The Caddies Come to Town (and # 1000)

Is there anything that says it better? (1958 Eldorado Seville)

(You can click on the pictures to make them larger)

In the 1930's everyone coveted a Cadillac V8 Convertible Sedan.

In 1960, you arrived in style in an Eldorado Seville Hardtop

The twin four-barrel carburetors of a 1956 Eldorado:

The rare and exquisite 1957 Eldorado Brougham. At $13,074 you could buy two De Ville Convertibles and have money left over. Only 400 made.

What was so special about this 57 Brougham was its fabulous interior complete with the set of magnetic silver tumblers, perfume atomizer and other luxuries that are ultra rare these days.

Back in time, a jewel-like 1914 Touring Car:

The 1914 Engine was a work of art. I shudder at having to polish all the brass:

From the 40's a perfect 1947 Convertible. Having overtaken Packard, Cadillac was at the top of its game:

50's Buck Rodgers fins in extremis, 1959 Series 62 4 door Hardtop:

The Series 60 Special of the late 30's -42 was one of the first modern car designs. Note no running boards, the sleek styling and modern window design. This one has been lowered a bit but is representative of its brethren:

The epitome of the 60's 1964 Eldorado Convertible.. red of course... and wire wheels:

Well, for my 1000th post, I can think of nothing better than ending (?) Puggingham Palace with a pictorial survey of the 2010 Cadillac/La Salle Grand National Meet held here in Kansas City this weekend. I motored the intrepid Dunbar The Buick over to the Double Tree Hotel in Overland Park on this hot ass (90+) AM to wander through the collection of some of the Standard of the World's finest.

Once upon a time, a Caddy was the epitome of having "made it". Elegant, huge, impressive, powerful, truly a Standard. Today, it is less of a figure. In the 80's, like Packard did in the 40's, Cadillac handed over the mantel to Lexus, BMW, Mercedes and other foreign makes (even Hyundai with its new Genesis line) and has played catch up ever sense. These were cars when Cadillac meant power and prestige. We'll never see the likes again.