1950-1960, The height of opulence
Some of the most significant Cadillacs came off the assembly line during this amazing decade. General Motors held its “Mid Century Motorama” at New York City’s elegant Waldorf Astoria Hotel in January 1950. Among the featured cars was the Cadillac Debutante, which was inspired by the stage play “The Solid Gold Cadillac.” In June of that year, Fortune magazine held a survey among its readers, asking the question, “What car do you think you will buy next?” Cadillac led the survey and also ranked “best looking” and “best value” among luxury models. Cadillac celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1952 with a series of “golden anniversary” models. The introduction of power steering as standard equipment was an engineering enhancement that year. GM introduced its first power steering system on the 1952 model year Cadillac lineups, making steering easier than ever before.
1953 Cadillac Eldorado
Cadillac added yet another dimension to automotive styling with its 1953 model year limited edition Eldorado (only 532 of which were built). Its wraparound windshield and long, sloping sides soon became two of the most popular styling cues of the 1950s. 1953 was the first year for Eldorado. Adding Power Brakes to the Mix, General Motors’ first power brakes were offered on the 1954 model year Cadillac product lines
1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham
Conceived as a Motorama concept vehicle and built to be the ultimate luxury car, it encompassed the latest styling trends and technology of the day. With a price tag of $13,074 and production limited to only 400 in 1957, and another 304 in 1958, the clientele for this car ranked among the most elite in the world.
1958, Cruise Control
GM first offered cruise control, allowing the driver to set the vehicle’s speed at a constant rate, on the 1959 model year Cadillac lineup.
1959, The “Golden Era” Ends with Famous Fins
The 1950s “golden era” of styling ended with Cadillac’s largest and, according to many critics, most outlandish model ever, the 1959 model year Eldorado convertible, which boasted the highest and longest fins yet.
Non-Production Cars
The Cadillac Debutante was exhibited at the Chicago Auto Show as a concept car in 1950. The interior was upholstered in leopard skin and had 24-karat gold instrument panels and 24-karat gold fittings. At $35,000, it was claimed to be Cadillac’s most luxurious car ever at the time. However, it never reached the production line.
The 1954 Cadillac El Camino was a concept vehicle where a 1954 Cadillac has been modified into vehicle similar to the El Camino
1953 Cadillac Orleans
The 1953 Cadillac Orleans was a concept car designed by Cadillac for the 1953 auto show circuit. It was the first four-door hardtop concept. The hardtop design eliminated the traditional B-pillar found on most cars of the era. Powered by a Cadillac V8 engine with an output of 210 hp (157 kW), the Orleans was never put into production. The car also featured suicide doors, a wrap around windshield.
The Cadillac Cyclone is a concept car built in 1959 by Cadillac. The Cyclone was never mass-produced as a production model. One of the last cars designed by Harley Earl.
The Cadillac Cyclone is a show car with an aircraft-inspired design, explored futuristic technology. An early version of a crash avoidance system was the Cyclone’s radar-sensing technology that provided the driver with information on an object ahead, including distance to the object and stopping distance, both measured in feet. When a sensor in the console detected rain, it automatically put up the one-piece bubble top. The Cyclone featured a front-mounted engine with rear-mounted transmission and transaxle, and also came equipped with automatic climate control