[ last update:
11.24.2012 ]
The (new)
Cadillac Database©
The Fabulous
Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
1957 - 1960
Part 13a(2)
Best of the Brougham Breed (1959-60)
Being a record of the Brougham
survivors of 1959-60
Go to the record
of Brougham survivors of 1958
Go to the record
of Brougham survivors of 1957
Return to The
(New) Cadillac Database © Index
Page
or select preferred chapter
1959
[43 cars, i.e. 43.4%]*
002, 003, 005, 007, 009, 010, 011, 012, 013, 016, 017, 020, 023, 024, 025, 026,
030, 034, 035, 038, 041, 042, 043, 044, 045, 046, 047, 050, 051, 053, 056, 057, 060, 064, 067,
068, 069, 074, 075, 081, 083,
085, 087, 091, 092, 096, 098, 099.
* With
the help of collector-enthusiast, Stephen Chandler, in the UK, this page may incorporate a
number of changes over the next few weeks. Stephen has been researching the 1959 Brougham
for a couple of decades and has come up with some information that differs from what you
currently see here. He wrote in May 2005: I do have a little
information that may shed more light on matters. Some of this is borne out of personal,
direct knowledge as I am the current and former owner of a number of 59 Eldorados
including Broughams. I am very interested, academically, in 57, 58 and 60, but have
only ever owned 59s. I certainly could name a few more survivors – but sadly this was
as of the 70’s and 80’s – so I fear they may now be lost or at least
untraceable. I’d love to compare notes with you on this. I have been convinced,
ever since Cy Strickler’s admirable “Roster” originally came out [1975-1978],
that there are significant discrepancies between it and a certain number of the cars that
actually left the factory. By this I do not mean that years later, colours were
changed after the factory, interiors re-trimmed etc at the whim of subsequent owners. This
is regular (if often regrettable) practice - some of this of course must have occurred as
it does with every type of car. What I mean is that more than one car (I own / have
owned) AS ORIGINAL do not bear the same specification as shown on Cy’s list.
You refer to some of the logic around this in your Database [e.g. car
#26, below]. Either Cy had transcribed the list wrongly (unlikely,
knowing the meticulousness of Cy’s work) or Cadillac had it wrong. I believe
the latter to be more likely true, and I have the evidence for it.
Car #1 was first shown at the Chicago
Auto Show, four months after sales of the regular '59 models had begun, It was used later
by Cadillac Division’s engine department. It is not a known survivor.
The new 1959 Eldorado Brougham on display at the
Chicago Motor Show
Car #2 is in the collection of a friend in Ohio
[2005]; former owner was a Mr. Dixon. It is NOT for sale.
Car #3 was owned in the late seventies by Charles
Daout of Chesapeake, VA. At that time Charles owned also 1960 Broughams #1 and 95. Our eye-in-the-sky
Brougham enthusiast Jerry Jansson of Sweden reported, in January, 2002,
that this may be just a parts car today; indeed, he came across an ad for a pair of '59 Brougham
tail-lights for sale. The vendor said this vehicle has deteriorated too much to
restore.
Car #3 certainly looks good in this photo ...or it's
another car altogether!
Car #10 was seen around 1994-95 in the basement of
the Auburn Museum [Indianapolis?] According to Ed Pentesco, whom I had the good
fortune to meet in Santa Clara, CA, in June, 1999 [see cars # 30 and 46, below], it was in
rough shape but possibly restorable.
Car #11 is believed to be in Sweden. This
car currently (2004) is reported to be in Sweden where it is being restored
for a mysterious "Mr B" by Emeren Autocraft in Vikarbyn.
[ Photos: © and courtesy Jerry Jansson ]
Car #12 [PREVIOUSLY SHOWN IN ERROR AS #66] was
reported in Norway, by its new owner, Rune Lie, in Levanger; he says he has rebuilt the
car; it was completed in May, 2000. He imported it from San Francisco where he acquired it
in Nov. 98. It is a "one-owner car", formerly the property of a Mr. Louis
Geoffrison. It has 83K miles and "shines like a bride" that he loves very much.
On his first car show in May 2000, the Brougham took first place. In August, 2002, I got
this correction from enthusiast Jerry Jansson: I just got back from the very nice and
well organized Classic Car Week in Rattvik Sweden. Met Mr. Rune Lie from Norway and took
some pictures of his car EB59#012 ( previously. known as #66!!!), When his friend helped
him a long time ago to inform you about the car, they mistook the engine number for the
serial no! Will send pictures in a separate mail. When two of the Swedish car
publications, Nostalgia and Power, heard about our cars being at the same place they
wanted make a Kodak-moment out of the occasion. We phoned Mr. Leif Ingesbo EB58#703 and he
joined us on a very wet Thursday afternoon.
[ Photos: courtesy Jerry Jannson, Sweden ]
Car #13 While rummaging through some old files, I
found that 1959 Brougham #13 had been offered for sale by FEN Enterprises [Frank
Nicodemus], NY, for $5000. The fax number was listed as (914) 462-8450. Who
has this car today? Could be still be Frank? He offered a '59 Brougham for sale to a
select dozen potential buyers in November, 2006.
Car #16 was offered for sale in May 1991 by Mike
Rizzuto of Mastermind, CA. The asking price at that time was $14,500 ...for a car
described as "not running" and "needing restoration". It was for
sale again nine years later, in 2000, then in 2002, for about half that price [$7,500];
again it was described as 98% complete but needing a full restoration. The car appeared
again on e-Bay in April 2002, with a reserve price and a starting bid of $2,500. This car
currently (2004) is reported to be in Sweden where it is being restored for
a mysterious "Mr B" by Emeren Autocraft in Vikarbyn.
[ Photos (above row): © and courtesy Jerry Jansson ]
Car #17 was owned in the late seventies by David
Walch of Escanaba, MI.
Car #20 with the original engine # 000512 is
owned by Dr. Rick Zeiger. It was originally a California delivery, with black exterior,
gray broadcloth and black Karakul nylon carpeting. Rick purchased the car from
George Samson of San Leandro in about 1993. At that time, the car was turquoise, but aside
from the color change, it was a very original car. He was told that this car was a dealer
color change and was sold new in the San Francisco Bay area. Rick sold the car in
1996 to Tom Wolfe, in Ohio; part of the deal included Rick's supervising the re-painting
of the car to its original black color. Tom also had the interior re-upholstered in
leather. Rick bought it back from Tom in 1999.
Photos: courtesy Dr. Zeiger and the
Cadillac-LaSalle Club
Car #23 was brought to my attention by its current owner who
kindly supplied a number of photos. BTW, the car looks to be in excellent condition.
The car is described thus in the ad "For Sale" on the CLC forum: Car
number 23, argent silver paint. This car has been with one California family until 1989,
when it was placed in a private collection. All service records back to 1959 authenticate
the mileage of 72,000 to be accurate. The condition of the car is outstanding. Original
paint with some area's spotted in on the top of the car. I suspect due to some fading, no
rust or accident history. Car has air suspension and A/C, cruise works. The interior is
very nice. Chrome bumpers and brightwork are also very nice. The lows: car will need air
suspension work, but I can take of that if need be [air pump] $19,500.00 If you are
interested, let me know or pass this info along. Late extra
[January, 2005]: the car has been acquired by long-time Brougham aficionado,
Jean-Claude Franchitti (58EB#479, 60EB#58 and
60EB#68).
Car #24 is in the collection of a friend in Ohio;
former owner was a Mr. Stearns. It is NOT for sale.
Car #25 was owned in the late
seventies by George Allgood of GA. George had a number of Broughams including
many parts cars (1957-58: 134, 174, 234, 249, 278, 330, 487, 494,
573 and 646. For 1959 he had this car and for 1960 car
#38, plus one other). It was owned also by Mr. Hickock.
Currently it is in the collection of a friend in Ohio. This car is for sale.
Car #26 was sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction in
Scottsdale, AZ, in 1997 [not 1996 as mentioned earlier], for $20,000; it was in original,
unrestored condition and had been ordered new by the Brinkerhoff Drilling Co., of Denver,
CO. Some time in its life this car apparently was repainted from the original color
[black] to silver gray metallic. A previous owner of the car (Carl E. Woodruff, III)
who contacted me in November, 1998, after seeing his former car listed in this section,
said he had seen no evidence of the car ever being black; so either it was a very
professional paint job, or the paint indication on the body tag [#110] is wrong. I
would lean towards the former solution. Mr. Woodruff III told me he had bought the car at
a Kruse auction in Volo, IL in October 1995 (the former owner was one Claude Koszuta of
Mundelein, IL). Mr. Woodruff sold the Brougham in 1997 to one Michael J. Kamen of
Los Angeles, CA. About the paint color, he said "I have been in the car business
for some 20 years; you have to be a real detective to detect such flaws. I wonder if its
original records are incorrect?" He added that the original warranty card issued
to the mining company was in the glove box when he bought the car. Late
Extra [6/2009]: This just in from a new owner: Just bought #26 [1959?] for $33k; the car is grey with grey interior;
it's a #3 car. Need info and manuals. please e-mail me if you have any restoration info or
stuff to buy. Thanks, Wolf.
Car #30 is one of a series
of 1959-1960 Brougham models owned by Canadian enthusiast Ed Pentesco with whom I
had the opportunity of chatting at length in March 1999 [his number was given to me by
another Canadian Eldorado admirer, Stephen Nadon]. I met Ed in Santa Clara, CA, some three
months later. Ed bought this car near Carson City, Nevada. It has undergone a
ground-up restoration. Late extra [9/2000]: Ed reports that he sold this car to an enthusiast in
Illinois. Late Late Extra:
the car was again for sale on e-Bay, in June 2002. The winning bid was
$24,301.11. Even Later: It
was offered for sale as lot #466 by the Kruse Group at their Spring venue, in Auburn, IN,
in 2001 where it was reported sold for $30,500. Even Later Still Extra: according to
collector-enthusiast Ron Susser, who wrote in January 2005, the car was sold again, in
2003, this time for "only" $29,000.
Car #34 has been located in Sweden by our favorite
Brougham detective there, Jerry Jannson. At this time [9/2003] the current owner,
Tomas, is restoring the car completely and has the body down to bare metal, revealing in
the process the fine craftsmanship of PF's panel beaters who adjusted all the body panels
perfectly with lead filler. Tomas provided Jerry with these [odd???] indications from the
car's body tag and plastic door post tag: Engine #5770-138934, Body #34, Color #110
[black], Trim #0001 [special order - see build-sheet for description]. The VIN given by
Tomas actually corresponds to 1957 Eldorado Brougham #322, which was painted
Nairobi Pearl (code #149), had light gray leather combined with white leather (code #158)
and mouton carpeting (code #2). In the BOA roster compiled in the mid-seventies by
owner-enthusiast Cy Strickler, from Georgia, and that serves as the basis for this chapter
of The (new) Cadillac Database©, the color code
given for 1959 Eldorado Brougham #34 is #118
[Deauville Gray] and the trim given is #1101 [gray stripe broadcloth with gray leather,
with black Karakul nylon carpeting]. The only car on the roster that matches the codes
given by Tomas (body color code #110 with SO trim code #0001) is car
#95. The plot thickens, as "Herlock Sholmes" might say. Latest [5/2009]: these two Hemmings ads from 1971 were
provided kindly by CLC member, Bill Refakis. Bill came across them while compiling
his roster of surviving 1959 Eldorado Biarritz models. Both ads relate to 1959
Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, Body #34. 1. [From Hemmings,
2/1971] 1959 CADILLAC Eldorado Brougham, low mileage red leather; black
outside; loaded inc. factory air; this car is on springs, new shocks; radial
tires; reg sinsp [???], ready to drive anywhere, make offer. PH: 915-755-3096, El Paso Tex, 3409 Garnet 79904, Dennis Blackstock. 2. [From Hemmings, 7/1971] FOR SALE;
1959 black Eldorado Brougham, body made in Italy, only 99 made, body No. 34,
original interior, red leather, black carpets, 33,000 miles, air suspension good,
needs painting,
$2,000. Dennis Blackstock, 3409 Garnet, El Paso, Texas 79904.
PH: 915-755-3096 [note
that all the underlined text in both ads is my own emphasis]. We are not much
further forward in piercing the mystery of this car; the vendor asserts that the car has
read leather trim ...but was this added later? Factory records show the original trim to
have been gray striped broadcloth and gray leather. In his first ad, the vender asserts
that the car is on springs but in the later one he says air suspension good.
What we really need, Tomas, are photos of the body tag and the interior of the car when
you bought it. These will show if the seat pattern corresponds to a factory original
design. When you stripped the car, were there any traces of gray paint beneath the black
exterior? ,
Car #35 used green leather for the seats [code
#127] - changed to gray during a subsequent restoration - and had also a green carpet
instead of gray (the trunk also is lined with bright green material); the body tag shows
special order trim [#0002]; the balance of the trim is gray leather [code #122].
This car also has Cadillac "Sabre" wheels from 1957-58 in lieu of the turbine
vane wheel covers common to all Eldorado models in 1959 and 1960. In an old file I found a
note to the effect that this car was for sale (in the seventies?) for $45K; the phone
number listed then was (508) 756-7889; it was subsequently offered for sale in Hemmings,
in April, 1998. I spoke to the owner, in March 1999, who said it had reportedly come
from the estate of General Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower. The person who sold
the car still retains some papers belonging to it. It was subsequently advertised
for sale on e-Bay by the Kruse auction group in July-August, 2001 [they listed the VIN #
as AV7957832 (???) instead of 59P005373]; the bidding never went over $7,600. Late Extra (from the new owner, Paul J. Burt, September
2001): "I purchased Car #35 from a Massachusetts dealer by the name of Bob Ward.
The car is rather amazing. I'd like to communicate with you what I have observed about it
so that you may update your database. Also, am trying to determine if the car did
belong to Ike Eisenhower. Wouldn't Cadillac know this? [sorry, Paul, Cadillac does
not have this kind of info] Bob Ward tells me that the previous owner's son can obtain
the documentation, but is giving everyone the runaround. I bought the car assuming it is
NOT a famous car. It's all original, does have light green leather interior and dark
blue exterior (what do they call this?) and is in very good condition [three
different shades of blue were offered in 1959, Paul, but this car was originally painted
black (code #110)]. Runs great and shows 45K on the odometer." Later [11/2007]: (info from enthusiast Ron Wilson, in
Australia): Mr. Burt has offered his car for sale on the Hemmings web site [in late
August, 2007?]; it is described thus: 1959
Cadillac Eldorado Brougham by Pininfarina, #35 of 99, dark blue over green, leather, low
orig. miles, not a show car but a good driver & very rare, Eldo motor, custom bodywork
from Italy, currently features Eldo [sabre] wheels, not hubcaps, air suspension
in place & functioning, The Burt Collection, $27,500, negotiable. 847-894-5700, IL.
$27,500. Latest [6/2009]: The car
was offered on Ebay with a starting bid of $27,500; the highest bid was $32,100 ... which
did NOT meet the vendor's reserve.
Far right: this Brougham has
non-original, Alcoa Sabre-spoke wheels
[Photos: courtesy of Paul J. Burt, owner]
[ Images in the above 2 rows: Burt Collection web
site ]
Car #41 was owned in the late seventies by Jim
Hansen of Alta Loma, CA. At that time, Jim owned also 1958 Brougham #490. LATE EXTRA (February, 2003):
Brougham enthusiast Dirk Van Dorst of Belgium reported that this one is now located in
Melbourne, Australia. Tim Stevens, a Brougham enthusiast from Melbourne - but living in
Belgium - is familiar with this car (as well as with 1957 Brougham #185, 1958 Brougham #551, and 1960
Broughams #32, #70, #73 and #99,
all owned by the same person). Tim says this car is in "reasonably restorable
condition" (check it out in the photos, below, that Tim kindly supplied).
