For two decades following WWII, GM's Cadillac Motor Car Division was riding high as the World's premier manufacturer of eminently stylish luxury automobiles, rightfully called "Standard of the World." A highlight was the company's 50th anniversary in 1958, which brought about a completely re-styled range of models proudly billed "masterpieces of motordom in styling and performance."
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Today's classic car enthusiasts celebrate the late 1950s as the pinnacle of tailfinned, chrome-bedecked land yachts, and Cadillacs forever epitomize this era of exuberant excess.
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Over half a Century later, excellent survivors of the tailfin years -- cars that were able to escape the ravages of time unharmed, never needing restoration -- are increasingly hard to find, even in sunny Southern California.
Here's one!
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Sold new in Long Beach, Calif., this one-owner Caddy, VIN *58G092363*, has spent its whole life in the Downey area. It comes with the large factory brochure (in the original envelope) showing all the exciting details and color combinations available on the '58s, and the original Cadillac owner's manual.
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To this day, the car is registered to the cherished, original-issue California black-and-yellow license plates, which it wears like badges of honor, establishing its California provenance.
Let's inspect this fine automobile closely now, commencing up front, under the hood.
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Clean engine compartment houses Cadillac's new-for-fifty-eight 365 cu.in. power plant, rated at 310 horsepower. Everything looks factory stock and original. Standard power equipment includes power steering, power brakes, and the Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.
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The big block runs like the proverbial watch--whisper quiet--but still has all the power needed to smoothly propel the 5,000-pound behemoth to freeway speeds and beyond. There are no ill manners -- such as overheating, oil drinking, dripping, slipping, or smoking -- at all to report.
Note factory decals and original windshield fluid glass jar. Correct to the nth degree!
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Turning our attention to the car's exterior, we are absolutely amazed by the superb coachwork. This Cadillac displays the straightest body we've seen in a long time. A 52 year-old car with showroom-crisp lines, its heavy-gauge Detroit metal is free of any kind of non-factory filler, ding, dent, scratch, or bubble, with perfect hood and door gaps. Stunning chrome and stainless trim remains in a similar state of preservation, all original, with absolutely no pitting or peeling to report.
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Introduced in the late 1940s, the "Hardtop Convertible" look eliminated the B-pillar, creating an airy, convertible-like ambiance without compromising a car's structural rigidity. On the '58, the design was applied to breathtakingly beautiful effect.
Note optional E-Z-Eye glass all around, all original, with its subtly graduated blue tint.
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Thankfully, this Cadillac was spared the indignities of a lowering kit and 20-inch "Dubs" with rubber band tires, riding on factory steel wheels sporting stainless Cadillac wheel covers instead. REMMINGTON Cushion Air wide whitewall tires of the dimension L78-15, optional equipment for 1958, on all four corners, complete the pretty picture.
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Gloriously finished in its original combination of Meridien Taupe with a contrasting Alpine White roof (paint code 49-12), the Caddy features a quintessential Fifties two-tone look. Very importantly, the paint displays a period-correct luster. There are no nicks, chips, dings, or other blemishes to report; this masterpiece is truly ready to be shown with pride.
Let's have a look inside!
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Cadillac's design splendor continues inside the cockpit with lots of brightwork, a padded dash, and color-coordinated materials throughout. Large, ivory steering wheel is in mint condition, including the full horn ring. Only a low-mileage car can be this clean and original!
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Fully chromed instrument cluster with symmetrically arranged gauges and controls. Confronted with the bland offerings of 21st Century design school graduates, we truly come to cherish 1950s style and taste. A Cadillac was top-of-the-line, back then, and its exalted status was consciously reflected in every facet of its design.
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Rip and wrinkle-free, embossed original dash top. Check out the large Cadillac emblem, topped by a heavy silver crown. Ribbed chrome dash trim wraps around, extending far into the doors. Original headliner and sun visors are in extra fine condition.
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Intricately tailored, all original door panels are a feast for the eyes! Apart from a small split on the driver's arm rest, the door, side, and kick panels are immaculate.
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Optional six-way power front seat. Front seat fabric inserts seem to have been renewed once, remainder of interior looks to be original. There's plenty of room for three abreast!
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Original woven fabric on seat back. Apparently, this car was owned by a non-smoker who strictly prohibited small kids, pesky animals, or sticky food items inside his pride and joy!
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Incredibly well preserved rear bench with sumptuous center arm rest and embossed Cadillac emblem above it.
Yes, the interior lights work . . .
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. . . and the back-up lights work, too!
Let's open the trunk lid and have a good look inside.
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Cavernous luggage compartment looks undisturbed. All factory liners and mats are in place, as well as the matching, date-coded spare and jacking equipment.
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Trunk details. A peek behind the cardboard panels shows reference-quality condition and original paint. Note factory tire changing instruction decal.
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Ready for our test drive?
Sure, but first we have to inspect the Caddy's undercarriage!
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If you've always fantasized about finding the ultimate, rust free California Cadillac, here it is! Absolutely virginal, free of corrosion, it displays that mellow patina virtually exclusive to pampered, garaged cars that have spent half a century in the mild Southern California climate.
According to a sticker affixed to the door jamb, the engine was rebuilt exactly 13,522 miles ago; it still looks fresh. |
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Another view of the pristine floor pans. This car has never seen undercoating-in-a-can, let alone a welding torch. They are original only once!
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April 1st provided us with a perfect opportunity to take the Pink Panther for a drive and take these pictures. With blue skies over Ventura, we took our place behind the wheel and headed for our favorite lunch spot near the Channel Islands harbor.
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The big Cad starts easily, idles silently, runs super strong, shifts smoothly, brakes surprisingly well, and floats over any surface like . . well, like a Cadillac! Only thing you have to watch out for are amazed motorists who tend to lose concentration when Big Pink whooshes by! We have enjoyed many fine cars over the years; hardly ever have we experienced as many enthusiastic smiles, thumbs up signs and exclamations of delight as while chauffeuring the Rose Pink '58.
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Though almost 222 inches long, the Caddy can be guided with one finger on the wheel. You ride tall, which enables you to see all four corners of the car for ease of parallel parking. The dual exhaust emits a lusty, but not intrusive, burble, the--optional--power windows glide down silently, fresh air gently caressing the car's occupants. Life's good! Cadillac's optional Pre-Selector radio with power antenna works flawlessly, AM 1450 "Da Boomer" providing just the right Fifties tunes for our happy voyage.
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Looking back over the past hundred years of automobile history, there are two pronounced eras of ostentatiousness and abundant display of wealth: the early-to-mid 1930s and the late 1950s. Naturally, the best surviving luxury cars from those years will continue to be highly sought after, continue to appreciate in value, and continue to draw crowds wherever they appear.
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With its flamboyant (but still elegant) colors, powerful engine, and outrageous 1950s styling, this fantastic, heirloom-quality 1958 Cadillac Coupé will never seize to amaze.
Addendum:
We sold this Cadillac in April 2010 to an enthusiast in Southern France.
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