Anyone who's restored a car start to finish understands patience, time, dedication and lots and lots of money are needed. Typically for a weekend warrior at home, the financials never work out in your favor, but you do it for the love of a special car that means something to you.
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In the case of the this very rare Cadillac, the owner is looking for someone extra motivated and flush with cash to complete what could be a very high dollar car if done right.
Here is a 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, one of only 704 that was hand built. To give you an idea of the magnitude here: This car cost $13,074 in 1958 which was more than a Bentley S1 Saloon of the same year. A search online doesn't come up with many for sale, but expect a fully restored hand-built Eldorado to sell for around $150-200k. Here is a fine looking example listed with Hemmings. The asking price? A cool $169,000.
Although Cadillacs of this era were considered to be at the top of the luxury food chain, this particular example was used to showcase features we normally associate with cars of today. Aside from a staggering 44 standard trim and color options, the car had standard air conditioning which was still very rare at the time. Even more impressive was the air ride suspension, six-way power memory seats, auto latching door locks, Autronic Eye automatic headlamp dimming, plus power windows and door locks.
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If that wasn't enough to show off to your friends in the Hamptons, you could check off custom vanity items on your order sheet. These include a special notepad with a silver pencil, a color-coded ladies' compact and beveled glass mirror, tissue dispenser, six drink tumblers, perfume from France and a plastic cigarette holder. This Caddy was not messing around.
This particular '58 is located in Dallas and the owner states it has been baking in sunny California most its life. Even though that's better than life covered in snow, this car will require every little piece to be taken apart, repaired or replaced. It's claimed to be free from serious rust despite its appearance, the engine spins by hand, glass looks intact, has the correct wheels and jack, a clean title and the price is negotiable.
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He's asking $36,995 and it will surely cost well into the six figures to restore, but this could be the opportunity of a lifetime to someone out there. After all, this is the Cadillac of all Cadillacs.
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Related: This Ford Mustang is the rare first of its kind, and it is for sale