Left: forlorn princess lies in an open shed in a
Melbourne suburb; she awaits a brave and wealthy prince
Center: there are obviously some good parts here (like the grille and bumpers), but
it needs a LOT of work
Right: No tail lights; good luck trying to find a good, second-hand pair !
Left: Chalked on the rear window, "1959 -
RARE"! Yes, indeed! Finding a replacement front window won't be easy
Center: Rear roof and quarter panel; look in the rear compartment, bits of a 1959-60 Eldorado
wheel cover are visible
Right: Tim took this photo to show how the LH lower fender (which is actually a
part of the front clip, is detached from the cowl;
the body is reported to be straight but needs to be totally stripped, primed and
painted: $5,000 for starters!
Center: As in many Cadillacs of this vintage, the
horn ring is broken and missing: $500 for a new one!
Right: This is the rear parcel shelf; a new 1959-60 Eldorado wheel cover
may be seen: $2000 for a full set!
Car #42 was purchased new by the President of the
Lone Star Brewing Co. in San Antonio, TX. It was offered for sale by auction on the
Internet in October 2002, after having been in dry storage since 1987. The paint was
described as "tired and cracking" and the interior as "not bad". The
car is (was) located in Easton, PA. It did not sell; bidding ended at $11,500. Late Extra (January, 2003): Belgian Brougham
"sleuth" Dirk Van Dorst has got information from Melbourne, Australia, that this
car was purchased recently for $17,000 by a 1959 Cadillac collector in Germany (original
asking price was apparently $17,500). For the sake of clarity, let me add that although
the information about this car came from Tim Stevens, in Australia, the car is actually
located in Germany, owned there by Torsten Loth.
[ Photos: Internet, 10/2002 ]
[ Photo: Grand Euro ]
All 1959-90 Eldorado Broughams have dual ID
plates like these; the one on the right
is from the Cadillac Division of GM Corporation that designed and built the component
parts of the car;
the one on the left is the Pinin Farina identification plate showing that the car
was assembled in Turin, Italy
[ Photo: © 2008 and courtesy of Dirk Van Dorst ]
Car #43 was last reported [2000] in the United
Kingdom; in 1993 it was owned by Cliff Graubard, then by Don Turkletop, in 1996; the
odometer reading was around 37,000 miles in 1993; this car is reported to be in excellent
condition. The photo at the right was taken in Belgium in the Spring of 1998 by Rik
Gruwez, administrator of the Cadillac Mailing List (CML) I saw this one advertised
for sale for the first time in "Cars and Parts"
in the early seventies. The vendor was one Otto W. Zylstra of Bellevue, in
Washington state (the ad had caught my attention because, at the time, I was living in
Bellevue, Switzerland). According to the ad, the car had just got a new
transmission, new tires and new upholstery. The price? $2,000. Yes ...eat your
hearts out! Late Extra [5/2002]: from Jerry Jansson, Sweden: the car may have recently changed hands
again. It is mentioned on the Web site of the Cadillac-LaSalle; Club of Great Britain:
http://www.cocgb.dircon.co.uk/memcars3.htm
A prize winner in England, her new home
[ ID plates, photo: © 2008 and courtesy Dirk
Van Dorst ]
A rare site anywhere: twin surviving 1959 Eldorado
Broughams together, in one spot, at one time;
these are #42 and 43, photographed at the 2008 European Grand National Cadillac meet in
Speyer, Germany in 2008
[ Photo: © 2008 and courtesy Dirk Van Dorst ]
Here's that RARE PAIR again, at the same meet
In front (both photos): #42, belonging to Torsten Loth, Germany)
Behind it (both photos): #43 belonging top Graham Saggers (UK)
RH Photo: Graham's car is on the left, Torsten's on the right
[ Photos © 2008 and courtesy CML members, Mike Josephic and Dirk Van Dorst ]
Car #44 is in the collection of a friend in Ohio;
former owner was a Mr. Ollier (Pierre ? - the GM stylist). It is for sale.
Car #45 was brought to my attention by aficionado
James Wood who saw it advertised for sale in a specialty auto magazine
[www.traderonline.com]; the asking price is $8,500. It is described as a rose-colored
car. The paint code James has provided [#144] corresponds to Sandalwood (a tan-beige
hue); this is the correct paint code for this car, as listed by the factory. As to the
trim code [#152] there is no such code for 1959; records indicate that EB #45 had
trim code #115 [beige plain broadcloth combined with beige leather] to match the exterior
color. James says the current owner has had the car garaged for twelve years.
According to the visible wear and tear, obviously it sat exposed for some time, he
says. The car seems complete; the wiring and engine compartment look good; the paint is
flaky all over and the vinyl top (???) is shredding; the upholstery is dirty; there is a
dent in one door but the body seems sound; the rear side bumper, tail light housing is
crooked. The owner has a pink slip in the name of Richard Smothers, although this car
purportedly belonged to Sophia Loren. The CA black license plate # is NAZ831. The
owner has also another 1959 EB but no information [no body number] currently is available.
Anyone interested in buying EB #45 may call this
number: (650) 363-8520. Late Extra:
this just came in from the current owner of the car: I have a 1959 Eldorado Brougham #45; it is for sale and in California. It needs
complete restoration but the car is complete. The car was first owned by Sophia Loren and
then she sold it to Richard Smothers of the Smothers Brothers. The car is actually still
in his name (never been switched over); I have the pink slip with his name on it. The car
is red with a white leather top. I have heard that not too many cars came with this
combination. It also has leather/cloth seats which I have never seen in a Brougham. It has
been stored for 25 years in inside storage. It has not been started in that many years.
$8,500 OBO e-Mail Bonzi442@aol.com for more info or
just call 650 363-8520. Thanks Chris. Late-Late Extra [3/2002]
Chris has advised me that the car has found a new home. Let's hope the new owner will make
contact soon. I'd like to add here a picture of the car in addition to the interior.
As you can see, the seat design of this 1959 Brougham
is not original
[Photo: courtesy Chris Bonzani, former owner]
Car #46 was owned at one time by a Mr. Gault, as
well as by a friend of mine in Ohio. It was later owned and restored by Ed Pentesco of
Ontario, Canada, who had acquired it from Don Chaffin, a used car dealer in
Kentucky. Ed completed the restoration in October 1999. He sold the car in
September 2000 to an enthusiast in California. According to one prior owner, this car was
offered for sale at a Kruse auction, in Scottsdale, AZ, in January, 2001 (lot #391; it was
reported to have been sold for $6500 in "good condition". Late
extra [June, 2008]: the car has surfaced again. It is in safe
hands, although it has not been tended too for a few years. Here are the latest
pics. Latest [4/2009]: the car has changed
hands one more time. The vendor told me it was going overseas, to a customer of his who
expressed the wish to remain anonymous.
[ Photos (preceding two rows): © 2009, and courtesy
Charlie Kuhn ]
Car #47 Was owned at one time by a Mr.Paulson, as
well as by a friend of mine in Ohio. It is now [Nov., 2004] in Australia. This one was not
previously included in the roster of survivors. I got this piece of news from
Aussie enthusiast, Greg Short who said (in August 2004): Michael (the owner) wasn't
sure whether it was number 46 or 47. The Database says that #46 was restored to
"driver" status a few years ago, after moving from Kentucky to Canada and
back to California. I don't think that this one is number 46 as I'm sure it's a
fairly original car that needs a total resto. Michael says that it is from
Arizona. Anyway, it should arrive in 5-6 weeks and I will certainly check it out
when it gets here and verify its body number. Late Extra [November, 2004]: Greg got back in touch to confirm that
the car is #47. Imported by a Melbourne dealer, it was sold on the day it arrived
down under. Greg said: Yes, it is
1959 No. 47 and was apparently driven into a garage somewhere in the States in 1986
[my friend in Ohio ?] and parked, until now. Apparently, it is a complete, unmolested
car that requires cosmetic restoration. I don't have any other information at the moment,
but will keep in contact as one of the '60 Broughams from this collection has also been
sold and will soon be going to a new home. Late late
extra [10/2005]: the car was offered up for sale at auction, on EBay. The
starting bid was set at AU$20K. Bidding ended at AU$20.1K; it did not meet the reserve!
Car #50 was owned in the late
seventies by Gary Thompson of Amherstburg, Ontario in Canada. At that time, Gary
owned also 1957 Brougham #421.
Car #51 had 76,000 miles
on the odometer in 1976; it was reported as needing only minor body work and paint.
Well, I learned from Ed Pentesco [see cars #30 and #46, above]
that he bought the "remains" of this one also from Don Chaffin in
Kentucky; it is so deteriorated as to preclude its ever being restored. This
car was actually offered to me by its former owner, David Hanson, in the Canal Zone, back
in the early seventies. Ed mentioned that the car carried three tags when he bought
it (two from the Canal Zone - dated 1972 and 1978 - and another from Florida, I believe).
The underside of the car is completely rotted out. Well, I'm happy I didn't
buy it in that (basket case) condition! Late
Extra: in June 2002 I got this additional info from Ted
Grill in Florida, a long-time friend and collector of 1959 Cadillacs [all models
included]: I was just checking out your site and it's great. I was looking
through your '59 Brougham section. You have 2 photos of a black one under #51 that says
you got those photos from Dave Hanson in the seventies. That car belonged to me from
1982-98. I bought the car out of NJ from Matt Ballister. Those photos were taken in front
of my store in 1983 [sorry I got my facts wrong, Ted!] That car was sold to Ron
Paules in York, Pa. I have a nicer black one that I bought from Bob [Waldock?] three years
ago. Not a big deal but just thought that I'd tell you. I'm not 100% sure but it was
either car # 51 or 53. I could look up some records and find it if you'd like.When I get
time I'll look through your site some more [it seems possible, therefore, that the two
color photos, below show car #53 - let me know if you find out for sure, Ted]. Latest [12/2005]: enthusiast Ed Pentesco who resides
in Canada confirmed that this car was parted out and scrapped in October, 2003. One
down, 98 to go!
I got these photos from David Hanson in the early
seventies; at that time the car still looked good!
Could this really be the same car, 30 years later ???
[ Photos: © 2003, and courtesy of Ed Pentesco ]
Car #53 was seen at Hershey,
October 1999, by Ed Pentesco, admirer and owner of many 1959-60 Broughams. The
car is the same color as Ed's 1959 car #30. The owner of this
one is Ron's Classic Cars and Parts, York, PA. The asking price at the corral was
$29,900. Ed did not rate the car's condition. I think these photos are of 59EB#53 (if not,
please let me know). Does that placard in front of the car ring a bell, anybody ? Update: from Jean-Claude Franchitti [1/2004] (58EB#479, 59EB#23, 60EB#58 and 60EB#68):
the car belongs to BOA members Robert and Judith Falcone of Baldwinsville, NY.
Thanks J-C. Late Extra [May, 2004]: the car was
offered for sale on Hemmings' Internet site. The ad reads: 1959 CADILLAC Eldorado
Brougham: Rarest and most expensive Cadillac ever built! Only 99 were hand-built by
Pininfarina [sic] in Turin, Italy. Complete professional restoration in 2000. Won
2nd Place in Primary Class at 2002 Cadillac Grand Nationals. Stored in climate controlled
building, driven on sunny days, magnificent! $49,000. Bob Falcone, 315-638-3353, NY. The
car was offered again for sale in the February 2005 issue of the Self Starter;
the price was down to $39,000. Latest [November, 2009]:
I have it from enthusiast Shannon Sigler from San Diego, CA, that the car is being offered
for sale by Hyman, Ltd., St. Louis. Price is back up to $57,500.
[ Photo: Cover of BOA Newsletter, Vol. 13, #1 ]
Car #56 [NEW, 7/2008] was reported as
a survivor by an enthusiast in California. He said: I
have some info on '59 Brougham #56 not currently listed in
the directory. It was a 1-owner Southern CA car with about 70k miles when it
was purchased in the 80's. White [original] with light blue cloth interior
[original] and mouton carpets [original]. The car was sold to a
gentleman in Texas back in about 1998. It was in need of a complete restoration at that
time.
[ no images ]
Car #57 was acquired in the
mid-eighties by François Laurent, a friend of mine in Paris, France; he was so keen to
get one that he sold the other four Cadillacs in his collection to raise the money; but he
got into financial difficulty and subsequently sold the car to the Robert Keyaerts
Cadillac Museum at Langeais, in Touraine, France. Three photos below were supplied
kindly by Steve Ansquer, son of Jean-Claude, a long-time Cadillac acquaintance of mine
[top pic, 2nd row at far right and 3rd row also at far right]; these (and others) show
François' former car on some Paris streets, circa 1989 ...a rarer sight than the Eiffel
tower, believe me! BTW, this car was brought to my attention also, in July 2008, by
the same enthusiast who told me about car #56, above.
However, he heard it was white with a full, red leather interior. Obviously there is
confusion here with another Brougham.
The car is featured in this "movie set"
inside the Keyaerts Museum in Touraine, France (right)
Car #60 was owned in the late seventies by James
Crosby, of Englewood, CO. At that time, William owned also 1958 Brougham #657.
Car #64 used red leather for the seats and the
instrument panel cover, combined with gray mouton carpeting; since it is the only ’59
built with a red leather interior, I assume that this is the same car I saw advertised for
sale in El Paso, Texas, in 1971. At that time it had 34,000 miles on the clock; it was
described as being "black outside", although factory records show it to
have been originally painted white.
Car #66 [ERRONEOUS ENTRY - SEE CAR #12, ABOVE !!!] was
reported in Norway, by its new owner, Rune Lie, in Levanger; he says he has rebuilt the
car; it was completed in May 2000. He imported it from San Francisco where he acquired it
in Nov. 98 [this car was advertised for sale for $17,500 in the CLC Self Starter
in June, 1996]. It is a "one-owner car", formerly the property of a
Mr. Louis Geoffrison. It has 83K miles and "shines like a bride" that he loves
very much. On his first car show in May 2000, the Brougham took first place.
[ Small photo: courtesy Jerry Jannson, Sweden ]
Car #67 was reported sold at auction by the
Cadillac dealer in Des Moines, Idaho, some time back for around $20K. This information was
supplied to me in March, 1999, by Ed Pentesco [cars #30 and #46]. In February 2000 I learned that the car was still
located in Iowa; it was again for sale (on the Internet) for $24,000. The
vendor had this to say, inter alia: In remarkable
condition with only 63,000 original miles, this excellent original survivor was originally
sold to the owner of Hubacher Cadillac in Sacramento, California. In the
mid-1970s, ownership was transferred to Betts Cadillac of Des Moines, Iowa.
Since 1959 this historically important vehicle has had only three owners, two of which
were Cadillac dealers/collectors. The third and current owner acquired the car in August
1998. The car has black exterior and black interior, is said to be 100 percent original
and in outstanding condition (including all the glass, chrome and trim). According
to the factory build-sheet, this car originally had the blue cloth and blue leather
interior trim, with mouton fur carpeting [trim code #1132]; now, however, it is all black
leather; so obviously the interior was re-upholstered somewhere along the line.
