1950s CadillacThe 1950s Cadillac is the epitome of classic and luxurious 1950s automobiles still revered by enthusiasts.
Cadillac is off course a name long associated with luxury cars, a reputation reinforced
during the 1950s when even the likes of Elvis Presley were proud owners of their models. That gave Cadillac the platform for taking control of the luxury car market during the 1950s, enabling it to fight off occasional challenges from rivals, Lincoln, Imperial and Packard. The company then entered the '50s with two important developments which were to Cadillac take the luxury market by storm, the tailfin and the overhead valve V-8 engine. The 1950s Cadillac range included the Series 61 coupé, one of the few Cadillacs at the time to retail for less than $3,000. The commencement of the decade also saw Cadillac initiate a major redesign of their models. They were fitted with one piece windscreens, as opposed to the old two piece split versions. The car body looked heavier and included a swooping tailfin. In the early '50s Cadillac launched a two seater, the Le Mans, followed up a year later by the Eldorado. In 1955 the Eldorado was restyled and featured in General Motors travelling motor show the Motorama. Sales for the Eldorado passed the 6,000 mark during 1956.
The Eldorado range was also extended to include a hard topped coupé, selling at $6,565. These luxury models helped Cadillac grab a growing share of the market with sales exceeding £140,000 mid-decade. As well as their style in the 1950s Cadillac also managed to put more power into their car engines. By 1956 the Eldorado (above) was packed with 305 horsepower while the rest of the Cadillac range enjoyed a none the less impressive 285 hp. By 1957 Cadillac turned out the Eldorado Brougham for a then massive price of over $13,000. Cadillac also introduced quad headlights as standard. The Brougham featured air suspension designed by Lester Milliken and Fred Cowen. By 1958 sales dropped to almost 120,000 as the recession bit, but Cadillac still took the opportunity to give their models another facelift. That year also saw all 1950s Cadillac models becoming available with cruise control and high pressure cooling. By the end of the decade Cadillac rolled out the rocket inspired Cyclone, styled by Harvey Earl prior to his departing the company. Related Articles |
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