In the 1950s, Cadillac could do no wrong. The short-stroke high-compression V8 in 1949 made them the hottest cars on the road and GM’s styling department continued to hit home-run after home-run. With increasing horsepower throughout the decade, the addition of more luxury features, and looks that made their owners look like movie stars, Cadillac truly was the standard of the world. But even special cars need extra special versions to give those buyers who require something uncommon a solution. In 1958, Cadillac introduced a series of extraordinarily expensive limited-edition automobiles: the Eldorado Brougham, Eldorado Seville, and Eldorado Biarritz (a sedan, hardtop, and convertible, respectively). For 1959, all three would be extensively redesigned but no less luxurious, and they would disappear forever following the 1960 model year as the market for extraordinary (and extraordinarily expensive) cars rapidly contracted.

The 1959 Eldorado Seville was an extremely expensive car, priced at $7401—it should be no surprise that only 975 were built. Styling was entirely new and the towering tail fins are perhaps the most iconic of any car built in the ‘50s. Nothing else looks like a ’59 Cadillac. The two-door models show the dramatic fins best and the hardtop offers trim styling with an emphasis on “jet age.” This particular Eldorado Seville embodies that elegance with stunning styling and lots of chrome, and there’s no angle from which it doesn’t look spectacular. Recently repainted, it offers a flashy yet tasteful look thanks to the two-tone treatment that seems to make it seem even longer than it is. The cowl tag says this one was originally code 90 Olympic White, but now that you’ve seen this one, it sounds kind of boring. Finish quality is quite good, with straight sheetmetal that probably required weeks and weeks to fully prepare for the glossy two-stage paint on top. Eldorados included extensive chrome in addition to the already sparkling Series 62 models, most notably the sweeping trim pieces that extend from the doors to the tail and wrap into the bright rocker moldings—they’re completely unique. That’s in addition to the insanely complex grille, massive bumpers, and lovely delicate trim that traces the contours of the tail fins themselves. Someone has invested rather heavily in the restoration of the chrome on this car and it all remains in excellent condition. The only notable demerit might be the tail panel trim that was not refinished to the same high standards but honestly, nobody’s going to notice. The car is just overwhelming in person.

The gorgeous glove-soft white leather interior is entirely new and was replaced at a cost of nearly $15,000. Door panels, seats, and carpets are new, and the dash is wrapped in the most ornately stitched and contoured leather that’s apparent only under close examination. Dark red carpets and two-tone door panels echo the exterior paint scheme, as does the custom refinished steering wheel. All Eldorado Sevilles came loaded with every available feature except A/C, which was an option, and this car has it (although it requires service). The instrument panel is simple, a chrome trapezoid that seems to float inside the dashboard with a wide speedometer and simple temperature and fuel level gauges. Power window controls are tucked in at the base of the windshield to the left, along with the windshield wiper/washer switch, while power vent window and lock switches live on the door panels. Plenty of bright trim makes the interior look ornate and someone has cleverly installed a modern AM/FM stereo head unit in the dash that manages a CD changer in the trunk. Other features include a power front seat, cruise control, and an autronic eye on top of the dash. Thanks to the massive 130-inch wheelbase, even back seat accommodations are spacious and the trunk is positively massive, fully finished with matching carpets, a full-sized spare tire, and correct jack assembly.

Cadillac’s V8 was all new in 1959 as well, a muscular 390 cubic inch unit that was the first significant upgrade over the original. Wearing three Rochester 2-barrel carburetors, the Eldorado Seville makes a rather substantial 345 horsepower, the most of any car of the era. After all, horsepower was the ultimate luxury. Thanks to recent tuning, this one starts easily, idles nicely, and pulls the mammoth coupe around without apparent strain and cruises easily at speeds that will still get you arrested in most states. It’s probably worth mentioning that this is the car’s original, numbers-matching engine with a VIN stamped into the block on the driver’s side above the oil pan rail, and it wears correct Cadillac Blue engine enamel. The gold air cleaner up top, complete with twin snorkels, indicates Eldorado-spec Tri-Power underneath, with the rest dominated by the A6 compressor for the A/C system and the standard power steering pump. A massive radiator keeps it cool without any sweat and even though it’s a giant compartment, it’s pretty full of equipment. Fortunately, this car includes a bunch of factory literature, including a shop manual, so it’ll be easy to keep it in top condition.

We do not believe the body has ever been off the frame, so the car has a solid feeling that many restored cars can’t quite replicate, but that also means it’s not shiny and perfect underneath. There’s nothing that breaks any new ground: control arms and coil springs up front, trailing arms in back, with any vestiges of the original air suspension removed save for the reservoir just behind the left headlights. The floors are in good condition and there’s a recent dual exhaust system with four mufflers, so this Eldo has just the right sound (although the quad exhaust tips are a little racier than stock). The familiar 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission shifts crisply and has proven to be incredibly durable over the years, and with 3.21 gears in back, it remains effortless in everything it does. Power assisted steering and massive drum brakes make it easy to manage in any environment and the chrome wire wheels are simply gorgeous. Recent 225/75/15 wide whitewall radials are fitted, improving ride and handling in a tangible way—it’s still a big luxury car, but it doesn’t feel clumsy or soft.

Documentation includes an original owner’s manual, factory shop manual, restoration receipts, and some aftermarket catalogs for spare parts.

Some cars just have presence, and this Eldorado Seville dominates the space wherever it goes. There’s nothing so dramatic as those towering fins and the muscular exhaust note, sleek, low-profile look, and glittering chrome suggest this is a car for someone who has truly arrived. It’s beautiful, comfortable, and rare, all things that make some cars special. If you appreciate the rarefied atmosphere for which this car was designed, perhaps it’s time you treated yourself to the Standard of the World. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.