Photos: courtesy David Dubie, Scottsdale, AZ
and the CLC Self Starter
Dave Dubie, Director Emeritus of the Cadillac-LaSalle Club, Sonoran Desert
Region in Scottsdale, AZ, informed me that he had acquired the car in 1999. He added
this info in March 2000: body #067, VIN59P041236, trim-#1132 (black mouton sheepskin
carpet), paint #110 (ebony), mileage: 63109, "A" Box - certified.
Documents show the car to have been owned by two Cadillac dealers for the last 25+ years;
it has been lovingly cared for. This is a very low mileage, original example. On the
build sheet dated January 12, 1959 we learn that the car was delivered initially to the
San Francisco zone dealer; it was registered to Hubacher Cadillac/Sacramento from 1971 to
1983, then to Betts Cadillac, Des Moines, IO, from 1984 to 1998. This Brougham
currently [2000] has a fraction over 63000 miles. One particular feature of
this car, that I have not seen on any other Eldorado Brougham [see car #45, above, Dave], is its so-called black "tuxedo
top" (a vinyl top such as seen on the Eldorado Seville models of 1956 through
1960). I have no idea if this was factory installed or put on later in the car's
life.
Late [tragic] news: the car was almost
totally destroyed when it blew off a trailer while being hauled by Dave to a show; as he
told me later, very philosophically, "it could have been much worse; luckily my son
and I got out of the wreck unscathed" [two down, 97 to go!]. Dave told me
in April, 2007, that the "wreck"was located in new York. It is not known
if its current owner will attempt a restoration or just keep the car for parts.
Car #69 was for sale in Germany in the Fall of
1999 [tips from Jo Thewissen, Voerendaal, Holland and Gerald Loidl,
Austria]. Jo informed me about an ad in the December 1998 issue of Markt,
the German classic car magazine, where the Cadillac Museum in Hachenburg in Germany was
offering a '59 Eldorado Brougham for sale; the car is owned by Mr. Müller,
of Müller & Hensel [I believe I saw that car offered for sale already a couple
of years ago]. The advertised price is DM 39.000, which I reckon is around $19,000.
The car is located at the museum. According to Gerald Loidl, a friend from Austria
who has seen the car, it needs a LOT of work. The body is straight and rust free but it
needs new paint; all the chrome has to be done and the interior needs some attention. The
air suspension leaks and some of the power items are o/s (e.g. rear windows). Late Extra (February, 2003): Brougham detective Jerry
Jansson of Sweden reports that a Swedish car dealer is interested in this car; he is going
to inspect in Germany. If it changes hands, we will let you know. By the way, Jerry says
if the dealer gets the car, he wants to "trade it even" for Jerry's 1959 Eldorado
Seville, since he (the dealer) owned it back in the 80s. He wants to give it to his
son as a birthday present. At that age, I got a bicycle from my Dad ! Late Late Extra [June, 2004]: apparently the Swedish
deal did not go through; a year later, the car was offered for sale on eBay [item
#2481560667]; it was described as one of 31 survivors (read "42 survivors"). Latest (12/2005): the car has changed hands; it
currently belongs to enthusiast Peter Haertel, in Germany [1958 EB #535],
who will now restore it.
[ Photo: Internet, 2000 ]
Car #74 was owned in the late seventies by Edmond
d'Ottavio of New York, NY, and subsequently by a friend of mine in Ohio. This was
one of two '59 EBs offered for sale on e-Bay [the other is car #91,
below]. Both need complete restoration. Each still has the vast majority of
Brougham-only parts (badges, clocks, interior metal trim, special bumpers, hood ornaments,
side trim, and most importantly the windshield and rear glass. One still had the Tri-Power
unit, the other has a single 4-bbl carb. Both cars are still on air. There is a fair
amount of surface rust [what is "fair" about rust ???] including rust holes in
quarter panels, fender skirts, bottoms of doors etc. All doors open which, according to
the vendor, is a good sign on '59 Broughams. Interiors - are complete but need total
restoration. Dashes, seats etc all need recovering. The owner, who lives outside
London, England, is believed to have TWO MORE 1959 Eldorado Broughams under restoration
[body numbers not known]. In his descriptive ad for the car, on e-Bay, the vendor asserts:
I guarantee you will never see another of these again on eBay - or anywhere else
because this is the only remaining triple-white 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham in
existence. I can say that with complete confidence, as I believe only TWO of this color
combination were ever built [ he is right!] and I have both! A tiny production
run of just 99 of this legendary vehicle were made. The body assembly was done in Turin,
Italy by Pininfarina making these even more desirable. Most have been destroyed over the
past 43 years, and as I am offering a restoration package of TWO of these cars, this is
probably about 10% of all those remaining in the world!! [Actually, at this writing,
10% would be 4.2 cars!] I am assuming these cars will go to a serious collector, so I
don't need to describe them too much as you know what you are buying, but just as a brief
indicator these cars cost ALMOST TWICE the price of the next most expensive Cadillac of
1959, the equally-desirable 59 Eldorado Biarritz. Also they were more expensive than the
contemporary Rolls-Royce which was unheard of at the time. For this reason, Eldorado
Broughams were exclusively owned by the extremely wealthy - movie stars and tycoons. Many
have a fascinating history. They came with every conceivable option - too much to list but
including full leather interior [cloth was also an available option], Autronic
Eye headlamp dipper, cruise control, air conditioning, six-way power seats, all power
windows (including front AND REAR vents!) [the latter were standard on my 1964
"Fleetwood Sixty Special"!], air suspension, special triple-Rochester carbs
known as Tri-power giving over 300 BHP. Late Extra,
February 2003: Brougham sleuth, Jerry Jansson from Sweden reports that both these
cars have been acquired this month, for $6,500, by Mr. Kjell Kraakmo (owner also of 1957
Brougham #80). They will go to Trondheim, in Norway. He will
keep the better of the two. The other will go to Kurt Bergseth (owner also of 1958
Brougham #438). Kurt recently (2003) acquired on e-Bay (for
$900!) an Evans vanity compact for the 1957-58 Eldorado Brougham; it was described as
"mint" even though the essential "V" was missing (I wonder if it could
have been a reproduction item ?!?!). He is also the high bidder on another such compact on
e-Bay that had a "Buy it Now" price tag of $2500 !!! Late
Late Extra, April, 2004: enthusiast Kjell Kraakmo of Norway informs me that
this car has now been sold by Kurt and has gone to Sweden. Brougham fanatic, Jerry
Jansson, confirms that this one too is currently (2004) awaiting restoration at Autocraft
in Vikarbyn.
I can't wait to see pictures of this one after the
restoration is completed; it takes
a dose of courage, expertise and doubtless a FAT wallet to take on a job like this
[ Photos (above two rows) : © and courtesy Jerry
Jansson ]
Car #75 currently [summer
2000] is located in central NY state; it was for sale but appears to have found a
buyer. I had advised potential buyers to beware as this car was reported stolen in
1995. The sheriff's department was said to be still investigating the case in
Nov. 1998)1. Late
Extra [6/2000] An anonymous Database user left this comment in the Guest Book: "...
a check with New York State Department of Motor Vehicles shows the car to be clean i.e.
not being disputed as stolen, as Mr. De Palmer [De Palma?] sold it finally to a
person he offered it to, who eventually sold it to me. Upon seeing your comments on said
vehicle we went to the N.Y.S.D.M.V. and had it checked, as I said earlier their records
showed it to be clean and no record of any problems, i.e stolen or disputed ownership.
Late Extra [7/2000]
Despite my phone conversations in 1995 with a person claiming to be an insurance appraiser
investigating the alleged theft of this car and, later, in 1998-99, with the FBI and
the New York State Police, the new owner informs me that his car has been confirmed to be
100% clean by both the New York State Police, the NY Department of Motor Vehicles and the
insurance companies who issued policies on this car in the last almost ten years. CONCLUSION: it appears that someone has been pulling someone else's leg!
[ Photos: Courtesy new CLC member,
"Frank", 6/2009 ]
Car #77 was owned at one time by a Mr. Mitchell,
as well as by a friend of mine in Ohio, this car's whereabouts were unknown since the
mid-70s. Late extra [Feb., 2010]: owner-enthusiast,
Ron Schweitzer of Chicago, came across this one for sale on eBay. It appears to be still
in relatively good condition (as may be seen in the photos, below, and in the eBay
vendor's description. Later [November, 2010]:
the car waas advertised for sale on Craig's list for $4,500! Probably a mistake
(missing one "0"?). Late Extra (January 2011):
enthusiast Rickard Peterson of Sweden just eMailed to say that the car was "alive and
well", in Sweden, where he took some photos of it. I have asked Rickard to
provide any additional details about the car's new ownership.
[ Photos: eBay, 2/2010 ]
Car #81 was known to be a survivor, back in the
early 70s but its precise whereabouts were not known at the time. Late
Extra (6/2011): the car reappeared on Ebay in June 2011 and was apparently sold
for $32,000. More info and photos to follow.
Car #83 was at one time in the collection of a
friend in Ohio; the former owner was a Mr. McLaughlin. Current whereabouts or condition
not known
Car #85 has no paint code listed; trimmed in white
leather with black nylon carpet, the exterior could have been any color.
Car #87 was owned by Dave Towell Cadillac, of
Akron, Ohio, in 1978. Another former owner was a Mr. Blaine. Currently it is in the
collection of a friend in Ohio. It is NOT for sale.
Car #91 was owned at one time by a Mr. Boe, as
well as by a friend of mine in Ohio. This is one of two offered for sale on e-Bay [the
other is car #74, above]. Both need complete
restoration. Each still has the vast majority of Brougham-only parts (badges, clocks,
interior metal trim, special bumpers, hood ornaments, side trim, and most importantly the
windshield and rear glass. One still had the Tri-Power unit, the other has a single 4-bbl
carb. Both cars are still on air. There is a fair amount of surface rust [what is
"fair" about rust ???] including rust holes in quarter panels, fender skirts,
bottoms of doors etc. All doors open which, according to the vendor, is a good sign on '59
Broughams. Interiors are complete but need total restoration. Dashes, seats etc all need
recovering. The owner, who lives near London, in England, is believed to own TWO MORE 1959
Broughams that he is currently restoring. For the latest
information on this one, check the entry for car #74,
above.
[ Photo: Internet, 8/2002 ]
Car #92 was owned in the late seventies by John
Miller of Natick, NY. At that time he owned also 1957-58 Broughams #105, 199 and 305, as well as 1960 Broughams
#22, 75 and 97. It was owned
also by a Mr. Ollier (Pierre ? - GM stylist) and acquired subsequently by a friend of mine
in Ohio. This one is for sale.
Car #95 is in the collection of a friend in Ohio;
the former owner was a Mr. King. This car combined trim codes #119 and #125, both of which
are 1959-60 trim combinations (?); the first is covert plain broadcloth with covert
leather; the second is sandalwood leather. BTW, the car is NOT for sale.
Car #96 was formerly owned by a Mr. Pessalano and
subsequently by a friend of mine in Ohio. It was listed for sale in the CLC Self
Starter issue for April, 2002; it had a reported 30K miles on the odometer and the
asking price was $35K. I believe it was sold. The interior trim was custom ordered in
black and white leather; the instrument panel cover, armrests and seat inserts
were trimmed in black leather [I had this one listed in error as a parts car until
4/2002].
At the owner's request, I had not previously shown
these photos
[ Photos: © 1994, Yann Saunders ]
Car #98 is a parts car
owned by Ed Pentesco of Ontario, Canada. According to my friend Jean-Michel Roux]
this, and the next one, were once owned by Jean-Claude Ansquer, a Frenchman and part-time
dealer in Cadillacs of the late fifties; J-C moved to California in the late
seventies. I exchanged letters with him many years ago, when he still lived in
France and was dreaming already of moving to the USA [three down and 96 to
go!] .
Car #99 was once owned by '59 Cadillac
enthusiast Jean-Claude Ansquer [see also #98, above].
I have included it here as a survivor although it "evolved" into a parts car,
like #98, as may be seen in the photos, below. It was a part
of the Brougham inventory of Ed Pentesco, who bought it from Don Chaffin.
Ed confirmed in 2005 that the car was totally parted out and scrapped in September,
2003 [four down and 95 to go!] .
[ These photos: © 1987, Jean-Claude and Steve
Ansquer ]
What a shame! And it cost so MUCH, in 1959 !
[ These photos: © 2003, and courtesy of Ed Pentesco ]
Dramatically and classically beautiful, the
Eldorado Brougham presents an entirely new concept of motor car excellence. Its exclusive
design and construction offer the highest expression of luxurious Fleetwood custom
coachcrafting. The poise and bearing of the Eldorado Brougham ... its elegance and
refinement are certain to place it among man’s most prideful of all material
possessions. Here indeed, is a motor car with distinction, grace and dignity that reflects
... far more powerfully than words ... the stature of those for whom it was created [1959
Cadillac Data Book]
Other "unidentified" cars
# ..... was advertised for sale in the CLC's
Self Starter magazine in April, 1984. The owner, Dave Walch Farms, Inc. of
Gladstone, MI, was offering a collection of FIFTY Cadillacs from 1936 through 1973,
including this 1959 and another Eldorado Brougham from 1957; the latter two cars
were described as "beautiful". But before getting too excited about these two
cars, check out the "Fact or Fiction" story by CLC member, Bruce Berghof, in the
Self Starter for October, 2003 !
# ..... and #..... and #..... and #..... and ..... [etc.]
Seventeen out of the ninety-nine rare 1959 Eldorado Brougham models are
(were, in 1994) in the possession of a single collector in Ohio who has asked to remain
anonymous. Three of them [at least] are in excellent condition; the remainder are in
various stages of repair or are being saved for parts. The body numbers have not been
released at this time. This collector, whom I met for the first time in 1978 when he was
just a teenager with a big dream, has been collecting 1959 Cadillacs with a passion, for a
quarter century. When I last visited him, in 1994, he had acquired already one each
of all the 1959 Eldorado model in all the catalog colors. My friend Jerry Jansson
wrote from Sweden, in August 2002 and sent this ad [probably posted by this Ohio
collector]: FOR SALE CADILLACS: 1959 ELDORADO Broughams, I have 10 of the 99 built for
sale, parts cars, on up. 419-627-2434, OH.
Two lovely survivors are shown here (top row, left)
as are also three
potentially restorable ones (top row, right and lower row)
[ Photos: © 1994, Yann Saunders ]
# ..... One 1959 Brougham was offered for
sale by Mike Rizzuto, in late 1999, for $7500. It was said to need a complete restoration.
# .....One 1959 Brougham was offered for
sale in 1986 by Bill Pozzi, then President of the Brougham Owners' Club (BOC);
this one was blue and included the original owner's manual.
# ..... One 1959 Brougham on sale at
Hershey, PA, in 2002. Despite the way it looks in the photo, the condition was very poor
according to Cadillac enthusiast Dirk Van Dorst of Belgium. It was gussied up to look good
but Dirk says it would have been better left untouched.
# ..... One 1959 Brougham photographed at
the 2003 CLC Grand National. License tag reads "CRUISES 8". It is possibly one
of the cars listed in this section - who can provide the body number?
# ..... One 1959 Brougham with black California
tags, "BPP192"; this one is probably already listed. Does anyone recognize it?
________________________________________
1 The insurance
appraiser who called me in 1997 said that Car #75 was
reported stolen from a private property in Rome, New York, in 1995. Unfortunately I
mislaid the name of that insurance appraiser as well as the company he claimed to
represent. The car was sold in the early sixties by a Mr. Fred Ross to a Mr.
