After World War II, Cadillac bypassed Packard in sales, proclaiming in an advertisement, "Gradually, but surely, the impression has deepened that Cadillac stands alone in all the things that make a motor car a pleasure to own and utilize." To preserve its ultimate status in American luxury, General Motors unveiled a sleek convertible Eldorado concept at their 1952 Motorama roadshow to celebrate the brand's 50-year "Golden Anniversary." The Eldorado entered production a year later with an astronomical $7,750 base price -- the most expensive new vehicle in America at launch. Only 532 were sold, and as a result, the Eldorado shared its sheet metal with the Series 62 from the following year to reduce production costs and increase sales. Anodized panels and gold-plated crests on the rear fenders, wire wheels, fiberglass "parade boot," and many other unique styling features now separated the Eldorado from the rest of the Cadillac line. Sales for 1954 remained modest with just 2,150 Eldorados sold that year, making them rare and highly collectible cruisers today.
Jerry Ferguson, a member of the United States Navy and a co-founder of Biomet Inc., a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of musculoskeletal orthopedic implants and products, was known for his entrepreneurial drive and generosity. He was also an enthusiast of all things 1950s, from music to automobiles. Pursuing his love affair with the automobile, in 1984 Ferguson established the Classic Car Centre of Warsaw, Indiana, a company dedicated to the acquisition and restoration of mid-century American Classics. In operation until his return to Biomet in 1993, today Hagerty Marketplace is proud to offer The Ferguson Collection, comprising the long-hidden remaining inventory and personal collection of Jerry Ferguson.
This Eldorado is said to have been purchased new at Hoosier Cadillac, Indianapolis, Indiana in 1954 by Ms. Betsy Toy Hall. The car was reportedly restored by Bud Ward of Pine Bluff, Arkansas -- a top restorer of Cadillacs in the 1980s -- at some point during the second owner's stewardship. The Cadillac was subsequently acquired by The Ferguson Collection in 1988.
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