1953 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible

 In 1953 the Eldorado name was introduced to mark Cadillac’s golden anniversary.

It became their flagship car and was limited to an exclusive Sport Convertible Coupe that was nearly double the standard Series 62 Convertible Coupe. Compared to a standard Series 62, the Eldorado featured different bodypanels with a signature dip on the top of the doors.

The Eldorado which translated to “the gilded one” – was a fitting name, as the limited-edition Cadillac cost an astounding $7,750 which was nearly double that of any other Cadillac model.

It was Detroit’s most expensive car, but, it was also one of the finest American automobiles built in the 1950s.

1968 Cadillac DeVille Convertible

 The 1968 Cadillacs were very slightly changed in appearance from the 1967 models and it takes a sharp car spotter to tell the difference. Nineteen sixty-eight was the year that front- and rear-side marker lights showed up on all cars, so the rear red lamps incorporated into the chrome lamp bezels are one clue. If you can’t see the back of the car, the front view has a styling cue in the revised front grille. The 1967 models had an upper grill line that ran straight across from left to right. The 1968 grill had a raised center portion which dropped down above the right and left parking/turn signal lamps.

1963 Studebaker Avanti Coupe

 Founded in 1852, The Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company was a wagon builder who went on to become one of the only American companies of its type to successfully transition to automobile production at the turn of the century. While still selling their wagons and coaches, they formed an early partnership with E-M-F to sell automobiles at Studebaker dealers. Quality issues with E-M-F led to Studebaker taking over that firm’s automobile line and the rest, as they say, is history

The 1959 Chrysler 300E Convertible - A Rare Gem with a Lion's Heart

 Estimated at $240,000, this 1959 Chrysler 300E Convertible model is just 1-of-140 made like this, and the roaring Golden Lion has amassed an impressive number of award-winning accolades over the years. Now let's see what makes it so valuable.

During the 1950s, the Chrysler Corporation had some exceptional models rolling out of its factories and assembly plants. Like the famous C-300 that was fitted with an incredible V8 engine capable of delivering 300 horsepower (304 ps), hence its name.

While the muscle car culture made famous by companies like Dodge or Plymouth didn't see the light of day until the following decades, no one would correct you in saying that Chrysler was way ahead of the curve.

At the time, the company called the C-300 "America's most powerful car," and it wasn't all talk. It was a fortunate case where advertising did a product justice without exaggerating.

From then on, this uncrowned muscle car started an entire line of "letter series," with the 300B in '56, 300C in '57... all the way to the 300L in 1965. However, our time travel stops way before the last one, which brings us to our 1959 Chrysler 300E of the day.

This convertible black beauty boasts a 413ci (6.8-liter) V8 engine that can produce 380 horsepower (385 ps). It also has a three-speed push-button automatic transmission.

The wedge-head engine was called the Golden Lion, and Chrysler referred to this model as being "lion-hearted." The company even put the feline on the brochures and everything.

One last fun fact about the E model is that it was the last one to have a body-on-frame design, with the F model from 1960 featuring a unibody architecture.

Among the almost endless list of features this fine piece of history comes 

equipped with, we first count the twin side-view mirrors and grille, as part of the highbrow brightwork. The grille has red-painted horizontal bars that are meant to go together with the air inlets positioned underneath the headlights.

Furthermore, you will find it comes bearing a rich assortment of treats, like the factory air conditioning, autopilot, remote left-side mirror, power windows, a stylish power antenna, power six-way swivel seats, but most important of all, the Mirror-Matic rearview mirror technology.

The interior looks as pristine as the exterior. The seats are covered in perforated leather, the floors have thick carpeting, and the padded dashboard has its gauges looking as beautiful as ever. On top of everything, it even comes with its own custom car cover, pun intended.

Now, while the estimated price on Mecum, from where the car is selling at auction, is steep, there surely is an aficionado out there with their checkbook ready and waiting. The event is being held at the Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee, Florida, between January 4-15.

Experience the Ultimate British Luxury with the 1986 Rolls-Royce Corniche

 

If you are a car enthusiast, then you might have heard of the 1986 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible. It is a classic British luxury car that has been praised for its timeless elegance, luxurious features, and excellent performance. In this article, we will take a closer look at this iconic car, its history, design, and specifications.

The Rolls-Royce Corniche was first introduced in 1971 as a two-door, four-seat luxury car. It was based on the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and was designed by Mulliner Park Ward, a renowned coachbuilder. The car was named after the French and Italian term for a coastal road, which was known for its scenic beauty.

