This is a gorgeous example of the iconic 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham that has been loved by one man for over 40 years and has been beautifully restored. Perhaps more than any car of the late 1950’s, the Brougham looks like a prototype from the Motorama display. This Brougham (Body No. 498) has a known history since the mid-1970’s and has been thoroughly restored by its present owner. This is one of 304 Broughams offered in 1958 and is likely one of the nicest offered on the market today.
All Broughams only had two options when ordered from new, the paint color and the trim details. Brougham No. 498 was ordered in one of the most striking colors, Copenhagen Blue (Paint Code 258). It was delivered new to St. Louis, MO. In the 1970’s, 498 was offered for sale by Marshall Horn of Tulsa, OK and he claimed that it had been owned by an “international celebrity”. On June 11th, 1976, 498 was acquired by Riley Bennett, Jr of Ft. Pierce, FL. Mr. Bennett owned 498 until it was acquired by the present owner, Eric Lorentzen of Paradise Valley, AZ on February 4th, 1992.
Mr. Lorentzen commenced a complete restoration of 498 that was done over the next twenty years in progressive steps. 498 benefitted from a complete repaint and new upholstery in 1993 by Sun Valley Classics in Tempe, AZ. Mr. Lorentzen also acquired a Brougham parts car to assist in the restoration. Additional paint and body work were performed in September of 2017 and the paint and body are gorgeous today.
The drivetrain was rebuilt and the original engine was removed and crated for storage, and a replacement 365 cid block was installed. Further mechanical and electrical work was performed over the past few months, making this a wonderful Brougham to drive and enjoy.
The livery is presented in Copenhagen Blue and the paint is polished to a concours standard. The paint quality is excellent and is largely devoid of the bubbling and lead reactions we so often see on Broughams. The paint is complemented by an abundance of repolished chrome and stainless steel. The stainless-steel top is also in excellent condition. The Kelsey Hayes forged aluminum wheels are included with the car, but the reproduction chrome Sabre wheel covers look perfect and are in as-new condition. The white walled Coker Classic Radials are also in as-new condition and look great.
The Interior is in very nice condition and presents correctly, with white leather side panels and gray brocade cloth seating areas. The gray carpeting is also in good condition. The dash and door panels are in very nice condition, presented in gray and white. During the restoration, the rear armrest was removed. Overall, this is one of the nicest Brougham interiors that we’ve seen.
Most of the electronics have been well sorted. The electric windows, radio, clock, interior lights, and most of the gauges work (the oil pressure gauge is not presently operating). The air conditioning has been converted to 134a and the charging system is now an alternator. The vacuum windshield wipers have been disconnected to ensure better operations.
The venerable 365 cid engine has 335 hp thanks to the three two-barrel carburetors that were a standard feature for the Eldorados. The four speed Hydramatic was also rebuilt. There are about 16,000 miles since the rebuilds. The original engine has been crated and will be included in the sale. The Brougham drives very well and the suspension was upgraded to springs during the restoration. The ride quality and ride height is very nice.
We have this Brougham priced fairly. The investment to restore a Brougham to this level is very significant. This is an example that can be enjoyed immediately and is a true showstopper. Included in the sale are a selection of service and owner’s manuals, some spares and a wonderful history from the last 40 years of ownership.
For more information and details, call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or harry@classicpromenade.com. See our 120+ photos and three videos on our website to learn more. This Alfa is available for viewing at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.