Kopcheck, who stored it for many years in a barn ...from which it is alleged to
have"disappeared" in 1995. I had all but forgotten about the car when I
received BOA's Fall '98 Newsletter, Vol. 10, #3 and noticed a 1959 Eldorado Brougham
for sale in central NY state, not too far, in fact, from where the alleged theft had
occurred. Curiosity had me call the listed number. I spoke to the
owner and I was only half-surprised to learn that his '59 Brougham was
indeed car #75. I did not mention to him that I had
heard this car had been reported stolen. Through the FBI, I was able to get in touch
with the NY State Police and I have spoken a number of times with the investigator in
charge. He was to call me back but never did. I guess his investigation turned up
nothing suspicious.
1960
[54 cars, i.e. 53.5%]
001, 002, 004, 005, 008, 016
[or 064], 017, 018, 021,
022, 023, 024, 025, 026, 028, 029, 032, 034, 035, 038, 041,
042, 043, 044, 046, 047, 048,
049, 051, 052, 054, 055, 058, 060, 061, 063, 066, 067, 068, 069,
070, 072, 073, 075, 077, 079, 080, 081, 083, 085, 086, 087, 088, 089,
091, 092, 093, 094, 095, 096, 097, 099,
100.
Car #1 was the New York auto show car; it was last
seen in Virginia, in 1978. It was owned at that time by Charles Daout of Chesapeake.
Charles owned also 1959 Brougham #3 and 1960 Brougham
#95.
Car #2 has survived; there was an entry in Feb.,
2001, in the former Cadillac Database Guest Book [which I was compelled to scrap
when it became too easy a target for pernicious purveyors of porn!]. The
writer said he knew that car and had worked on it years earlier; he wrote: #2
1960 Eldorado Brougham I believe has been owned by an individual in Ann Arbor, MI.
It has been in his possession for many years. He purchased it from an owner in California.
White with black leather interior [the original interior was blue]. Late extra [June, 2003]: according to my friend Jerry
Jansson, of Sweden, who keeps an even more watchful eye than me over all Eldorado
Brougham movements, this car is currently available for sale. It is described as
"very solid" but "needing paint". The asking price is $14,000 and the
vendor, Bob Jones, may be reached by phone at #734-769-5812 (yes, the car is in
Michigan). Later [December, 2003]: from
enthusiast and Brougham owner, Damon Lenszner in the UK (57EB #130):
ELDORADO: 1960 Brougham, solid 44,000 miles, #2 of 101, rare white car needing paint,
cosmetics, $18,900; many 1938-1988 Cadillac parts, call for list. PH/FAX: 330-544-0242,
OH. So the car appears to have gone from Michigan to Ohio ...and increased in
value, on the way, by $5,000 ! Even later [June, 2004]:
I saw this one advertised in Hemmings with an Ohio phone number. Later
still [August 2005]: the car was advertised for sale on eBay; it was bid up to
$12,600 but did not meet the reserve. The vendor described it thus: This car was one of 100 [actually 101] designed
in Italy by Pinin Farina [it was actually designed by Fleetwood and only
"assembled" by PF]. This Eldorado Brougham , body number 2, was originally
sold in Phoenix, Arizona. The sticker price was $13,075.00, the original selling dealer
sold the car for $12,000.00. The car had been in Arizona and the southern
California are until 1980. Since then, the car was kept in storage in Michigan undergoing
restoration. A NOS windshield was installed in 1981, this was purchased from an
obsolete LOF parts warehouse in Boston, Massachusetts. The engine compartment
and the front suspension have been rebuilt and/or painted and detailed, carbs rebuilt-
however the float is hung up on the center carb; for this reason the car cannot be driven.
In 1990 the original air suspension was replaced with conventional coil springs. At that
time the car sat outside at the service facility and the paint crazed and flaked off in
some areas. The car was quickly repainted. All the body moldings and Brougham
emblems are solid brass and held on with threaded fasteners, no clips. The windshield and
rear window moldings are brass, hard shouldered in the corners and chrome plated. The
weight of the car is 5,650 pounds. It has excellent and correct triple w/w general
tires. The chrome is straight and beautiful. The car is rust free, and one of only
100 [101] produced with Pinin Farina body. It has 45,000 miles,
runs [vendor previously says: the car cannot be driven"] ,
excellent chrome, new windshield, fully optioned, correct tri-power, correct tires, needs
restoration. The car is currently in North Jackson, Ohio. Later yet [May, 2006] Jerry Jansson,
my Swedish "Brougham detective", reports that the car was sold on eBay on May
26, 2006 for $13,375. Cheap at the price ! Latest
yet [March, 2009]: The new owner contacted me and reports as follows: ... I was in Sweden last year hoping to run into Jerry [Jansson].
I did buy the car in May '06 for $13,375. Basically everything about the car on the
Data Base was and is true. It took me 3 months to finally find a shipper (Fed Ex) to
bring the car from Bob Jones in Ohio in an enclosed Van at a reasonable price. Most
carriers were open air and couldn't guarantee they would protect the windshield from
rocks. The gas gauge was at 1/2 tank when it arrived (but it was actually bone dry
so it took us forever to start the darned thing). The car ran, with gas, but the whole
carb set up and vacuums were shot ... it smoked like crazy I guess it was original miles
but the engine was never rebuilt ... or started much for that matter ... Now she purrs
like a 390 should. I pulled all the glass and bumpers etc., stripped her down and
repainted her twice so far, once Alpine White (the shop did not believe me that
Chamonix White is a different color) so she's beautiful. All the chrome trim
pieces and rain rails were redone. I found a new rear glass( mine had a grinder
scrape on it) and I had an new rear rubber molding too. I'm still trying to
locate, or make, or find a new molding for the front glass (which we've been very careful
not to break the 2 times it's been out of the car for the 2 paint jobs). The dash has been
completely redone by "Just Dashes". I have the original BLUE trunk
material to install yet,, as well as the interior to finish..back to the original blue
stripped broad cloth and leather combo. I need to also redo the headliner and Mouton
carpet. I'm still waiting on Oregon [SMS?] to get me the cloth and other
stuff to finish the car. Oh, I also polished the aluminum grille ... looks
great! If I can get the windshield rubber before 6/15/09, I'll drive it to the Grand
Nationals in Vegas for everyone to see. By the way the rear glass came from car #69
that's at the bottom of the data base listed as maybe #10,28,45 no it's definitely 69 [thanks,
Tony; I've amended the entry]. Also, the black interior in my car came from car
number 17 that was cut in half and made into a 2 door then scraped. I have several
parts of that car with the #17 stamped on them. Tony Pociunas, Los Angeles, CA.
Note the "I" (for Italy) sticker on the
rear bumper [top, left]
[ Photo (top, left): courtesy Jerry Jansson,
Sweden; others: Internet, 8/2005 ]
Car #3 [not sure it has survived; the information
previously posted here apparently concerned car #5 - see below].
Car #4 was acquired in 1983-84 by Jan Van Buskirk
of Long Beach, CA. It was subsequently bought by Ed Pentesco of Ontario, Canada; Ed
also has some 1959 Broughams (see above). The car is still the original
sandalwood color with matching leather interior. It is partly restored and Ed hoped
to have it completed in time for Cadillac's 100th anniversary celebrations in August,
2002. At latest news [October 2001], he says he may not meet that deadline. Latest [12/2005]: Ed informed me that he still owns
the car but has no plans for it at this time.
Car #5 was initially listed as car #3
owing to a mistake by its owner. The former entry for car #3 has
now been moved to this new, correct position. Initially reported to be a parts car,
that information appears to have been erroneous. Here is the message I got from the
(irate) owner in October, 2003: Hi, You have listed '60 Eldorado Brougham Body #3
"as a Parts Car" and gone. Like hell it is!! It is in way better condition than
a lot of the junkers you list as restorable [actually, Gary, I am NOT the
person who determines if a car is restorable or not; I leave that up to the person(s) who
contact(s) me and provide(s) me with information about their car or anybody else's car].
I bought the car after a under-the-hood fire caused by a leaking carburetor [I had
that very same problem with my own '60 Eldo Biarritz !]. Windshield and wiring all
have been replaced etc. Many components under the hood have been repaired, rebuilt,
replaced. Work is still needed on the left fender and hood. It was a running driving live
car right before fire. The dash and dash top are very nice. No damage at all from fire
under hood. The word "fire" seems to evoke that the car was destroyed. That is
far from the truth. The car sits on Air Ride, and is good. The engine is stuck from
sitting [my fault]; however, it is very rebuildable. The Tri Carbs have been rebuilt. Air
cleaner is perfect. It was not on when the fire occurred. The interior is white leather,
in fair condition. Front seat does need recovered, have leather for it. ALL of the
impossible to find Brougham parts on this car are in nice condition. This car is 100%
complete and RESTORABLE. I no longer have inside storage for it, and have decided to sell
it. I am planning to put car on EBay for auction soon. If you would like, I would be happy
to send you pictures of #3 [I believe Gary meant #5 - I said, "yes,
please", in this column, but got none]. I think your opinion of it being
"worthless junk" will change [Gary, that is not MY opinion; I merely report
what I am TOLD; I don't have the time nor the means to personally inspect every surviving Eldorado
Brougham out there; I have to rely on my outside sources]. The car is listed in
the CLC Directory. I was also a member of the Brougham Owners' Club. How come I was never
contacted or questioned about the condition of this car? [I guess because, until now,
I did not KNOW who the owner was, nor did I have any address or phone number for a
contact!]. How could it be considered as lost? [To each his own opinion; I guess
the person who passed on to me the erroneous information - and I don't keep a record of
all mail/phone communications - must have had his own particular view of what constitutes
a "restorable" car and what does not - could it have been Frank Perch ? (see
below)]. Respectfully. Gary Anderson CLC #984. That said, this car was delivered
initially to California. The tag info reads: style 60-6929, body 5, trim 1201, paint 120
[this update from Jeff Hansen, 3.20.1999]. Frank Perch, a friend and Captain of the Land
Yacht Marina said [some time back, and this may be what set the cat among the
pigeons!]: What's sad is that the [Anderson] EB, like others of the too many
cars Gary bought over the years, deteriorated greatly in storage. I remember when he
bought it in the late 1980's. It was a drivable and somewhat decent looking car. He never
got around to working on it. It somehow sustained an engine compartment fire while in
storage. I last saw it when Gary was selling off stuff and closing up his shop building in
1999. It was a pretty sad sight. Latest [12/2006]:
The car has changed hands and the new owner wants to remain anonymous; I shall respect his
wish. Perhaps he might supply, nevertheless, for the Database, the pics I never got
from Gary.
Car #8 (or purported to be so) was offered for
sale at auction on eBay - the Internet Web site - in December 2004. From the photos and
description of it, the car appears to be in extremely poor condition. That is why I
am holding it in the "parts car" category unless and until a potential buyer
takes on the arduous task of trying to restore it.
Car #16 (or #64) Five of the 1960 Broughams
were painted maroon (plum) - #16, 32, 64, 67 and 85. Of these five, three are accounted for (#32 is in Australia, #67 in Florida
and #85 in S. Carolina). A fourth plum-colored car [which has
got to be either #16 or #64]
apparently was sold by VIP Classics of San Diego, CA, in 1999-2000 for around
$20K [see info from Jason Frey for #67, below]. If anyone has seen this car in the
last 5 years, and can get me the body number, please let me know.
Car #17 [CHANGE, 09/2005] This one has been
downgraded to parts car at the suggestion of David King ('58 EB's 615
and 494 ). I have it from the
owner of 60EB#2 that this car was cut in half and made into a
2 door, then scrapped. He has several parts of that car, with the #17 stamped on
them.
Car #18 [added 10.10.2010] This one was
brought to my attention by its current owner, Larry D. Bailor of Dalmatia, PA. Larry
said: "The car was originally sold by Schreffler
Cadillac in Sunbury, PA to a Mr. Ross of Lewisburg, PA. He apparently used it as a daily
driver. It was purchased from the same dealer by my father Harry W. Bailor in 1964 and was
used as a daily driver by him until 1968 when ownership was transferred to me. It was used
as a daily driver by me until 1974 when it was retired. It has 125,000 miles on it and is
in very poor condition due to being driven in Pennsylvania winters with snow and road salt
and 36 years of storage in a dirt floor garage. When my father purchased the car, the
leather seats had been coated with some type of liquid vinyl which then cracked. As a
result, vinyl seatcovers were installed. The air suspension system was converted to
springs while my father owned the car. An alternator was installed to replace the
generator at some point in his ownership. The Mouton carpeting was showing signs of wear
and was replaced by a white plush carpeting. Otherwise it is complete, but VERY rusty.
There is body damage to the passenger side due to an incident with a utility pole and to
the driver's side rear door which was hit by another vehicle. Glass is good except for a
four inch vertical crack at the bottom of the driver's side rear door window. I had hoped
to restore it as a retirement project, but now realize that it is beyond what I would ever
have the ability or means to undertake. I would consider offers from someone who would
want to undertake such a MAJOR restoration or who would be able to make use of it for
parts to keep another Brougham on the road." Late Extra
(Jan. 2011): The car has found a new owner.
Car #21 [ previously shown as #11 in error] I
consider this one to be a parts car although it has been offered for sale on e-Bay as
being restorable. If someone does buy it and restores it, please let me know! The interior
and exterior color, as described (beige/beige) does not conform to the engine number; this
car should be white/white; the engine may have been swapped with another car or (probably
more likely) the originally white/white car has turned to beige/beige with age! This
notification was kindly supplied by Jean-Claude Franchitti of NY (58EB#479, 59EB#23, 60EB#58 and 60EB#68). Two down, 99 to go! Late Extra (Dec., 2002): This from Cadillac enthusiast and
CLC member, William Link: Car #21, has 59,713 miles, paint code # 112, had all white
leather with a med. blue carpet and dash upper (Trim # 1201). Car # 21 and I are
'bonding'...it is rough!!! but, not unrestorable (did I just say that!). #21 has been
sitting for many years 1969 AZ plates (LXD-148) are still on it...the DELCO battery is
still a tar top! The air suspension system is untampered (and flat!). Late Late Extra (May, 2003): the car was again offered for sale
at auction on
e-Bay with a starting bid of $2,000. This is NOT a restoration project for the faint
hearted!
[ Photos: Internet ]
Car #22 was owned in the late seventies by John
Miller of Natick, NY. At that time he owned also 1957-58 Broughams #105, 199 and 305, as well as 1960 Broughams
#75 and 97. John had car #22 offered for sale for $500 in the late seventies; he said
it ran excellent, was on air-ride and needed some body work. Late Extra (Feb. 2002): This from EB owner/admirer Jean-Claude
Franchitti (58EB#479, 59EB#23, 60EB#58 and 60EB#68): I recently spoke to Bob Morriston about 60EB #22; he has it for sale in Hemmings, and is looking for $11K for
it. His number is (561) 562-7707.
This photo from an ad published in the seventies
could be car #22
Car #23 was offered for sale on the Internet
(e-Bay), in April 2002, as one of thirteen cars of various makes, including six Cadillacs,
from the estate of a deceased collector. The high bidder and lucky new owner lives
in Kansas City, MO. This car had been on my roster of survivors since the mid-seventies
but I had never been able to contact the owner. The vendor describes the car as needing a
full restoration: The Pininfarina, is sitting on its haunches, it is rough on the
body, the interior is musty, looked in the engine bay and it is remarkably complete, the
interior as well; there is some rust at the bottom of the doors this car needs a complete
restoration.
