Lot 17: 1960 CADILLAC ELDORADO SEVILLE TWO DOOR COUPE

VIN No. 60H085242

Dark metallic blue with light blue interior and white vinyl roof

Engine: V8, three Rochester two-barrel carburetors, 390ci, 345bhp at 4800rpm; Gearbox: Hydra-Matic automatic; Suspension: independent front and live rear axle with springs; Brakes: front and rear drum. Left hand drive.

The mid to late 1950s marked a completely new era for automobiles. During and immediately following the War, Americans tended to conserve their money, whereas by the 1950s there was more disposable wealth and even opulence. For the first time many Americans could be frivolous and afford themselves some luxury. Reflecting this, the automakers of Detroit decided to produce a line of super luxury vehicles. These cars were designed to be exclusive, flashy status symbols and naturally they carried high price tags.

Eldorado was the fabled city of gold that the Spanish Conquistadores had come to the New World searching for and it was to be a fitting name for Cadillac's prestigious line-up of cars. The Eldorado range had many unique design elements such as the chrome edged 'shark style' fins, jet pod exhausts and twin round taillights halfway up the fenders.

When Cadillac unveiled its moderately restyled Eldorado in 1956, the American public responded by bolstering the marque's sales to over 150,000 for the first time in the company's history. With ten different body styles to choose from, including the introduction of the Seville Coupe, the two ton Cadillac exhibited a multitude of times and demonstrated the varied and versatile styling concepts of General Motors' chief designer, Harley Earl.

For 1960 Cadillac intrinsically maintained the previous year's spectacular design, if only by slightly toning down its appearance. The taillights were now blended into the end of the fins, and the rear now became more jet-like with rear lights stacked at the wing ends. These changes did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm for the striking Eldorado Seville, with sales figures staying constant in the region of 1,000 units for the year. Further, historical footnotes provide that the 1960 Cadillac was selected by Car Life as the 'Best buy in the luxury field' and was reported to achieve approximately 14 miles per gallon while cruising along at 60mph.

The Eldorado Seville offered by Christie's is a truly spectacular car having undergone a complete frame up restoration. While much is synonymous with the convertible Cadillacs of this era, one must instantly appreciate the dramatic styling of the Seville coupe, particularly the lines of the enormous rear window meeting with the rear end which incorporates part yacht and jet airplane. Sprayed and trimmed in very handsome blue with the offsetting white vinyl top, this car exemplifies the era with its classic looks.

Notably living much of its life in a dry southern climate, this Seville is rust-free and has a host of popular options including factory air conditioning, radial wide whitewall tires, and a retrofitted suspension comprising of springs rather than the often troublesome air suspension originally supplied. The Seville coupe is accompanied by an extensive file of documentation including original owners' manual, service bulletins, warranty paperwork, salesman's training packet and factory sales brochures. In all, a very compelling and tidy package for the iconic 'land-yacht' of the Sixties. Having cost a small fortune to restore and presented in fine condition throughout, Christie's recommends close inspection of this stylish cruiser.