The Corniche underwent several updates over the years, including a major redesign in 1986. The new Corniche had a more modern design, with sleeker lines and improved aerodynamics. The convertible version was especially popular among the rich and famous, who loved the car’s luxurious features and high-performance capabilities.

The 1986 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible was designed with a classic British elegance that never goes out of style. It had a long hood, a short front overhang, and a gracefully sloping rear deck. The car’s body was made of high-quality steel, and the convertible top was made of durable canvas. The car also had chrome accents, including the iconic Rolls-Royce grille, which added to its luxurious appeal.

Inside, the Corniche Convertible was just as impressive. The car’s interior was spacious and luxurious, with leather seats, a wooden dashboard, and a variety of high-end features. These included power windows, power locks, power seats, air conditioning, and a premium sound system.

The 1986 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible was powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine that produced 240 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. The car had a top speed of 120 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. The Corniche Convertible also had a four-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

In terms of fuel economy, the Corniche Convertible was not the most efficient car on the road. It had an estimated fuel economy of 10 miles per gallon in the city and 15 miles per gallon on the highway. However, this was not a major concern for the car’s target market, which was more interested in luxury and performance than fuel efficiency.

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If you are lucky enough to own a 1986 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible, then you know that it requires regular maintenance to keep it in top condition. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and regular tune-ups. It is also important to keep the car’s body and interior clean and well-maintained.

If your Corniche Convertible is in need of restoration, then you may need to seek out a specialized Rolls-Royce restoration service. These services can help you restore your car to its original beauty, using high-quality parts and expert craftsmanship.

The 1986 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible is a classic British luxury car that has stood the test of time. Its elegant design, luxurious features, and impressive performance have made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and the rich and famous alike. Whether you are a fan of vintage cars or simply appreciate the finer things in life, the Corniche Convertible is a car that is sure to impress.

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Collecting and Owning a Piece of Automotive History: The 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible

 Chrysler has been a staple in the American automobile industry for over a century, with its cars being synonymous with luxury, power, and style. Among the many cars produced by Chrysler, the 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible remains an icon in automotive history. In this article, we will take a closer look at the design, performance, and legacy of the 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible.

The 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible was designed with an eye-catching body style that exuded luxury and sophistication. Its long hood, short deck, and sleek lines made it one of the most elegant cars of its time. The front grille was distinctive, with a unique egg-crate design, and the headlights were hidden behind retractable covers.

The car came with 15-inch wheels and wide tires, which provided excellent handling and grip on the road. The front and rear bumpers were made of chrome, which added to the car’s allure.

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The interior of the 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible was just as impressive as its exterior. The car had spacious seating for up to six passengers, with plush leather upholstery that offered exceptional comfort. The dashboard was designed with wood-grain accents, which gave the car a touch of elegance.

The car came with a range of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows, and a premium audio system. The instrument panel was easy to read, and the car’s steering wheel was adjustable, which added to the driving comfort.

The 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible was powered by a 440-cubic inch V8 engine that delivered an impressive 350 horsepower. The car had a top speed of 125 miles per hour and could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 7.1 seconds.

Despite its powerful engine, the car had a reasonable fuel economy for its time, averaging around 12 miles per gallon in the city and 16 miles per gallon on the highway.

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The 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible was produced in limited numbers, with only 1,077 units manufactured. Its rarity and exclusivity made it a collector’s item, and it remains highly sought after today. The car was recognized for its exceptional design and performance, winning numerous awards, including Motor Trend’s Car of the Year and Popular Mechanics’ Design and Engineering Award. The 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible also paved the way for modern luxury convertibles, setting a high standard for style, performance, and comfort.

If you’re lucky enough to find and purchase a 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible, restoring it to its former glory can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. The car’s rarity means that finding one in good condition can be a challenge, and restoration costs can be steep.

Restoration of the car can involve bodywork, engine overhaul, and replacement of interior components, among other things. Costs can vary depending on the extent of the restoration required and the availability of parts.

Maintaining and owning a 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible requires dedication and care. Regular maintenance and upkeep are essential to keeping the car in top condition, and sourcing replacement parts can be a challenge. However, the satisfaction of owning and driving this classic car is unparalleled.

The 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible was a true masterpiece of automotive design and engineering, and its legacy lives on today. Its sleek lines, powerful engine, and luxurious features set a high standard for modern convertibles, and its rarity and exclusivity make it a collector’s item.

If you’re lucky enough to own or restore a 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertible, you’re sure to turn heads and attract attention wherever you go. With its timeless design and impressive performance, this classic car is a true gem in automotive history.

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