Car #24 was found in February, 2006 by Brougham
"private-eye", Jerry Jansson from Sweden; he wrote: I
have discovered EB60#24! I am in contact with the owner, Nick. He sent me an eMail saying:
I am from Pittsburgh, PA and bought the car here. Someone who owned a company that was
apparently pretty well-off owned the car before me. He kept it at the airport in a hanger
and only drove it when he was in town and flew in on his private jet. I bought it off a
used car lot. It has cruise, air, and all the options and is complete except for the Pinin
Farina badges. It actually runs. Nick
added on Feb. 17, 2006: I actually sold the car and it is
already being restored. The last time I
checked, the right side was roughed in. I
think it may get painted red as the new owner had already a '59 Brougham that was red.
This is a (fuzzy) image of the PF assembly tag; also
present on these
cars - but not photographed here - is the Cadillac ID tag [as on car #25,
below]
[ Photos: courtesy Jerry Jansson, Sweden ]
Car #25 is currently in Sweden; it is
undergoing restoration for a mysterious "Mr B" by Emeren Autocraft in
Vikarbyn.
[ Photos: © and courtesy Jerry Jansson ]
Car #26 was offered for sale in Tampa, FL, in
November 1968, for $1,250. Late Extra [2009]:
The car has re-appeared and was acquired by Wolfgang Kupka [of Germany?] for $33K.
He is looking for information manuals and anything to help with the restoration.
Good luck finding parts for a '60 Brougham, Wolfgang.
Car #28 was delivered initially to
Missouri. Currently [9/2000] it is in Sweden, where it is owned by Anita Misjujev of
Valbo, Sweden. The foregoing info was supplied kindly by Jerry Jansson, a Brougham
aficionado from Sweden. Thanks Jerry! In July 2002, Jerry said the car was now owned by
Henrik Midendal who also has 1958 Brougham..
Car #29 I said this was a parts car, having seen
it advertised as such in Hemmings Motor News, in January 1999. The owner, Chris
Bernardi, contacted me in July, 1999, to say that his car is 99% complete and that he
drives it to cruise nights about once a month; it has a cracked windshield. The car
is the original dark gray with a blue cloth interior [although trim #1111 normally is gray
plain broadcloth and leather]; the car has 45,000 original miles. Chris has also car
# 97 (below); both cars may be for sale [contact: nardi1@hotmail.com]. Chris left this message in my
Guest Book, on March 28, 2000: I own 1960 Eldorado Broughams #29 and #97 and like the page says
they are for sale. I am asking $35,000 for the two of them together. They are in
Massachusetts. Anyone interested just send me an email. Thanks. The TWO cars were
advertised on e-Bay in September, 2002. Bidding did not go over $8,200 and Chris' reserve
was not met. #29 was seen again on e-Bay in November, 2003;
bidding went to $7,800. Again, Chris' reserve price was not met. Latest
extra (5/2005); the cars have found a new home; they will be going to Sweden !
1960 Broughams #29 and 97
These more recent pics of
#29 are from e-Bay, courtesy of the owner
Car #32 was listed for sale for $6.5K, in the
(new) BOA Newsletter, Vol. 3, #4 (winter 1991) by Gene Asbury, in California. He described
the car as unrestored and in need of total restoration. There was some rust and some parts
were missing. Gene had a second 1960 Brougham for sale (VIN 60P012575) for $7.5K OBO. This
one too had faded paint, a vinyl interior and some parts missing. He was willing to
discuss a package deal for both cars. Late extra (1/2003)
Cadillac enthusiast Dirk Van Dorst of Belgium informed me that the car was in Melbourne,
Australia. Shortly after I got this information from Belgium, I got in contact with Tim
Stevens, an Australian Cadillac enthusiast who lives in Belgium; he has been familiar with
this car (as well as with 1957 Brougham #185, 1958
Brougham #551, 1959 Brougham #41,
and 1960 Broughams #70, #73 and #99, all owned by the same
person). Tim says this is the "saddest" of these seven Broughams in the same
ownership. A more detailed description is available to anyone who might be interested in
the car. Latest (3/2006):
This from Australian enthusiast Allan Levinson, the "hearse whisperer": ...the
same car dealer [in Melbourne] has advertised 1960 EB #32 "for a complete
restoration" for $18,950. Thanks Allan ...and thanks for all the fine pics
of your hearses, complete with "bodies".
These images, kindly supplied by Tim Stevens of
Australia (and Belgium), show the condition of the car when it arrived
in Melbourne, around 1994; originally painted "Plum" (code #152), what is
left of the paint appears to be lime green
The green has turned to khaki over the last almost 10
years; the paint is peeling and
cracking terribly; missing on the RH door is the passenger side, adjustable mirror
These two photos courtesy Peter Ratcliff, Melbourne
Car #34 [new addition,
6/2000] This Brougham was acquired in 1966 by Dr. Rick Zeiger [also 1959 car #20].
It was originally a California delivery with black exterior, black leather and silver
mouton carpeting. Rick bought the car from Sam Kaplan of Los Angeles. Subsequently, he
bought back his former '59 Brougham (car #20); at
that time he sold this 1960 model to Rick Thomas of Rowland Heights, CA.
Car #35 was owned in the late seventies by
Cy Strickler III, of GA. Cy is the man we have to thank for collecting all the
initial data on surviving Broughams; 80% of the data in this section of the
Cadillac Database came from Cy, through the Brougham Owners' Association (BOA) of
which he was the founder and first president.
Car #38 was twice offered for sale by Mike Rizzuto
of Mastermind, first in May 1991, for $22,500, then again three years later, in
August 1994. At that time, the asking price was down to only $4,250! This Brougham
has a special paint code [#4812] which I have not found on any of the regular palettes of
that era. Mike Rizzuto described it in his ad as lavender metallic with white leather
trim. The photos (below) suggest it may have been damaged by fire, which would
explain the 80% price reduction in three years. This car was owned in the late seventies
by George Allgood of GA. George had a number of Broughams including many
parts cars. For 1957-58 he had cars #134, 174, 234, 249, 278, 330,
487, 494, 573 and 646. For 1959 he had car #25 and for 1960, this one, plus one other). Late extra (from Jason Frey, the current owner -
A.D. 2000): The body is indeed #38, as
shown on the cowl. The car came out of long term storage a short while ago. Furthermore, I
can tell you with utmost certainty [now] that the plum color Brougham listed on
your site [photo below] is not #38. I too, saw that
car listed for sale last year by a dealer in Florida; the asking price was around $22,000
- $25,000. That car and the one I purchased are two different 1960 Broughams. I will have
the Brougham home this week, and will attempt to gather some history from the past
owner(s), which will help us piece some facts together. In a second message Jason
correctly identified his car's rare color scheme [code #4812] as a two-tone job consisting
of Persian Sand [code #48] for the lower body and Olympic White [code #12] for the roof
and quarter panels [had I seen the code written as "48-12", I could have worked
it out all by myself!] This must have been a beautiful and stunning combination! It
reminds me of the color of my own, former 1960 Eldorado Seville which was painted
metallic lilac [code #99] with a white Vicodec roof covering. I hope Jason will return
this car soon it to its former glory. Late late extra [Sept.
2004]: I had the pleasure of meeting the car's owner on the occasion of the
bi-annual Charlotte auto fair. He still hopes to restore the car but has had other
priorities meantime.
Jason was adamant to let
me show his car in its present condition but, hey, Jason, a restoration has
to begin somewhere; we can't wait to see your car finished, so that we can
show an "after" shot too
Above two photos: Internet, 7/2000
My former Heather Poly [code #99] 1960 Eldorado
Seville
all decked out for the wedding of a friend in Asti, Italy, 1974
Car #41 was painted Dupont gold
[#88794569]. The color currently is green [March, 1999].
Car #42 [NEW, 3/2009] was up for sale in Hemmings Motor News; the vendor described it thus: 1960 Eldorado Brougham, #42 of 100
[actually 101] Italian bodied Farinas,
mechanically restored, only needs rear
air suspension completed, excellent running, rebuilt carburetor, brakes, in primer,
needs minor bodywork on rear quarters for paint, excellent blue leather and all glass, 2
owner history, asking $29,500. 412-853-6322,
412-759-4455, 412-323-1313,
PA. $29,500. The original production records show the car to have been delivered to
California; it was white with blue-striped cloth and leather upholstery; it had also the mouton
carpeting.
Car #44 This car is thought to have been
crushed [see also car #85, below]. It was painted
Mayfair Green (code #134); three were painted thus, in 1960. The car was delivered
new to North Carolina ...to the Vanderbilts, maybe!?!? Late
Extra [May, 2008]: according to my buddy "Q", in Australia, the
"remains" of the car are in the possession of a Las Vegas collector.
"Q" describes it as a "rusted out mess".
Car #46 was offered for sale in May 1991 by Mike
Rizzuto of Mastermind, CA. The asking price at that time was $12,500. I have seen another
ad of Mike's where the same car is listed as a 98% complete original car from Newport
Beach, runs and drives on air ride, black exterior, Gray leather, needs complete
restoration, for $6,500. Currently [2001] it belongs to Ed Pentesco in
Canada. It is black with the original blue leather interior. Ed has it on
sale, after restoration, for $21,500.
Car #47 is a parts car, owned (2001) by
Else Morgensen: < wassard@woldnet.att.net>
Car #48 was offered for sale in the last quarter,
1998, for $22,500; it was described as a nice original car with an odometer reading of
62,000 miles. Seen recently on the Internet (January, 2000) I called the number and
learned that the car had just been sold to a museum by the owner, a Mr. Barclay.
This is the only 1960 Brougham finished in the regular Eldorado color code #97, Champagne
Gold. The interior is all black leather. In 1978 I took a photo of a
Champagne-colored 1960 Brougham in the La Rue Thomas collection (Los
Angeles); I guess this must be that car. I believe the Thomas collection was
auctioned off in the late nineties. This car was offered at auction by the Kruse
organization at their annual venue in Auburn, IN, in September, 1999. It was bid up
to $11,500 but was not sold; I am guessing the owner had a higher reserve. It
was described as recently rebuilt, one of only 40 known to exist (53
survivors are listed here!) and as the largest post war Cadillac built on a standard
chassis (it was more likely the smallest!) The Kruse auctioneers are not very
knowledgeable about cars in general and about Cadillacs in particular; their catalog
descriptions frequently contain erroneous information. Brougham enthusiast, Chris
Hawkins, has some more photos of this car that he has graciously offered to share with Cadillac
Database © users. The car is featured also on the cover page of the BOA Newsletter,
Vol. 10, #2 (summer 1998).
The color Champagne Gold lies between the
photo at top, left (too coppery) and the one at lower right; the others all
appear too yellow
[ Photos: (top, left) © 1978, Yann Saunders; (others) © 1999, Chris Hawkins ]
Possibly the same car, this one is part of the
Indianapolis Motor Museum
[ Photo: Internet, 2002 ]
Car #49 definitely is a
survivor and this was confirmed to me in January, 2004 by enthusiast and Brougham
owner Jean-Claude Franchitti (58EB#479, 59EB#23, 60EB#58 and 60EB#68). He wrote:
I remember seeing #49 in California two years ago. It was stored in a barn in
poor condition. It had been hit in the front but the damage was not extensive. The owner
started taking it apart for repair. He also claimed he had the original manual for it, but
I did not actually see it. The asking price was $10K. I will research the details of that
trip and see if I can find the exact location. It is definitely a survivor. I subsequently
purchased #58 from Ray Navarette and did not pursue #49. Late Extra
[6/2005]: this car has been acquired by Martin Kresse, a German collector. Latest [4/2010]: Apparently the car is for sale again.
It is still located in California. This just came in from Brougham
enthusiast, Brian Faull: I just saw the 1960 # 49 car
last week. It is still in California and is for sale for $16,000. It had been hit in the
front right as reported, the windshield is also broken. I will send you pictures and
contact info for the owner, so if anyone is interested in purchasing it they can get in
touch with him. Thanks, Brian.
Car #51 has
been included in the roster of survivors since the early seventies, however its
whereabouts were uncertain until September, 2004. It was for many years the property
of Fred Kanter (Kanter Auto Products). He wrote to me: I sold it today to my friend Terry Cook, Appleton Productions,
Long Valley, NJ. He took it from here just 10 minutes ago [Sept. 21, 2004] and is
dropping it off in Delaware to have it restored. The car's first owner was James
Tate, mayor of Philadelphia. In the early 70's it was owned by Bessie Toll of Wyncote, PA
19095. In'74 I bought it from Robert Mannino who I knew from the late 60's and still
correspond with him [I too corresponded with Bob, about Broughams, in the seventies].
The car still has air suspension and is very complete; nothing is missing. The '53 [Eldorado?]
I sold last spring; I do not recall the #'s; the '58 [Eldorado Brougham] I
still have. Thanks for the update, Fred. If you ever find those other numbers,
please let me know. Late extra [6/2005]: On a tip from
my friend Jerry Jansson, in Sweden, I learned the car had been restored (and customized !)
by Terry Cook, CEO of Deco Rides, Long Valley, NJ. It was to be offered for
sale by RM Auctions, in Monterey, CA, in August, 2005 [http://www.decorides.com/carsforsale2.htm]. Originally black with gray broadcloth and leather upholstery,
the color is now, well, "different". In addition (and sadly) the car is
now trimmed with vinyl! The vendor believes the car will fetch between $75,000 and
$85,000. Were it not customized, and if it still had a leather/cloth interior and regular
wheels, IMHO it might conceivably reach $45,000-50,000 at auction. In any case, only
the results will tell. Late late extra [9/2005]:
apparently there was no sale. The car is currently [9/2005] on display, for
sale, in the Exotic Cars store of Caesar's Palace, Ls Vegas, NV. This
just in from our Brougham-expert-at-large, Jerry Jansson: The
customized EB60#51 was up for auction at Pebble Beach on August 20. RM Auctions tried to
sell it for $60 000 but it found no buyer. Latest [10/2007]: This from enthusiast, Tore Robert
Klerud in Norway: Just thought you might like to know that the customized 1960
Eldorado Brougham body #51 is now in Norway [I have it from
another source that the new owner's name is Tore Meyer]. A couple of weeks ago a local
car club put on a car show in Askim, Norway. I was there
the night before opening night to show my 1980 Corvette and had just finished my own
display when the Brougham backed in on the floor just in front of me. I was a bit
"taken aback", as I instantly recognized the car from your database pictures.
According to one of the guys in charge of the event, the owner had just had the car
shipped from the US a week or two prior to the event. Where he got it and what he paid I
don´t know, but it looked to be in fairly good shape and has probably not seen much use
at all since the custom job was performed on it.
[ Photos: Internet, 6/2005 and 9/2005]
On display at a show of hot rods and custom American
cars in Norway, 2007
[ Photos: courtesy Tore Robert Klerud ]
I believe this is the same car
Car #52 [NEW, Dec., 2007]
has survived and is located in N. Carolina. The (third) owner contacted me just 4 hours
before 2008 and will be sending me more details about it in the next few weeks.
