The Cadillac Eldorado was a personal luxury car manufactured and marketed by Cadillac from 1953 to 2002 over ten generations. It was at or near the top of the Cadillac line during its lifetime.

The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado was the sixth generation of the Eldorado and featured distinct styling and luxury features that made it an aspirational vehicle of its era.

How Many Were Made?

General Motors produced 17,000 Eldorado convertibles and coupes for the 1959 model year. This was a substantial increase from the 5,400 Eldorados made in 1958 as Cadillac ramped up production to meet rising demand for the redesigned model.

The Eldorado comprised about 11% of Cadillac’s total production of 150,000 cars in 1959.

What Makes It Special?

The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado was revolutionary in terms of styling and featured many technological innovations that cemented its status as an iconic American luxury car. Some key features that made the ’59 Eldorado special include:

• Distinctive styling featuring shark-like fins, dual bullet tail lights, and a canted headlight design that emphasized length and gave the car a futuristic look. The styling was inspired by fighter jets and represented the jet age aesthetic of the late 1950s.
• Introduction of the tallest tailfins yet on a Cadillac, culminating in the iconic exaggerated rear fins that became a Cadillac trademark in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

• Three custom interior trim options – Eldorado Biarritz, Eldorado Seville, and Eldorado Brougham – offered exclusive features and the highest luxury touches available in a Cadillac.
• First power vent windows and 2-way power seats were introduced as standard equipment on an American production car.
• High-tech quadrophonic surround sound speaker system was an option, an early example of premium audio in an automobile.

Who Designed It?

The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado was designed by Dave Holls, Chuck Jordan, Ed Taylor, and Bob Cadwell under the leadership of GM styling chief Harley Earl.

Earl pioneered the yearly styling update (“planned obsolescence”) strategy at GM and commanded the team that designed the Eldorado as a showcase for the extreme tailfins and sharp angles that came to define late 1950s automotive styling under his watch.

The 1959 Eldorado design represented the culmination of “high styling” trends Earl promoted throughout the 1950s before his retirement later that year.

The Specifications

The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado rode upon a 129.5-inch wheelbase and had an overall length of 220.2 inches. It had a width of 79.9 inches and a height of 55.3 inches. Curb weight was 4,743 pounds for the coupe and 4,947 pounds for the convertible.

The ’59 Eldorado was originally powered by a 390 cubic inch (6.4 L) V8 engine with 345 horsepower mated to a 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. Tri-carburetors were standard.

Notable options included: air suspension, automatic headlight dimmer, Autronic Eye (automatic headlight control), cruise control, high-fidelity sound system, electric door locks, power windows, power seats, power trunk release, automatic climate control, aluminum alloy wheels, and white sidewall tires.

The Engine

The 1959 Eldorado was powered by Cadillac’s 390 cubic inch (6.4L) V8 engine, which was exclusive to Eldorado that year.

The 390 V8 was part of GM’s new generation of OHV V8s introduced in the late 1950s to replace the prior generation of flathead engines.

The Eldorado’s 390 V8 featured a bore and stroke of 4.00 x 4.06 inches. It was nicknamed the “Chipmunk” engine by engineers due to its high-revving nature compared to other Cadillac V8s.

The standard engine setup included a Rochester 4GC four-barrel carburetor, 10:1 compression ratio, and Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission. It produced 345 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 458 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm.

Optional was a tri-carburetor setup with three two-barrel carburetors that increased output to 350 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.

The engine was longitudinally mounted and mated to an innovative air suspension system that leveled the ride height automatically. The Eldorado engine represented the height of V8 power and refinement in American automobiles of the era.

The Interior

The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado featured luxurious and lavish interior appointments that cemented its status as Cadillac’s ultimate halo vehicle. Customers could choose from three distinct interior trims:

• Eldorado Biarritz – Offered luxurious broadcloth fabric upholstery along with hand-rubbed walnut trim. Standard equipment included a center console, power windows, 6-way power seats, power steering, and a front and rear “memory seat” system.
• Eldorado Seville – Had slimmer body side chrome trim and different rear quarter motifs. Interior featured custom leather upholstery and hand-crafted real wire wheels.
• Eldorado Brougham – The most luxurious interior trim option. Highlights included pillarless, brushed stainless steel roof, brushed alloy trim, lambskinleather upholstery, dual center consoles, high-fidelity sound system, magnetized whiskey glasses, perfume atomizer, and passenger-side vanity case.

