1953 Cadillac ElDorado Convertible   part of the Precision Model collection.

 Scale:  1:20

Die Cast by Franklin Mint. Previously owned Franklin Mint model car. #17

For 1953, General Motors introduced three "sports cars" using the same large "C" body shell; the Oldsmobile Fiesta, Buick Skylark and Cadillac Eldorado. The production Eldorado required substantial custom work in the cowl area (to accommodate the new wrap around windshield) and in the doors (to fashion the "dip" in the door tops). The frame and suspension were modified to carry the extra weight and to produce a lower silhouette.

The FM Eldorado carries off the Harley Earl "look" of the early fifties Cadillac very well. Low, rounded and topped with an almost "Carson" type top, this model could have come from a west coast custom shop rather than a Detroit desk top. Introduced in 1991, and now out of production, this early Franklin Mint effort doesn't have the features or the parts count of later modes, but it certainly makes up for it in charm alone.

The interior is in the correct shade of red. The chassis appears correct, as does the engine. Although the engine lacks any wiring or plumbing, the Kelsey-Hayes wheels and wide tires are especially nice. This model captures the decadence and swagger of fifties optimism perfectly.