For anyone interested, the car is for sale (check out Ebay # 120243721293). The
vendor is the 3rd owner; here is what he says about the car: It was delivered new to Powell Cadillac Olds in Gastonia, North
Carolina – one of only two [1960] Eldorado Broughams delivered to North
Carolina dealers – and driven by Mrs. Powell the first year of its life. When the
1961 models came out, Mrs. Powell got the top of the line ‘61 model and Mr. Powell
sold it to a wealthy couple who liked it so much they kept it for seven years before
trading it in on a 1968 model from Mr. Powell’s dealership. This was the early years
of car collecting but Mr. Powell had already started collecting early Cadillacs. Even
though this 1960 Eldorado Brougham was still a late model used car at the time, he
understood the importance of this rare car which had accumulated only 68,000 miles on it
and put it up with his other rare Cadillacs where it was stored in a building for the next
32 years. From the pictures included with the Ebay ad (below), it appears there is
some major damage to the skegs, at the rear, on both sides. Also the paint appears
to be in poor condition for a car that was stored for so long. Otherwise, it appears
to be a fairly nice original car; you won't find too many of these around! Late Extra [4/2008]: car was bid up to $21,000; no sale
ensued. Latest [5/2008]: the car is offered once again
on Ebay.
Nasty damage to the lower skegs, in the rear; I
wonder how THAT happened?
The original white leather interior trim looks in
fine condition
Many aficionados believe (in error) that Pinin Farina
designed the 1960 Eldorado Brougham; in fact
the design is 100% Fleetwood; Pinin Farina merely "assembled" the cars in
Turin, as stated on the plaque, at left
Car #55 is another 1960 Brougham
model owned by Ed Pentesco of Ontario, Canada. He acquired it in 1994 from an estate
in California. It was in reasonably good condition, requiring only cosmetic work and
new paint. The reported mileage, in 1999, was circa 40K. Ed showed the
car at the CLC Grand National in Santa Clara, in June 99, where it received Senior
badge #333. The exterior is black and it has a black leather interior. It has working air
ride. This car was offered for sale for $35,000. Late extra
[9/2000]: Ed tells me the car was sold; it has gone to California. Later [2/2001]: the car was sold again, apparently, at the Barrett-Jackson
auction venue in Scottsdale, AZ, in January, 2001 [Lot #770]. The selling price was
a reported $24,300 ...after commissions. Even later than that
[7/2002]: this car was advertised for sale again, this time on e-Bay, with a starting bid
of $17,000. Definitely the most "sold" Eldorado Brougham of the
second generation (1959-60). I wonder what is "wrong" with it that the
successive owners should seem all to want to get rid of it so soon after acquiring it? By
the way, in this case the bidding went to only $200 over the starting bid. Of
course, the vendor's reserve was not met. I'm sure we'll see it for sale again
soon. Later still [2/2003]: up for sale once
again, this time by Tony of "Troby's Memory Lane" - (201) 457-7900, the current
asking price is $45K (thanks to Jean-Claude Franchitti for this update - 58EB#479, 59EB#23, 60EB#58 and 60EB#68).
[ Photo: courtesy Ed Pentesco ]
[ Photos (above two rows): Internet, 7/2002 ]
Car #58 [previously listed in
error as #56] was formerly owned by Raymond G. Navarrete; he used the Guest
Book of the Cadillac Database ©, 10/2000, to inform me that he
had this car and that it was for sale. He got it in August 1989 from a collector in
Rumson, New Jersey who claimed to have acquired it from the original owner in Long Island,
NY [the car's initial destination was Arizona]. The car runs fine but is in need of a
complete restoration. There are less than 49,000 miles on the odometer. All the glass is
intact with no cracks. The body has some rust. The leather seats are in great condition.
The air ride suspension is not working [is that surprising?]. Late
Extra [3/2002]: the car has been acquired by Jean-Claude Franchitti (58EB#479, 59EB#23, 60EB#68). He wrote: I am just back from a trip to the West coast
where I acquired another 60EB. I will get back to you with details about both vehicles
(cars #68, and #58). I have a
lot of new info on the Broughams which I will share with you probably next week.
With the engine and drive train, the instrument panel
on the 1959-60 Eldorado Brougham is one of the few parts that will
interchange with those on regular 1960 Cadillac models; even the switch panel on
the driver's door armrest [lower row]
differs from the stock Cadillac version. Note also the air lift pull handle
under the dash [photo lower right, top right]
[ Interior photos: courtesy and © 2002, Raymond G. Navarrete ]
Car #62 [current whereabouts unknown] was
trimmed throughout in white leather and had white mouton carpeting.
Car #63 was owned in the late seventies by Ed
Cavanaugh of CA. Unheard of in 35 years, the car suddenly made an appearance on Ebay, in
December 2008. The Internet ad told us that the car had been donated to the Petersen
Automotive Museum in Los Angeles about ten years earlier and had become surplus to
requirements. The vendor said: The car
spent the last decade sitting undisturbed in a lightly traveled corner of our
facility. Its condition is as one might expect of a forty-eight year old, 44,000-mile car
that has never been restored. The stock airbag system has been replaced with independent
air-shocks at each corner. The lacquer paint has degraded over the car’s lifetime,
but we believe that most, if not all, of the finish is original. We observed rust on
several lower panels, mostly on the passenger side, but the majority of the body structure
appears straight and solid. Doors, hood, and trunk fit well and shut tightly. There are
numerous small dings on several panels. All of the glass, including the unique and
irreplaceable windshield, is in excellent condition, and all of the chrome and stainless
trim appears to be complete. Some of the Grey broadcloth upholstery is in need of
replacement. The rear seating areas are in good condition, but the front seat has
significant wear to the upholstery surfaces and underlying foam. The Mouton sheepskin
floor covering appears to have been exposed to moths at some point, with obvious results.
All interior accessories and trim pieces are still installed and all power windows work,
including the automatically retracting rear quarter windows. This car comes with the
original owner’s manuals, including the special Brougham supplement, trimmed in
matching leather [today, a $2,000 item in itself], as well as the Owner
Protection Policy booklet. Latest [5/2020]: the
car appeared again on Ebay. It was bid up to $15,900 but that did not meet the seller's
reserve.
[ Photos: Petersen Automotive Museum, Los
Angeles ]
Car #64 (or #16) Five of the 1960 Broughams were
painted maroon (plum) - #16, 32, 64, 67 and 85. Of these five, three are accounted for (#32 is in Australia, #67 in Florida
and #85 in S. Carolina). A fourth plum-colored car [which has
got to be either #16 or #64]
apparently was sold by VIP Classics of San Diego, CA, in 1999-2000 for around
$20K [see info from Jason Frey for #67, below]. If anyone has seen this car in the
last 5 years, and can get me the body number, please let me know.
[ This is reported to be a snapshot of 60EB64 - can
someone please confirm? ]
Car #66 [NEW, 3/2009] also survived; it was owned by Chris Zora of Houston, TX. It was brought to
my attention by owner-enthusiast, Jean-Claude Franchitti (58EB#479, 60EB#58 and 60EB#68). The owner had passed away and his
cars were being sold at auction (Bud Ward was the auctioneer). J.-C. wrote: I
watched the auction today; the 1958 Eldorado Brougham #609
sold for $35K, and the 1960 Eldorado Brougham (#66) sold for
$15K. Both high bids came via the Internet. Both cars are in #4 condition and need full
restoration. The '58 is in original condition but the engine has most probably been
replaced with a non-Brougham engine. Also it is not on air suspension. The '60 had been
repainted black (wrong color) [an original Texas car, #66
was first painted Kenya Beige and had sandalwood leather upholstery]. Not much is left
of the mouton carpet, and the beige interior needs to be replaced. The interior had this
mice smell when I looked at it. Both skirts and hubcaps were there. Late Extra [10/2009] : I came across the car while browsing
the Web site of Daniel Schmitt, Classic Cars Ltd. The car is still unrestored.
Here are excerpts from the vendor's description: Finished in
classic all black with beautiful light beige interior. This spectacular motorcar comes
with nearly every conceivable option, including factory air conditioning, power steering,
as well as its original 3 carburetor V8 engine. This stunning, original example was
recently purchased from the famed Chris Zora collection in Texas where it had been stored
for many years waiting for restoration. Most of these rare Cadillac Brougham’s have
either been destroyed, modified or have already been restored. This is a very rare
opportunity to find an original example such as this that would make perfect restoration
project. In regards to the mechanics of this car, it drives out beautifully with new
brakes, and new tires. This is an opportunity of a lifetime to acquire this rare and
sought after model at an investment price. Bid with confidence – you will not be
disappointed in this truly wonderful piece of American classic. The asking price was
$100 short of $37,000 !
[ Photos: © 2009 and courtesy Jean-Claude Franchitti
]
The car obviously has undergone some cosmetic
upgrading since Jean-Claude saw it in March, 2009
but a potential buyer will need to spend some serious money to restore the interior
to its past glory
[ Photos: © 2009, Daniel Schmitt Classic Cars, Ltd. ]
Car #67 may also have survived [see comments by
Jason Frey, 1960 Brougham #38, above]. In a further e-Mail,
in March 2001, Jason added: I have reason to believe this car may be #67
with paint #152 and trim #122. One was offered for sale and subsequently sold by VIP
Classics of San Diego, CA, roughly 12 months ago. An outdated advertisement I just found
online reads: "1960 CADILLAC ELDORADO
BROUGHAM BY Pininfarina DEEP METALLIC BURGUNDY-PURPLE WITH GRAY LEATHER INTERIOR. ONLY 100
[in fact, 101] OF THESE CARS WERE BUILT IN ITALY. IN 1960 THIS WAS
THE MOST EXPENSIVE AMERICAN CAR BUILT. A RARE CADILLAC, IN FACT ONLY 20 OR SO [in
fact more than 50] ARE KNOWN TO BE IN EXISTENCE. TO OUR MIND, THIS IS THE
FINEST ONE AVAILABLE! - ONLY $19,950 ..." No picture accompanied the
above ad. I contacted VIP Classics and all the gentleman remembers is that the car was
sold 12 months ago. I gathered nothing else. What's odd is that the above picture looks
like the car I saw listed for sale in Florida about 2 years ago. Then again, it may be the
one VIP Classics sold last year, or perhaps it's both. The condition was about the same,
but no trim description was given on the former. Either way, we do know that there is a
very nice plum Brougham floating around out there. Quite possibly floating on the original
air ride! Late Extra (11/2005): This just
came in from the car's (long-time) owner, Jim Gouwens, who wrote in the (former) Guest
Book of the Cadillac Database [salient excerpts only] is alive and well,
having been in my family since the 1960's. My grandfather, Frank Zini of Chicago, bought
it from his brother, Cy, for $3000. When grandpa died, my Mom bought it from the
estate for $3000 and drove it home to Bradenton, FL, where it has been ever since. It's
burgundy with gray leather, 68K miles, a cracked windshield [uh-oh ! - finding a new windshield for a '60 Brougham ain't gonna
be easy!] and is in need of total restoration although perfectly usable as
is. I would call it a strong #4 condition as it looks great at 80 mph in the rain
...especially at night!
The above car may be 1960 Brougham
#67;
can you confirm, Jim, or send us a couple of pics of your car?
Car #68 currently [1998] belongs to
Jean-Claude Franchitti (58EB#479, 59EB#23, 60EB#58). He reports that this one is in
fine condition. I finally broke and sold him the original owner's manual for his
car, after he made me an offer I could not refuse!
Car #69 was brought to my attention
by friend and fellow Cadillac enthusiasts, Christina Reynen of California. She got
this e-Mail from another Cadillac aficionado: A buddy of mine has come into possession
of a couple of old Caddies. The one that is in the worst condition [my
emphasis] has raised some questions. He told me what year it is, but I have forgotten.
What I do have is the info off of the plate under the hood. It is as follows CADILLAC DIV.
GM MOTOR CORP DETROIT MICH. STYLE 60-6929 BODY 69 TRIM 1132 PAINT 124 TOP ACC THIS CAR
FINISHED WITH MAGIC MIRROR ACRYLIC LACQUER. There is another plate, I think it was also
under the hood. BODY NO. 69 (I think there was more, but couldn't read it) ASSEMBLED BY
PININFARINA TURIN ITALY. I will try to get the year from my buddy. Any info on what the
car is would be greatly appreciated. David Hayner. Well, David, it seems that your
buddy has unearthed another rare treasure. I hope he will share with us the history of
this find. Meanwhile, thanks for the photos [below].
[ Photos: courtesy David Hayner ]
I have downgraded this one to "Parts Car";
IMHO it is beyond repair; some may disagree
Car #70 is a known survivor but I had
no prior information as to its whereabouts. I've just been told by Cadillac
enthusiast, Dirk Van Dorst of Belgium that this one is currently located in Melbourne,
Australia. Tim Stevens, a Cadillac enthusiast from Melbourne but who lives in Belgium is
familiar with this car (as well as with 1957 Brougham #185,
1958 Brougham #551, 1959 Brougham #41
and 1960 Broughams #32, #73 and #99, all owned by the same person). He kindly sent these photos.
Five of the seven Brougham models owned by the Melbourne collector are in this, rather
poor condition; they have resided mainly in the open air since they were imported to
Australia around 1994. All are potentially restorable but it would require great courage
and wads of money! Tim has a more detailed description of this car and I will provide it
to anyone interested. Late Extra (June, 2010):
Keith Deen, an Aussie enthusiast whom I had the pleasure of meeting on a trip to
Australasia in 1995, has taken on the arduous task of bringing this Brougham "back to
life" (info from Terry Griffin, President of the Queensland chapter of the Cadillac
& LaSalle Club of Australia). Update (November, 2012)
: Tim Lennon reports that the car currently resides in Brisbane, Queensland.
It is currently black with a new red leather interior. Tim is looking at purchasing the car
and will move it to Melbourne,Victoria if everything works out.
Left: this is how the car looked around 1994 when it
arrived in Australia
Right: It appears to have resided in this open-air lean-to since that time
The seats have been retrimmed in black vinyl
(...on a car that cost $13,075 in 1960!!!)
These two photos: courtesy Peter Ratcliff,
Melbourne
These two photos: courtesy Tim Lennon, Melbourne
Car #72 was acquired in 1960 by the
Emir [princely ruler] of Qatar [one of the Persian Gulf States]. The Emir owned
a palatial château in Versoix, near Geneva, Switzerland, about five miles from
our former [and much more modest] apartment home. I was friendly with the Emir's
Swiss chauffeur; however, at that time, the car was not for sale (I believe he owned also
a 1959 Brougham - I used to see one around town when I lived in Geneva but I was
never able to get a picture - as also some other, rare, custom-built Cadillacs). The
Emir's 1960 Brougham model was sold, in the early seventies, to a neighboring
garage owner who, in turn, sold it to Jacques Baustier, a postman from Grenoble, France;
Jacques just wanted "an American car" ...to tow his holiday caravan! In
1972, the car had only 19K miles on the odometer! Nota: in the trunk of this Brougham
are the wheel jack and tools from my own, former 1960 Eldorado Seville. Jacques
borrowed these from me in the mid-seventies but "forgot" to return them! Late Extra: The car is still in France, somewhere south west of
Paris; the current owner, Mr. Branthomme, saw it for sale (summer 2001) in a small gas
station near Valence and bought it on the spot (he has also 1957 Brougham #55). He collects what he describes as high-class
automobiles, like the Mercedes 600 and a few Rolls-Royces. He says
the Brougham is still in excellent condition, despite a broken side-window and
rear quarter window; some vandals also hacked the rear seat cushion five or six times with
a box cutter! A repair, however, seems quite feasible. Trivia:
factory records show the car to have been black (code #110),
with gray cloth and leather trim (code #111). I could understand the need to repaint
the car from black to white (for the climate conditions in Qatar - although I doubt the
car ever went over there!) But who would spend that kind of money to convert the original
interior trim from gray cloth/leather to all black leather? This is possibly a factory
build-sheet error or a transcription error by the late Cy Strickler who laid the
groundwork for this survivor roster.