Other interior amenities included available automatic climate control, Autronic Eye dimming system, cruise control, and a quadrophonic speaker sound system.

The ample interior space along with the air suspension delivered a smooth, comfortable ride.

How Many Are Left?

As a collector car, the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado is quite rare today. According to a 2015 report by Hagerty Insurance, there are an estimated 1,500 remaining examples of the 1959 Eldorado. Of those, about 824 are operational and roadworthy.

Part of the reason for the low survival rate is that American luxury cars of the 1950s were prone to rust issues which claimed many Eldorados over the years.

Additionally, the intricacy of the air suspension system and trim features made repairs challenging and expensive, leading some owners to scrap cars with mechanical issues.

While thousands were originally built, the iconic styling and sophistication of the 1959 Eldorado convertible and coupe make the remaining examples highly sought-after among collectors today.

Low build numbers paired with strong enthusiast interest ensures that those still around are well-preserved.

How Much Is a 1959 Eldorado Worth Today?

Based on analysis by Hagerty Insurance, current market values for the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado in excellent restored or original condition are:

• 1959 Eldorado Biarritz Convertible – $115,000-$145,000
• 1959 Eldorado Seville – $95,000-$125,000
• 1959 Eldorado Brougham – $175,000 – $225,000

These valuations apply to concours quality examples or extremely well-maintained original cars with minimal wear.

The Brougham model commands the highest prices due to its rarity and over-the-top luxury features. Values have steadily risen over the past decade as collector interest in 1950s American classics continues to grow.

Pricing will vary based on the condition, originality, documentation, and whether the car has matching numbers. The most pristine, low-mileage examples in like-new condition can sell for significantly more at auction.

Given its enduring popularity with collectors, the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado is poised to remain a blue-chip classic car investment in the years ahead.

The 1947 Cadillac convertible coupé is one of the first American luxury cars of the post-war era.

With its sweeping lines, massive proportions, and opulent styling, the ’47 Cadillac defined what a luxury car should be in the prosperous years following World War II.

This full-size convertible stands out for its timeless elegance and remains a highly coveted collectible classic car today.

Cadillac convertible coupe 1947

The official model designation was the Cadillac Series 62 convertible coupé. It was part of GM’s Cadillac Division and was marketed by Cadillac as a prestige vehicle.

“Convertible coupé” referred to its dual nature as both a full four-seat convertible and a hardtop coupé for all-weather driving.

How Many Were Made?

GM produced a total of 6,755 Series 62 convertible coupés for the 1947 model year. This included both V8 and straight-6 engine models.

Total Cadillac production across all model lines for 1947 was around 70,000 cars, so the convertible coupé made up a significant portion of Cadillac’s output that year.

What Makes It Special?

The 1947 Cadillac convertible coupé had an instantly recognizable and highly influential design. It was one of the first pillarless hardtop coupés ever made, giving it sophisticated styling reminiscent of the elegant coachbuilt cars of the 1930s.

The low, sweeping profile with uninterrupted body lines was a major departure from previous models and set the tone for GM styling for years to come.

Some key attributes that made the ’47 Cadillac convertible coupé special:

• Pillarless hardtop design with sophisticated coupe styling
• Massive proportions with long hood and tail
• Iconic front grille design
• Futuristic-styled rear fenders that extended beyond the rear wheels
• Low, wide stance for dramatic profile
• Powerful V8 and luxury features
• Design evolution of Harley Earl’s groundbreaking 1938 60 Special

The ’47 convertible coupé was the first step in what would become Cadillac’s signature look in the 1950s. It directly influenced the iconic 1959 Cadillac, cementing the brand as a style leader.

Who Designed the 1947 Cadillac?

The 1947 Cadillac was designed under the direction of GM’s design chief Harley J. Earl.

Earl began GM’s Art and Colour design section in 1927 and went on to lead GM Styling starting in 1937. He was the dominant force in shaping GM’s brands through the late 1940s and 1950s.

The direct designer of the 1947 Cadillac was Franklin Q. Hershey, who worked as a designer under Earl at GM from the late 1930s through the 1950s.

Hershey helped develop the flowing forms and aircraft-inspired elements that characterized GM styling in the post-war era. The ’47 Cadillac convertible coupé was one of his most noteworthy designs.

