1957 Cadillac Eldorado Seville

[electra225]

I have never been a fan of these cars. But you don't see one very often, either. I love the color. Art Wright is rolling over in his grave. They guy walks around the car, pointing out all the minor flaws. Art would have threatened to cut your tongue out if he caught you doing that. That type of activity is the death knell for any restoration. "They were built by human hands. They were never perfect" was his moniker. I liked the four door Eldorado Brougham lots better. I'm not sure whether these had all the doodads that the Brougham had. Maybe our resident Cadillac expert could fill us in. This car is probably what we called an "auction whore". All flash with no quality, with multiple recent owners. If it truly had a high-dollar restoration, why would it need touched up?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYJhbdifmrY

[TC Chris]

Maybe it had a high-quality resto but then the owner drove it (imagine that) or perhaps actually wanted to leave as much original as possible.

About 1961, my friend's dad had a '57 or '58 convertible. I had no idea what it was at the time or I would have paid a lot more attention. I was in it once when he took us hiking. Just tossed the keys on top of the visor (I had never seen anybody do that). Imagine driving a car like that in Michigan salt.

Chris Campbell

[electra225]

Judging by the condition of the body under the wheel wells, the only place this car has been driven to amount to anything was onto a trailer. A good show judge could take a hundred points off this car. I don't believe the raised letter Firestone tires are correct for 1957. It sure wouldn't be for Buick. Leaving things original is fine, but you can't call it a restored car if you do that. You have a "fixed-up" car. Restore means every nut, bolt, screw, everything, period, like it was when it left the factory. It did not leave the factory with used parts on it. I like leaving as much original as I can, as well. You have to be careful doing that, particularly if you want to flip the car.

[TC Chris]

I like leaving as much original as I can, as well. You have to be careful doing that, particularly if you want to flip the car.

I love the quip from Oscar Wilde, long ago. He lamented the kind of people who know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

Chris Campbell

[electra225]

In the world of antique cars, testosterone pretty much rules the day. The antique car market, for the most part, is fueled by nostalgia, not the idea of being practical or of following sound business principles. Some buyers want as much original as possible. Some want no restoration at all, a totally stock, original example, warts and all. Some buyers want perfection that wasn't there when the car was built. A combination of original and restored can be a dangerous combination when it comes sellling a classic car.