All these B&W photos were taken around 1972 at
Bellevue, near Geneva, Switzerland,
in back of the apartment building where Gita and I lived for 8 years
In the above three photos may be seen our former
1960 Eldorado Seville
These three color photos were taken near Paris, 25
years later;
the car still carries the same French tags: 5957TE38 from the Grenoble area
Car #73 was reported in the mid-seventies to be in
near perfect condition. Sadly, it appears to have been neglected and allowed to seriously
deteriorate. According to Belgian Cadillac enthusiast Dirk Van Dorst, the car is currently
located in Melbourne, Australia. Shortly after I got this information from Dirk, I got in
contact with Tim Stevens, a Cadillac enthusiast from Melbourne but who lives in Belgium;
he is familiar with this car (as well as with 1957 Brougham #185,
1958 Brougham #551, 1959 Brougham #41
and 1960 Broughams #32, #70 and #99, all owned by the same person). He kindly sent these photos. It
was originally black (paint code #110) but got a "Mexican" respray in white;
this car was ordered with special interior trim (code #0000), consisting of red leather
throughout; Tim believes that hides from the regular 1960 Cadillac production Eldorados
were used in an effort to reduce the overall cost). There is also a red dash, steering
wheel and shift lever knob (the trunk lining is also believed to be red). Carpets were
originally black sheepskin; now they are regular, red loop pile. Seat backs are in good
condition but the seats themselves are badly deteriorated (possums ?). This is the
only 1960 Brougham to have been delivered to Arkansas. Tim was unable to get an odometer
reading, the instruments being obscured by dirt and dust. The engine and transmission are
missing; the car is still on factory air suspension. Glass is all intact but for a cracked
RH front window. Other than moderate LH front end damage the body is straight. Some trim
items and the rear fender skirts are missing but are said to be stored inside the trunk
...which could not be opened for inspection. Bumpers are good and straight. Turn signals
have non-original, home-made amber lenses (these are mandatory in some European countries,
like Switzerland). Five of the seven Brougham models owned by the Melbourne collector are
in this, rather poor condition.
RH photo shows good seat backs but badly deteriorated
seats
(the photo is dark but trim color appears to be red)
This is possibly the interior of car #73 which had
special order (red?) trim throughout;
these three photos courtesy Peter Ratcliff, Melbourne
Car #75 was owned in the late seventies by John
Miller of Natick, NY. At that time he owned also 1957-58 Broughams #105, 199 and 305, as well as 1960 Broughams
#22 and 97. Late extra (Nov. 2006]: the car was advertised for sale in Hemmings
Motor News for $55,000. It was described thus: 1960
Cadillac Brougham Pininfarina, black with blue leather interior [it was originally
gray], #75 of 101 built. GM's Cadillac Division had Pininfarina of Turin, Italy design
[NO - Fleetwood was the designer] and handbuilt [NO - PF merely assembled
the cars that were crated to them; this did involve some hand finishing] 101 Brougham
sedans in 1960. Extremely rare and sought after vehicle with unique features and styling,
$55,000. 914-788-9053, NY; www.CarsForCollectorsClub.com
..
[ Photos: Internet, 2006 ]
Car #77 surfaced in March, 2002. The following
brief message was left in the Guest Book, March 9 by Jesse Hall of Rome, NY (jessaf4218@aol.com): I am the owner of #77
of #101 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham body by Pininfarina. Interested persons can
contact me at e-Mail provided. In June 2002, Jesse added: Car #77 was delivered
initially to Syracuse, NY. When the first owner died, in 1970, his widow sold the car to
Clifford Rivers who kept it also up to his death in February, 1999, at the age of 90.
Clifford left me the car in his Will; I had met him at a car show in 1986 and we later
became good friends. The car was in storage during the last ten years of Clifford's life
because he had been required to surrender his driver's license. It is in very good
condition with just over 46 K miles. Late extra [July,
2004]: this car was featured in the CLC's Self Starter magazine for
July 2004, in the section La Galeria [p.8]. Late
late extra [April, 2005]: the car was offered for sale on eBay . It was bid up
to $10,000 but did not meet the vendor's reserve. I have it from an enthusiast in
Finland who was interested in the car that it once suffered a major engine fire and
apparently was not restored to professional standards.
[ Photo (left): © 1999, Jesse Hall, courtesy of the
owner - right: Internet ]
Car #79 [This update is long overdue] Ed Pentesco
wrote of this car in 1999, unfortunately I mislaid his note. This Brougham was on
sale at The Auction in Las Vegas, in October 1999. Ed said the car had the wrong
interior, no quarter panel emblems and tail lights in very poor condition. The hood
latch was o/s, so he was unable to examine the engine. The top bid was $10,400.
After the auction the car still carried a For Sale sticker with a price of
$11,500. Late Extra: on July 26, 2001, I
talked to an auto salesman in California who is advertising this car for sale on behalf of
its (unnamed) owner. It is advertised on the Hemmings Motor News Web site
and was brought to my attention by that indefatigable Swedish Brougham enthusiast,
Jerry Jansson. The current listed price is $17,500 [up by $6,000!] I wonder if
this could be the car that was owned in 1983-84 by David Fogg of California (CCI
mag. Vol. 28:4, center page, left - Mr. Fogg also owned a Brougham from 1957). Later [1/2008]: the car was offered at auction on Ebay, by
American Classics Inc., with a starting bid of $1,960 or a Buy-It-Now price of
$50,000 (minus one dollar). According to the description: This car is in excellent original condition --
which means paint is original; interior is original; engine and drive train are original.
It is in very good condition, runs and drives very well, but is -- after all -- 47 years
old and will undoubtedly need some attention here and there as all older cars do. We
cleaned and polished the car and the paint gleams and is very shiny, as the pictures show.
The leather interior is excellent for its age and has held up well, as only the finest
Italian leathers can do [trouble is, the interior is not original - who replaced it?].
This car will bring pride of ownership to its new owner and will give excellent
appreciation potential. If nothing was done to the car since Ed saw it in Vegas, in
1999, then it can't be as "nice" as the vendor asserts; nevertheless, the asking
price has more than quadrupled since 1999. Later
still [2/2008]: the car did not sell and was offered a second time on Ebay, at
the same price. There were 8 bids, the highest being $24,205; once again,
there was no sale. Latest [3/2008]: the car has been
offered on eBay again. In the meantime, the vendor got a hold of the second owner who
added this about the car [which will explain the interior changes}: I will give you as brief a history as I can. I am
the second owner of the car. I purchased it in the very early 80's from the estate
of Dr. H P Fine in Beverly Hills, CA. Dr. Fine received delivery on June 28, 1960
from Clarence Dixon Cadillac on North Vine St in Hollywood, CA. Dr Fine lived at
that time on Los Palos Drive in Hollywood. I spoke with his daughter at the sale and she
gave me a history of what she remembered. Dr Fine was quite eccentric and funny
about things. He wanted a Lincoln Continental in 1957 but was disappointed that it
was a two door. All the 57 & 58 Eldorado Broughams were sold so he went on
the waiting list for 59 & 60 Broughams and got the 60. Originally it was Seafoam
Green [actually Carrara green - code #132] inside and out. He also did not
want some of the extras one being cruise control Since it was standard it cost extra
to have it delivered without it. Sometime about 1965, for some unknown reason, he
had the carburation replaced with a new one. He did not like the
tri-power. He felt it was wasting too much gas. Also, there was no evidence of it
ever having air ride. By 1960 it was well known that it was nothing but trouble. In
1984, I was living in Palm Springs and San Diego, CA so I had California Coach Works in San
Diego do a complete restoration on the car including a complete color change inside and
out [now maroon outer and off-white interior]. They took everything apart
to the bare frame to get rid of the green. In checking Cadillac's records I found it
was the only one made in that color [in 1960 - there were two like it in 1959].
Also dyed the dash and replaced the steering wheel with an original gray one. The
color is a custom [1985?] Cadillac color called Bordeaux [there was indeed a
Cadillac color called "Bordeaux Red" in 1985 (code #79); it was used on the
lower body of 2-tone Eldorado and Seville jobs that year; however, the
color of this Eldorado Brougham appears much lighter than does the
"Bordeaux" paint chip; it looks more like "Cranberry Firemist" (code
#92), "Coronation Red" (code #72) or "Madeira Plum Pearlmist" (code
#98)] and the interior I had done in the finest leather exactly matching the 1985
Fleetwood Brougham interior except had them keep the Pinin Farina trademark of triple welt
on the doors. The carpets are also custom in pure dove gray
llama wool. After several years of doing the car show circuit, Los Angeles and
San Diego Cadillac LaSalle Club and the International Cadillac Club, receiving several
trophies including Best of Show, I put it up for sale with VIP Classics in San Diego
with no success. I donated the car in 1999 to the Stephan Chase Foundation for AIDS
Research for a charity event auction. Last I saw some dealer in Santa Barbara
had it until I saw your EBay sale. I had several Cadillac's including a 57 Brougham which
was fun to show them as a pair. The funniest show was in 1989 at the Caliente Race
Track in Tijuana for Tijuana's Centennial. The two Broughams were the star
attractions over several Rolls Royce's and exotic cars. The crowd loved them. I
have many photos including a complete diary of the restoration. I also have some
parts for the car, the cloisonné badges [these badges carry the name
"Brougham" diagonally, across a blood-red cloisonné background - they
are frequently mistaken for the Pininfarina logo], which are missing on the rear
quarter panels, also owners manual and registrations. Hope this helps. Any more
questions let me know. Sincerely, David. Despite this update from the second owner,
the vendor has not changed his own, sometimes erroneous description of the car. He
says, for example: They [the 1959-60 Eldorado Broughams] have high
luxury and the one-upmanship value of Pinin Farina badges; in fact there is no Pinin
Farina badge anywhere on a 1959 or 1960 Eldorado Brougham. He adds: The
leather interior is excellent for its age and has held up well, as only the finest Italian
leathers can do; in fact, the original, green stripe broadcloth and leather
interior was replaced with a modern, all-leather interior in 1984-85; I do NOT believe
that leather was Italian. He asserts also: Pinin Farina handled body styling (a
mild modification of standard 1959-60 lines marked by less outlandish tailfins) and
assembly (using Cadillac components) in Turin. It has a number of Italian variations
including a neat front-opening hood [actually, the design is 100% Fleetwood;
Pinin Farina only dealt with assembling the car]. Lastly, he says: paint color
is original; engine and drive train are original. Again, the 2nd owner tells us
the car does not have the Tri-Power, nor Cruise-Control and was repainted
"Bordeaux". So, it's not quite "original". My buddy
"Q", in Australia, tells me the car belongs to a collector/enthusiast in Las
Vegas, NV.
These upper photos possibly show this car; at that
time (1983-84) it was owned by a Mr. Fogg in California
These photos: courtesy Ed Pentesco, Canada;
they were taken at "The Auction", in Las Vegas, 10.31.1999
[Ed reports that the car had the wrong interior as well as a malfunctioning hood
latch - it was bid to $10,400 but did not sell]
This image of the car was found on Hemmings Web site,
July 2001
The interior trim (other than the door panels) is
incorrect; two patterns were offered by Cadillac on this model: (a) a paneled effect
(with fabric upholstery) and (b) vertical piping when leather was chosen; the
center console also is non original. The explanation
has since been given by the second owner of the car who had extensive remodeling
done to the interior and had the car repainted in 1985
Car #81 currently is in primer, waiting to be
restored more fully. Ed Pentesco of Ontario, Canada, acquired it in Las Vegas from
one Art Levin ...who still advertises it for sale! It was delivered initially to Chicago;
the car is on coil springs; it was offered for sale in the last quarter, 1998, and was
described as being in condition #4; with that car comes the rare, leather-bound 1960 Brougham
owner's manual. In the BOA Newsletter, Fall 2000, the car was still for sale by Art
Levine. This may be the editor's fault; I see, for example, that the Arpège
perfume bottle and Cross pencil I had for sale two years ago are still listed for
sale in that same Newsletter. Late Extra [12/2005]: Ed
still has this one in storage. Later [8/2007]: the car
was offered for sale on eBay. It ran before it was
parked. There is some surface rust on the floor pans but they are solid. Windshield and
back glass are perfect, however some of the side glass is cracked but is flat and so
can easily be replaced. The original engine with tri-power set up is intact along with the
rare air cleaner. Latest [10/2007]: The car is
now in Norway, in the hands of enthusiast Remi Hansen who intends to restore it fully. As
you can see from the photos he kindly supplied [below], he has his work cut out for a few
months !
[ Photos: © 2007 and courtesy of Remi Hansen ]
Car #83 was not previously listed here; it was
acquired in July, 2002 by Cadillac enthusiast, Gary R. Weirman who says: I have recently found and purchased car #83 of the 1960 Eldorado
Brougham series. I intend to have it restored by a pro. I would appreciate any do's, do
nots or information. Thank you very much. My suggestion, Gary, is that you
talk to Ed Pentesco in Canada.
Car #85 currently is a daily
driver in Easley, South Carolina, the state where I reside since October 1997. The
car is on coil springs and the owner has had it for 4 years; he believes he is the second
title holder. The car was first delivered to Missouri but records show that it came
from a Texan estate. It was in storage for 12 years before the current owner bought
it; it is unrestored but a full restoration is planned. Purists will cringe when they
learn that the car [originally painted "Plum" (#152)] currently is painted over
with flat black rustoleum overlaid with outlandish designs!!! The owner knows
also of a "local" green '60 Brougham that was reportedly crushed some
years ago (#44?).
This daily driver is in S. Carolina
Car #86 is another Brougham model in the
impressive collection of Ed Pentesco from Ontario, Canada; he bought it in Texas
where it was delivered new in 1960. It was last licensed in Texas in 1974. Latest [12/2005]: Ed tells me the car is now restored
and on the road in Las Vegas. He plans to show the car at the 2006 CLC Grand
National in Los Angeles.
These recent shots (above 2 rows) were taken during
the 2009 CLC "Grand National" in Las Vegas
[ Photos: © 2009, Yann Saunders ]
Even more recent are these shots by the Las Vegas
chapter of the CLC
Car #87 This Brougham was
not previously included in my list of survivors; I found out about it only in January,
1999, through 'Brigitte', a user of The (new)
Cadillac Database©. She said the car was advertised for sale for
$55,000. Additional information was received in 2001 from Brougham
aficionado Chris Hawkins; he said: My friend John Muller of Atlanta, GA. recently
purchased 1960 Brougham, #87. It is a beautiful original, 28k
mile car. It is currently receiving a "freshening" after sitting on display for
17 years. John intends to keep this Brougham as original as possible. P.S. In the
glove compartment was the original, leather-bound owner's manual. In March 2002, the
new owner himself contacted me; he added: The original owner, Otto Nieman [of
Nieman-Marcus ???], used her only as his special event car and she generally stayed in
the garage while two Fleetwoods served as daily drivers. Jim Todd, the Cadillac franchise
owner in Central Valley, NY sold her new and repurchased her from Mr. Nieman's estate in
the early 1980's. She has graced the Olsen-Todd Cadillac showroom floor until this
February, when Mr. Todd decided to retire and sell the dealership. She is an extraordinary
original example with little more than minor paint retouching having ever been done. The
original leather is like new, the original mouton carpets are very nice, but have had some
shrinkage and some damage at door sills and will need to be replaced. The dash and leather
package shelf are also like new. The original owner's manual is perfectly preserved and
she still rides beautifully on air suspension, though I have recently replaced rear air
bags and a check valve. Much of her paint is original, though there are various areas with
cracking or other issues. I have had a friend carefully color-sand many of the areas and
he managed to significantly reduce the number of noticeable problems. I will eventually
strip and repaint the whole vehicle, but I will see how the paint continues to age. If I
can keep her looking as good as she does now, I will not paint her, though I do believe
that even minimal sun exposure will age the current paint very quickly. The chrome is
exceptional, though the rear bumper center will require replating as it has some surface
rust and chrome lifting. She runs and drives beautifully and everything works except the
two clocks, which will be removed soon for servicing.
