally sumptuous. Among the Brougham accoutrements: a glovebox vanity with six magnetized tumblers (these were pre-cupholder times), a custom cigarette case, tissue dispenser and cologne; the center rear armrest came equipped with a special note pad and pencil, mirror and an perfume atomizer!
Polarized sun visors did an effective job of shielding the top curve of the windshield and air conditioning was, of course, standard. Here, then, was a vehicle in which you were encouraged to drive, drink, smoke, take notes, groom, smell good and drive into the sun -- the ultimate statement of 1950's hubris and American optimism.
Talk about sticker shock; Cadillac upped Continental's ante by charging an astronomical $13,500 for the Brougham, the price of an upscale home at the time. Even at that, GM lost over $10,000 on every Brougham sold. Essentially, each was hand built; production averaged less than one per day over the two year run. The car had no body panels or glass in common with any other Cadillac and is, in fact, somewhat smaller and sleeker than its mass-produced brethren. It stands only 55.5 inches high, lower if the air suspension failed, which was, unfortunately, a common happenstance.
Most Broughams have undergone suspension transplants, with the leak-prone air bags giving way to a coil spring set-up that, though not as cutting edge, do not embarrassingly deflate. Today, however, it's wise to retro-retro fit air suspension thanks to new more durable air bags custom made in Istanbul. There are handling and ride quality benefits in going back to air and the self-leveling feature is another perk of the now perfected system. Another trouble spot is the electrical system that includes scores of relays, the contacts of which must be kept clean.
Power is provided by a 364 cubic inch V8 that developed 325 hp in '57, going up to 335 in '58 thanks to a switch from two four barrel carburetors to three two barrel Rochesters. Either set-up must be diligently synchronized. With this many "mouths" to feed and almost 5500 pounds to move, that this is one thirsty beast. Filling up the tank -- accessed through a tiny trap door marked "GASOLINE" just inboard of the left tail fin -- with 21 gallons of premium is a sobering exercise but driving an Eldorado Brougham on stretch of interstate is a rewarding experience well worth the price of ignition. As smooth and stable as one could imagine, it is American vehicular majesty at its apogee.
It is estimated that more than half of the 704 cars produced have avoided the crusher. As parts are so unique, it's best to look for one with all major pieces in place though obsessive types might well drive themselves to distraction looking for the correct Arpege perfume bottle.
Because they're so complex, a complete restoration can cost far more than $100,000 so finding the best possible example will save money in the long run. Brougham guru Mike Rizzuto offers over 500 reproduction parts through his Mastermind restoration business but cautions, "the cheapest thing you'll ever do with a Brougham is buy it."
The Eldorado Brougham Service Information book that is a supplement to the standard Cadillac shop manuals highlights the Brougham's many idiosyncratic features. Unlike other Cadillacs, the Brougham's fuel pump is in the gas tank, and the oil filter is a full flow type, the paper element specific to the car while other significant differences abound.
That same book, intended for service staff, includes this telling passage: "The importance of proper maintenance cannot be over-estimated," adding a note of well-deserved deference, "Brougham service should receive priority over all other service assignments." It's still true; a very special car merits very special treatment yet the Brougham is as solid and, certainly, unique as anything fielded by a major manufacturer during the last five decades.
The Eldorado Brougham continued to top the Cadillac line with an entirely new car debuting in 1959. The '59-60s are actually more rare but less distinctive. A total of 200 were built on special order with production transferred from Detroit to Turin where Pininfarina built them along side Lancias, Alfa Romeos and Ferraris.
Prices: $25,000 - 75,000
Clubs: Brougham Owners Association
P.O. Box 254
Berea, OH 44017
440.238.9474
http://www.nacs.net/~adowling/
Cadillac LaSalle Club
P.O. Box 1916
Lenoir, NC 28645
828.757.9919
http://www.cadillaclasalleclub.com
Spares: Mastermind Inc.
32155 Joshua Dr.
Wildomar, CA 92595
909.674.0509
http://www.mastermindinc.net
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