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Cadillac Eldorado, an American in Madrid

In the mid-XNUMXs, the aesthetic revolution launched by General Motors was in full swing. Although the Buick brand was chosen to lead this renewal, Cadillac soon took a good note.

As early as 1938, Harley J. Earl had designed the experimental Buick Y-Job, a car that had large chrome bumpers, a low and wide grille, as well as front wheel arches that wanted to form a set with the hood.

That prototype, which echoed the aerodynamic fashion, set the standards that set not only the style of the postwar Buick, but also that of the rest of the divisions belonging to the General Motors group, including Cadillac.

This gold-colored vee was only installed in one hundred Eldorado copies of a special series
This gold-colored vee was only installed in one hundred Eldorado copies of a special series

After the end of the world war, in just five years the new body style had already spread, with much flatter hood and trunk lid, wheel arches integrated into the body and headlights recessed in the front of the wings.

Even Cadillac, which had been conservative in the mid-1949s, chose to take the lead. In 8 it launched a new VXNUMX engine, with overhead valves, short stroke and a robustness that even today can be classified as exceptional.

Already in 1953, with the appearance of the Eldorado series, the brand reached the top. As much for their quiet mechanics as for the aeronautical design of the bodies and sumptuous equipment, the Cadillac Eldorado were the best you could find.

Cadillac Eldorado, or "the american way of life"
Cadillac Eldorado, or "the american way of life"

The huge convertible that appears in the photos belongs to the 1955 season and has the peculiarity that only a hundred units were manufactured in this silver gray tone, also with the "V" made in a gold-colored metal.

It was bought new in the United States by John Collins, an American military man who in 1957 was assigned to the embassy of this country in Madrid. Without hesitation, Mr. Collins brought the Cadillac, which was registered on May 18, 1957.

You can imagine the impression that this vehicle would make on Madrid traffic, which at that time consisted of prewar cars that survived as best they could, plus the Renault 4/4 and Seat 1400 that began to be manufactured in 1953.

Seen in profile and convertible, it still looks longer than it actually is
Seen in profile and convertible, it still looks longer than it actually is

Along with them, a swarm of motorcycles and motorcars, people who moved on bicycles, carts pulled by equine animals, some imported cars and a majority of pedestrians. In other words, a tidal wave in which the Cadillac seemed from another world.

After a stay in the capital for a couple of years, Mr. Collins was transferred to the recently built joint naval base in Rota (Cádiz), where he worked until 1962.

Meanwhile, in July 1960, he stopped enjoying the tax benefits of having imported his car under diplomatic franchise. Anyway, since he was five years old, from then on the amount of taxes would be considerably less.

Before being assigned to another country in 62 and not being worth taking it away, its first owner sold this car to a man who lived in Asturias.

In short, General Motors revolutionized the lines of the 50
In short, General Motors revolutionized the lines of the 50

When he bought it, the new owner took it upon himself to undergo a slight restoration, bringing the paint and chrome back to shine. And in addition, to a tune-up and the replacement of worn or already broken parts.

After that rejuvenation cure, she enjoyed it and moved with it for more than three decades. He appreciated it so much that he kept it for the rest of his days.

Given the environment that is traditionally lived in Asturias, so prone to this type of car on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, it took a short time to find its third owner in 1997, from whom its current owner bought it three years ago.

8º V90, 5.422 cc
8º V90, 5.422 cc

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Fan profiles

Fernando de la Hoz is very passionate about our hobby in its various aspects. Not only does he like any motor vehicle, of whatever type, but he also enjoys automotive objects and clothing from bygone eras. Plus, he loves to promote events that help expand the collectibles industry. Not surprisingly, he has been for fourteen years at the head of the organizing team of the International Classic Vehicle Fair "Ciudad de Oviedo".

Every year, every October, it is also in charge of taking Spanish fans to the world's largest fair for classic and vintage vehicles, organized by the American Automobile Car Association in Hershey (Pennsylvania) for 58 years.

As if that were not enough, Fernando is the author of two really delicious books, one dedicated to the origins of motorsport in Asturias and the other a biography of the driver Julio Gargallo, Spanish Rally Champion.

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Fernando de la Hoz, a great fan of collector vehicles
Fernando de la Hoz, a great fan of collector vehicles

 

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Ignacio Saenz de Camara

Written by Ignacio Saenz de Camara

From a very young age, I felt attracted to any vehicle, regardless of whether it was my father's Renault 4, my grandfather's DKW 800 S van or Uncle Santos' Lambretta. And of course, the cars that I saw in motor magazines from the age of 11 onwards. I also like to write, which is why after leaving teaching I worked as an editor and tester at Autopista... Read more

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