[ This photo: © and courtesy John Muller,
Atlanta, GA, the present owner ]
Mr. Muller's car attended the 2006 CLC Grand National
in Savannah
[ These tow snapshots: Internet - ConceptCarz
web site ]
Car #88 was offered for sale in the first quarter,
1998, for $6,500; it was described as a non-runner requiring complete restoration. Mike
Rizzuto has it listed for sale on a Web site ad for the same amount. Ad reads: Only 101 produced! Air Ride, white exterior, blue interior, straight,
complete California black plate car. Needs a complete restoration. Not running, but might
if you try! It is now (2003) reported to be in Sweden;
it too is currently undergoing restoration for a mysterious "Mr
B" by Emeren Autocraft in Vikarbyn.
[ Photos: © and courtesy Jerry Jansson ]
Car #89 is the "final" (?)
Brougham in the vast collection owned by Canadian enthusiast, Ed Pentesco. He bought
it near Carson City, Nevada, although it bore California license tags and had a dealer ID
plate from San Jose, in the Bay area. This is the only 1960 Brougham to be painted
Cypress Green (code #136), a very deep, dark green hue. This running car is in
fairly good condition. Latest [12/2005]:
Ed tells me now that he parted out the car and scrapped it in September 2003 [three
down and 98 to go!]
Sad to think this rare automobile was the property of
a very wealthy owner !
[ Photos: © 2003, and courtesy of Ed Pentesco ]
Car #93 is a parts car; it is in the
current inventory of Ed Pentesco [four down and 97 to go!]
Car #94 was purchased new by S.F. Briggs, of the Briggs
& Stratton organization [he had purchased a 1957 Eldorado Brougham a few
years earlier]. This car was on sale, in Pennsylvania, in October, 1998, for under
$7,800; it was reported to be in poor condition. Recently [Feb. 2000], it was
offered for sale on e-Bay. The vendor described it thus: ...We purchased the Brougham from the Walgreen "Drug Store" Family who
had it in storage for over 20 years. The odometer indicates 50,200 miles and is believed
to be correct. When we purchased the car it was still on the air suspension. The air pump
was operational, however there were several leaks underneath, so the bags were removed and
replaced with springs. All original Air Ride components go with the car. The original
tri-power runs good; however, the gas tank needs to be removed and cleaned. The only rust
area is under the battery box which is mounted in the trunk. The car has had a repaint
which is not very good. Dash pad is perfect. The windshield has a 2 inch crack in the
lower right corner and some small bubbles in the lamination [Yann says: finding
a new windshield for a '60 Brougham ain't gonna be easy!1]. The right front
door glass has a crack in it as well. The chrome trim is in good condition but not show
quality. The rear door windows work sporadically. The CORRECT wheel covers are very nice!
Original carpet is bad, however the original white leather is pretty good aside from the
front seat is starting to crack. The seams on the backrest are separating. With very
minimal work and low capital expenditure, this car could be a very nice driver. According
to Cadillac experts, of the 101 built, less than 35 exist today [wrong: this list
shows 51 of them]. We will include free shipment within 200 miles of Milwaukee,
WI. For further information you can contact Rich @ 262-878-9555 between 9 AM and 6
PM. This car was originally delivered to PA; it was listed on my 1978 roster as
being in good condition. Color and trim codes match. Late Extra [June,
2008]: The car turned up for sale on Ebay; currently it is located in Utah. The
odometer now treads 50,253 miles, suggesting it has traveled no more than 53 miles since
it was last offered for sale more than 8 years ago. Vendor says the headliner and carpet have been replaced and the seat sides
[front?] have been redone in leather, as also the door panels. The original white leather trim has been dyed over; I
guess it may have faded or become soiled.
_______________________________________
1 [the following
text is reproduced with kind permission of Lance Hirsch, 1958 Eldorado Brougham #436]: I sold a '58 EB last year without a windshield.
The guy I sold it to is a Caddy restorer but wasn't too worried about the missing
windshield. Keep in mind, as Jeff mentioned about the '59s, that these windshields are
very rare. I've heard of NOS '57-'58 EB windshields going for $5000-$6000. So the buyer of
my EB calls his windshield supplier and asks for one. After a few minutes they say,
"OK, but it's about $900." That may sound like a lot of money, but considering I
looked for quite a while and found nothing, I would have jumped at that deal. He bought it
- and it was broken in shipment! He contacted the supplier and told them about the
"mishap". Their response was, "OK, we'll send you another one." At
this point I was incredulous. I couldn't believe that 40 years later someone actually had
two of these windshields sitting in a warehouse somewhere. I asked him to find out if they
had any others, as I was interested in having a spare for my remaining EB. Unfortunately,
the well has run dry; there are no more. The moral of this story: don't give up on rare
parts! They are out there; you need only be lucky enough to find them!
Car #95 was owned in the late seventies by Charles
Daout of Chesapeake. At that time, Charles owned also 1959 Brougham #3 and
1960 Brougham #1. The car found its way to Sweden
[as did MANY other "classic" Cadillac models of the 50s and 60s] where it
underwent a full and total restoration. Thanks to enthusiast, Jean-Claude Franchitti
for pics of the car "before".
Photos: courtesy Autocraft web site and Hans
Emeren, Sweden
Car #96 resided in Denmark, until 3/2002; it was
owned by Carl-Erik Svensson. This one was delivered initially to California;
it was painted white and had blue leather interior and the mouton fur carpeting; the
interior trim now appears to be gray. In the photos, below, it appears also to have
orange-colored side marker lights on the front fenders, as though it had spent some time
in Italy, where these markers are mandatory. Late extra
[3/2002]: this car was bought by Brougham enthusiast and friend, Jerry
Jansson of Sweden. He drove all the way to Denmark to pick it up. He reports that
the carpet is now loop pile and not mouton; also, what Jerry thought was the owner's
manual, in the glove box, turns out to be the maintenance booklet. Bad luck!
Jerry's prized possession, already on show in Sweden
Car #97 was advertised as a parts car in Hemmings
Motor News, January 1999. However, I was contacted, in July 1999, by Chris
Bernardi who claims to own the car (he had said previously that it was #98); Chris has also car #29
(above). Although the car does need a lot of work and the interior is rough, Chris
says that it is no "parts car". It is currently black with a blue and
green leather interior; production records indicate that it was white with white leather
interior. The car is reported to have 68,000 original miles. Like #29, it has a cracked windshield. Good luck finding a
replacement, Chris; it may be cheaper to have a new one manufactured. Chris
may offer this car for sale if he finds an interested party. This car was
owned in the late seventies by John Miller of Natick, NY. At that time John owned also
1957-58 Broughams #105, 199 and 305, as well as 1960 Broughams #22
and 75. Chris left this message in my Guest Book,
March 28: I own 1960 Eldorado Broughams #29 and #97
and like the page says they are for sale. I am asking $35,000 for the two of them
together. They are in Massachusetts. Any one interested just send me and email. Thanks.
Late Extra (10/2002): the cars were advertised for
sale on e-Bay in October 2002. Late Late Extra (2/2003):
this car was advertised in Hemmings for $6,000; price is going down ! Latest extra (5/2005); the car has found a new home; it will
be going to Sweden ! Conflicting information (?):
another source reports that this car was owned by Alphie Ouelette of MA who owned
also 1960 EB#29. The issue
was cleared up in Dec., 2008, when Chris wrote to say that Alphie Ouelette was his
grandfather and that they had sold the cars together to the Swedish collector.
Car #97 is the white one [originally black] in the foreground
Car #99 was reported some years ago to be a parts
car; apparently it is now in Melbourne, Australia, according to Brougham buff Dirk Van
Dorst of Belgium. Shortly after I got this information from Dirk, I got in contact with
Tim Stevens, a Cadillac enthusiast in Australia who is familiar with the car (as well as
with 1957 Brougham #185, 1958 Brougham #551,
1959 Brougham #41 and 1960 Broughams #32
and #73, all owned by the same person). Originally
painted "Kenya Beige" (code #148) it has been repainted white. The interior trim
is the original (but severely deteriorated) beige broadcloth and leather (code #115); the
original sheepskin carpets are missing (code #2). The odometer shows 24,609 miles. Body
tags were removed from the car (ah-ha!) but are in the owner's possession. He was
contacted by the vendor, some time after the sale, and offered the car's original owner's
manual for $200; he bought it. Smart move: today, it's probably worth as much as the
car!). The latter is on coil springs and, according to its owner, was running ...10
years ago; it still has the original Tri-Power set up. There is evidence of some water
leaks as well as animal damage (rats, possums ?). Tim says the car does not appear to have
moved from its present position in the shed and the front of it has deteriorated
since his last visit, 2 years ago. Restorable? Potentially, yes ...but at what cost ???
Windscreen shows up paw marks of (possibly) playful
possums!
Car #100 was known to have survived but its
whereabouts have not been found. It is believed to reside somewhere in Ohio.
Other 1960 Broughams [some of which may actually be
included above]
# ..... This pic was provided kindly by
Peter Ratcliff of Melbourne, Australia. Can anyone identify the car?
# ..... I'm sure I have documented this one; I
just can't remember the details. help !
# ..... One of these was offered for sale in Cadillac
Connoisseur, magazine of the Cadillac Club International of Palm Springs,
CA, in 1983-84 (Vol. 23:3); price was $1500 (it needed restoration). The number to
call was (714) 686-4611.
# ..... I saw a 1960 Eldorado Brougham
for sale in an old issue of Special Interest Autos (SIA), Vol. 1, #1 on p.3
The vendor was shown as Rippey's Veteran Car Museum, in Denver, CO.
The price [in the early seventies] was $2,250! This could be one of the cars
mentioned in the 1960 listing, above.
# ..... Cadillac Mailing List (CML)
subscriber, Sal Darigo, mentioned in May 2003 that his mechanic had junked a '60 Eldo
Brougham in the mid-to-late '60s because the windshield was cracked, the car wouldn't pass
Pennsylvania inspection, and replacements were not to be had at the time (five down and 96
to go).
# ..... Among the photos in my collection is
one that I took of a '60 Brougham wreck in Sandusky, OH, in 1994. The car appeared
to have been gutted by fire; in my opinion, it was beyond restoration - see photo below
[...six down, a possible 95 left!]
This parts car (?) is located in Ohio
Trivia (1)
Users of the Database wonder why I have such a great interest in the Brougham
yet never owned one. Well, among my many faults, I am a procrastinator. I think
too much ...instead of acting! I could weep just thinking of the number of GOOD to
EXCELLENT 1959-60 Broughams I turned down in the seventies because I was sure I
would find a better one, for less money, the following week/month/year. Here are a
few: $950 (1960 model, stripped and in primer, very restorable - Natick, MA [possibly car
#51, because Bob Mannino lived in Natick at the time and he sold it to Fred Kanter]),
$2000 (1959 car #43, yes! - with new upholstery, new transmission, new tires, located in
Bellevue, WA), $2000 (1960 model - Haddonfield, NJ), $2500 (1959 - Houston, TX),
$2500 (1959 - Balboa, Canal Zone and, later, Franklin, VA).
Trivia (2)
On January 24, 2001, this message was received from enthusiast, Else Morgensen:
I only have a bunch of parts [1960 Brougham]. I don't have the
serial number of the Pininfarina body at hand, but will dig it out and forward it later.
Nor do I have a list of the parts (because it's a lot of little stuff, I can't quite
identify. When people inquire, I send them a photo of the stuff and we sort out what
it may be. I can say, though, I have a center section of rear bumper, a windshield
molding, a couple of the electric motor assemblies for the trunk, rear vent windows, side
moldings, and more.
Trivia (3)
On January 12, 2010, I got this message from car buff, Tom Russ, who missed
buying a 1960 Brougham, back in 1972. It was green (a rare color for the Brougham)
with a matching green interior, so it had to have been #31 (not a known survivor), #44
(crushed), #56 (not a known survivor) or #89 (burned out hulk, scrapped in 2003):
I was living in Denver Colorado in
the late 1960's and early 1970's and remember seeing and DRIVING a 1960 Eldorado
Brougham from Art Rippie's Museum [anybody know it?]. It was a medium shade of
green with matching leather interior. This was back in Dec 1972. He was having an auction
and I also drove a 1938 Cadillac "16" Club Sedan. Both quite magnificent
machines. I came close to buying the Eldorado, but in 1972, I could NOT quite afford it. I
took the car over to Jack Kent Cadillac on Colorado Blvd. in Denver, and was the HIT of
the service dept. Every mechanic in the dept. Stopped working and came to look at the car
... I still wish I had bought the Brougham [I wish you had, Tom, it might have
had a better chance of survival!]
Conclusion
The Brougham survivor
figures all are from sources that are assumed to be reliable. They indicate that more than
half of all Eldorado Brougham models built during the period from 1957 to 1960
have survived.
How many other auto manufacturers
in the world today may claim that half the number of cars of a given model they built more
than 50 years ago are still on the road (or at least roadworthy) today?
I say, and I repeat:
"Hurrah for the quality and reliability of Cadillac automobiles!"
This 1960 Brougham survivor is
believed to belong to Ed Pentesco, Canada
Notice the low rear, indicating a possible leak in the air suspension system
This one reportedly belongs to Eric W. Thomas,
CLC member from Rowland Heights, CA
[ Photo: Internet site, thanks to "detective" Jerry Jansson ]
ºººººººº
Survivor Statistics ºººººººº
Number of
Actual Known Survivors1
[ summary table ]
|
Year |
Survivors |
% |
| 1957 |
278 |
69.5 |
| 1958 |
203 |
66.8 |
| Total 1957-58 |
481 |
68.3 |
| 1959 |
43 |
43.4 |
| 1960 |
54 |
53.5 |
| Total 1959-60 |
97 |
48.5 |
| Grand Total |
578 |
63.9% |
Nota: Even though 704 Eldorado Brougham
engines and chassis were built in 1957 and 1958, there were only 703 bodies. One of them
was used on TWO cars and got TWO separate body tags - #2 in 1957 became #475 in
1958!
|
1 "Actual"
totals [some downgraded to parts cars], revised January, 2009
Go to the record
of Brougham survivors of 1958
Go to the record
of Brougham survivors of 1957
Return to The
(New) Cadillac Database © Index
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or select preferred chapter
© 1996, Yann Saunders and the Cadillac-LaSalle
Club, Inc.
[ Background image: artists' views of the 1959 and 1960 Eldorado Brougham models,
from the year's brochure ]