The Specifications

The 1947 Cadillac convertible coupé had the following key specifications:

• Wheelbase: 129.5 inches
• Overall Length: 205.3 inches
• Width: 75 inches
• Height: 63 inches
• Curb weight: 4,370 pounds
• Powertrain: L-head V8 engine, 3-speed manual transmission
• Power: 150 horsepower with 5.7 liter V8 engine

The car rode on a ladder frame and had an independent front suspension with coil springs. The rear was a live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. The brakes were hydraulic drums.

Luxury features included a modular instrument panel, cloth and leather seats, assist straps, a clock, and a cigarette lighter. Custom options included two-tone paint, fender skirts, and a continental tire mount.

The Engine

The 1947 Cadillac convertible coupé came equipped with Cadillac’s famous V8 engine. For 1947, it was Cadillac’s 5.7 liter “346” V8.

This L-head (flathead) V8 had a 3.25″ bore x 4″ stroke, for a total displacement of 346 cubic inches or 5.7 liters. It featured cast iron cylinder blocks and crankcase, hydraulic valve lifters, and a 2-barrel carburetor.

In baseline form, the 1947 346 V8 produced 150 horsepower at 3,800 RPM. Optional dual carburetors boosted output to 165 horsepower.

This engine delivered smooth, quiet operation. Its torquey powerband enabled effortless highway cruising speeds even for the massive 4,370-pound convertible. Fuel economy was around 15 mpg.

This reliable and proven V8 design formed the basis for Cadillac’s engines well into the 1950s, gaining displacement and more advanced technology along the way. It gave the ’47 convertible coupé potent, refined performance worthy of the Cadillac name.

The Interior

The interior of the 1947 Cadillac convertible coupé exemplified luxurious postwar styling. It featured:

• Expansive fabric and leather front seats
• Rear bench seat for 2-3 passengers
• Thick cut-pile wool carpeting
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Analog gauges, clock, and radio in dash
• Courtesy lighting, assist straps, sun visors for passengers
• Cigar lighter and ashtray
• Separate climate controls for rear seat passengers
• Abundant chrome trim and handles
• Deep pile wool headlining in roof

The interior space was generous, befitting the car’s overall size. The flowing lines of the exterior were echoed in the curved dashboard and door trim panels. Materials were high-quality, with wool broadcloth or leather seating surfaces.

The interior was designed for comfort on long journeys. Occupants rode in sofa-like seats, surrounded by soft textures and materials. Even rear-seat passengers enjoyed climate control and lighting – hallmarks of a luxury automobile.

How Many Are Left?

As an over 70-year-old collector’s item, the 1947 Cadillac convertible coupé has dwindled down to just a few hundred remaining examples. The exact numbers are not known.

According to most sources, it is estimated there are between 200-400 of the original 6,755 ’47 convertible coupés still in existence.

Many were driven into the ground decades ago. Some were modified heavily as hot rods or customs. Others rusted away or were wrecked over the years. Parts for restoration can be difficult to find.

Low survival rates combined with very high demand among collectors means any remaining original 1947 convertible coupés are tightly held in collections or museums today. They rarely come up for public sale.

When they do, it generates significant interest among wealthy classic car collectors looking to acquire an icon of post-war American luxury.

How Much is a 1947 Cadillac Convertible Coupé Worth Today?

The original price was $2,902, but because so few original examples remain, the 1947 Cadillac convertible coupé has become an extremely valuable collector’s item.

Pristine, fully-restored examples trade hands in the $250,000 – $350,000 range at auction or private sale. Certain rare factory options or custom features can push values even higher.

Poor condition project cars begin around $40,000-60,000 but require extensive restoration work to bring to show quality due to the scarcity of parts. Concours-level award winners can fetch well over $500,000 at times.

The high valuations reflect the ’47 Cadillac’s status as an instantly recognizable symbol of postwar prosperity. For enthusiasts of American automotive history, the flowing forms and elegant styling make it one of the must-have classics from this era.

In summary, the iconic 1947 Cadillac Series 62 convertible coupé stands out for its landmark styling, luxury features, and collectability today.

It retains immense prestige nearly 80 years on as a prized symbol of Cadillac in its prime – the Standard of the World. This exclusive convertible coupé is a treasured gem from 20th-century American automotive history.

The 1929 Cadillac 341B was launched with a revolutionary new gearbox: the “‘clashless Synchro-Mesh Silent-Shift transmission”.

Cars in the old days were difficult to drive largely because of their so-called “crash” gearboxes. The clutch pedal had to be pushed down, one gear was deselected and the lever moved to the next ratio.

A pair of spinning gears or cogs had to be slid together with horrible gnashing, crunching noises as their teeth met each other. Then the clutch was gingerly let back in.

