1954 Cadillac Eldorado
Description
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
After World War II, Cadillac bypassed Packard in sales, proclaiming in an advertisement, “Gradually, but surely, the impression has deepened that Cadillac stands alone in all the things that make a motor car a pleasure to own and utilize.” To preserve its ultimate status in American luxury, General Motors unveiled a sleek convertible Eldorado concept at their 1952 Motorama roadshow to celebrate the brand’s 50-year “Golden Anniversary.” The Eldorado entered production a year later with an astronomical $7,750 base price – the most expensive new vehicle in America at launch. Only 532 were sold, and as a result, the Eldorado shared its sheet metal with the Series 62 from the following year to reduce production costs and increase sales. Anodized panels and gold-plated crests on the rear fenders, wire wheels, fiberglass “parade boot,” and many other unique styling features now separated the Eldorado from the rest of the Cadillac line. Sales for 1954 remained modest with just 2,150 Eldorados sold that year, making them rare and highly collectible cruisers today.
Jerry Ferguson, a member of the United States Navy and a co-founder of Biomet Inc., a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of musculoskeletal orthopedic implants and products, was known for his entrepreneurial drive and generosity. He was also an enthusiast of all things 1950s, from music to automobiles. Pursuing his love affair with the automobile, in 1984 Ferguson established the Classic Car Centre of Warsaw, Indiana, a company dedicated to the acquisition and restoration of mid-century American Classics. In operation until his return to Biomet in 1993, today Hagerty Marketplace is proud to offer The Ferguson Collection, comprising the long-hidden remaining inventory and personal collection of Jerry Ferguson.
Highlights
Offered from The Ferguson Collection
One of only 2,150 Eldorados sold in 1954
Restored in Aztec Red with a white leather interior
Power-operated white pinpoint vinyl convertible soft top
Powered by a 331 cu-in overhead-valve V8 topped with a single four-barrel carburetor and rated at 230 horsepower
Four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission
Equipped with factory power steering, power brakes, power front seats, power windows, Cadillac Autronic-Eye, and EZ-Eye Glass
15-inch chrome wire wheels mounted with Universal Ribbed wide whitewall tires
Rare original windshield wiper arms
Sanitary engine bay with vinyl hood pad
Chrome brightwork presents in fine condition
Straight body retaining its original factory undercoating
Available for the first time in 35 years
This Eldorado is offered with the five-digit odometer currently displaying 41,277 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown
Features
Chrome bumpers, front and rear
Chrome grille
Gold-plated emblems
Hood ornament
Rear fender skirts
Fog lamps
Windshield washers
Directional signal lights
Dual back-up lights
Dual-tinted acrylic sun visors
Glare-proof rearview mirror
Automatic glove box light
Automatic luggage compartment light
Automatic courtesy lights
Parking brake warning signal
Cigarette lighters, front and rear
Oil-bath air cleaner
Embossed seatbacks
AM radio
Red 80/20 interior carpeting
Black 80/20 loop trunk carpeting
Dual exhaust outlets
Factory fiberglass “parade boot”
Known Imperfections
Please note that all of the lots in The Ferguson Collection are offered in non-running condition after being stored without operation in a climate-controlled facility for at least 10 years. As a result, the lots will benefit from additional mechanical attention before being driven to address any imperfections associated with long-term storage or individual preferences. All lots are sold as is, where is.
Paint chip on the driver’s door by the exterior mirror
Passenger side rear fender trim scuff below the gold Cadillac crest
Light trim pitting
Slight delamination of vent window glass
Internal exhaust pipe rust
Included
Tonneau cover with bag
Matching spare chrome wire wheel and tire
Jack
Original registration documents dating back to 1958
Partial service records
Ownership History
This Eldorado is said to have been purchased new at Hoosier Cadillac, Indianapolis, Indiana in 1954 by Ms. Betsy Toy Hall. The car was reportedly restored by Bud Ward of Pine Bluff, Arkansas – a top restorer of Cadillacs in the 1980s – at some point during the second owner’s stewardship. The Cadillac was subsequently acquired by The Ferguson Collection in 1988.
Additional Notes
A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle
Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 email: donnie.gould@broadarrowgroup.com
