Beautiful Classic Clines and Chrome! 350 V8, Auto, Power Steering/Brakes, Wow!
1957 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Description
Cadillacs were truly the envy of the world when this 1957 Fleetwood Series 60 sedan was built. Cutting-edge technology, big performance, and unparalleled eye appeal made them unquestionably "the Standard of the World." Today, they still carry a legendary reputation, and if you're the sort who likes traditional American luxury, this car combines that big '50s look with some modern tech.
While the legend of the pink Cadillac has grown, there's still nothing like a big, red Cadillac to really command respect. The handsome two-tone white-over-red combination on this big 4-door hardtop is a great driver-quality example that's striking in a low-profile kind of way. It also helps minimize the enormous size of the Series 60 Fleetwood, especially the 4-door versions like this, which were wonderfully opulent machines. The finish is by no means perfect, with imperfections found upon closer inspection, but it has an all-around great look with a nice shine that's perfect for anyone looking to drive and impress. With good bodywork that emphasizes the generous curves, up to and including the P51-inspired tailfins, which had not yet grown to grotesque proportions. Chrome and polished aluminum trim work (and there is A LOT of it here) is in solid condition, from the pointed "Dagmars" up front (look it up), to the unique rear cladding that flows into the big rear bumper, and the distinctive faux air vents on the rear doors that were an evolution of Cadillac's mid-'50s design, everything has been polished to a nice shine. And with a little bit of gold in the grille and emblems, this Caddy puts the '57 Bel Air to shame. Even the original EZI glass is still in place and all but unobtainable today.
The interior is finished in period style, but with a few upgrades that add a bit of comfort inside. It starts with plush seats that emulate the original look with the comfort of a more breathable and luxurious fabric (the original was probably a combination of stiff vinyl and some synthetic cloth). Two wide bench seats provide unparalleled comfort, and legroom is expansive front and rear. Matching door panels, plush carpets, and dark red paint on the dash give it a cosmopolitan air that suggests an artist at work here, and all the bright trim bits shine beautifully. From behind the big steering wheel, you can instantly see where Cadillac spent money on the design, starting with that intricate gauge package surrounded in chrome. Those gauges are augmented with a trio of aftermarket units to the right of the wheel, and the original AM radio and under-dash speaker are both still in place, although they're due for an upgrade if you want to cruise with tunes. Power windows and locks remarkably still work, while the electric seats and A/C are part of the package (although they need to be serviced), and with power steering and power brakes rounding out the options list, easy two-finger steering is definitely part of the driving experience of this luxurious land yacht. Out back, the massive trunk is elegantly upholstered and features a mounted spare underneath a matching carpeted cover.
Cadillac's 365 cubic inch V8 engine was still the talk of the industry in 1957, but that's not to say a great thing can't be made better. Today, this Cadillac carries an uber-reliable 350 V8 that was swapped-in seamlessly, and the improvement in performance is measurable. Performance is reliable thanks to an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and intake, with a throaty, expensive-sounding hum from the long-tube headers and dual exhaust system below. They worked to keep the engine bay looking neat and close to stock with the big chrome air cleaner up top, although the finned Edelbrock valve covers and modern A/C compressor give it away somewhat. The TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is a durable, reliable piece and this big yacht will cruise at modern highway speeds effortlessly thanks to highway gears in the original rear end. Power steering and brakes, and updated shocks are mandatory on a beast this size, and flashy 20-inch Ridler chrome wheels wrapped in 245/35/20 front and 285/35/20 rear radials add a killer modern look to this super-slick Caddy.
Nothing could touch Cadillac's combination of luxury and performance in the '50s, and it made them an icon. The only thing that can make it better is modern reliability, comfort and performance, and this big Cadillac definitely delivers. Call today!
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