The ability to drive almost everywhere in top gear was of great importance to Edwardian motorists, many of whom could not manage the “crash” gearboxes of the day and were unable to change gears on the move.

The Cadillac 341B changed all that with synchromesh.

But then its sales prospects were ruined by another Crash- in Wall Street. Read on to find out how synchromesh worked, and how you perform the lost art of “double declutching.” Watch this youtube

Cadillac was founded out of the ashes of the Henry Ford Company in 1902. Ford had left the company after two years because of a dispute with his investors. The new marque derived its name from Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, who founded the town of Detroit, Michigan.

General Motors bought Cadillac in 1909 because of its high quality of build, and the marque became GM’s luxury brand. Not only that, Cadillac built a reputation as America’s most technically innovative car manufacturer.

They introduced the electric starter, electric lamps, an all-steel roof (before then cars had fabric roofs), safety glass, the first dual-plane crankshaft V8 engine, and, crucially for this story, the world’s first synchromesh transmission (source conceptcarz.com)

The internal combustion engine isn’t ideal for transport. Unlike an electric motor or a steam engine, it cannot start from a standstill and so it needs an electric starting motor and a clutch, which smoothly engages the spinning engine flywheel with the stationary wheels.

Again, unlike an electric motor, the internal combustion engine has so little torque or twisting power that it needs to run at a high rate of revolutions. This in turn means it needs a gearbox to step down the revolutions and step up the torque, just as a lever helps to lift a heavy weight.

Even the Cadillac’s V16 engine needed gears:

General Motors realised that many sales were lost due to newbie drivers struggling to change gears. So something had to be done, and the 1929 Cadillac 341B Roadster showed how to do it with the new synchromesh design.

Gears are monogamous and are much happier if they can run constantly in mesh together with their partner. So in a synchromesh box, all the pairs of gears run together in this way, but they are free to spin on the output shaft. Gear ratios are therefore selected by locking the desired gear pairs to the output shaft by using locking rings.

When the clutch pedal is depressed and the gearbox is disconnected from the engine these cone-shaped locking rings are slid up to the next pair of gears by moving the gear lever, and then they synchronise the speed of the gears to that of the output shaft. This they do by friction on the cones.

Another gentle pull on the lever locks the gear pair to the output shaft, and the clutch is re-engaged. You might feel the “click”, “click” through the lever as these two actions are completed.

And if you want to know what the old crash gearboxes sounded like, try selecting reverse gear before the engine revs have fallen. The nasty old sliding straight-cut gear pinions live on, lurking under the letter “R”. Lamborghini was the first (and nearly the last) to bother to put synchromesh on reverse gear.

Before synchromesh drivers used a technique to match the speeds of the spinning gears: this was called double declutching:

• The accelerator or throttle is released, the clutch pedal pressed down and the gearstick moved to neutral.
• The clutch pedal is released and the driver matches the revolutions of the engine to the next gear by doing this:
• If changing into a higher gear, release the throttle and wait until the engine revs have fallen.
• If changing into a lower gear, rev up the engine by “blipping” the throttle.
• At the moment when the engine revs and the new gear are closely matched, the driver then presses the clutch pedal down again, shifts into the next gear, and releases the clutch.
• Bingo! With practice, this results in a silent, smooth gear change.

Learning how to double-declutch is still a requirement for a commercial truck licence in some jurisdictions as many trucks still have crash gearboxes.

Actually, a sensitive driver could set off and change gears without using the clutch at all, starting the engine- and the car- in first gear and carefully matching the engine revs with road speed up and down the ratios.

If you are adjusting the speeds correctly you won’t need to touch the clutch pedal at all and the gears will engage with a quiet grunt.

In 1929 the previous Cadillac 341 had been upgraded to the 341-B with the yearly improvements GM customers expected: there was a slight increase in power, and an optional low-compression engine was offered.

There were slightly larger tires, double-acting Delco shock absorbers, new brakes, chrome-plated brightwork and electric windshield washers (source supercars.net)

But the big news was of course the new synchromesh transmission which at last brought easier gear changes. The 1929 Cadillac 341B had synchromesh only on the second and third gears, but the car was a revelation, and the new gearbox was swiftly copied around the world.

No less than five million dollars were put into upgrading the factory but then the hoped-for market growth was crushed by the Wall Street Crash.

How much is a Cadillac Series 341 worth?

A Cadillac Series 341 is worth an average of $63,000 today (source classic.com)