1957 CADILLAC

The ratings were 300/325 for 1957, when compression went to 10:1 and the line was again rebodied, emerging with blockier but still evolutionary styling inspired by the Orleans, Eldorado Brougham, and Park Avenue show cars of 1954-55. Reaching into the luxury stratosphere, Cadillac unveiled a production Eldorado Brougham priced at a princely $13,074. Like its Motorama namesake, it was a surprisingly compact, low-slung pillarless sedan with a special 126-inch-wheelbase chassis, center-opening doors, and a brushed stainless-steel roof (one of Harley Earl's favorite touches). Standard quad headlights were an industry first shared that year with Lincoln, Nash, and some Chrysler Corporation cars.

The Brougham's most intriguing mechanical feature was its unique air suspension, the work of engineers Lester Milliken and Fred Cowin. Based on systems used for commercial vehicles since 1952, it employed an air "spring" at each wheel comprising a domed air chamber, rubber diaphragm, and pistons. Fed by a central air compressor, the domes were continually adjusted for load and road conditions via valves and solenoids for a smooth, level ride. Cadillac's system differed from "air ride" options at other GM divisions in being "open" (taking in air from outside) rather than "closed." Unhappily, cost and complexity were too high relative to benefits. The air domes leaked, and dealer replacements were frequent, leading many owners to junk the system in favor of conventional coil springs. Four years later, Cadillac and GM abandoned air suspension altogether.

After two years and 704 units, the Brougham was fully restyled and its final assembly farmed out to Pininfarina in Italy. Only 99 were built for '59, another 101 of the near-identical '60s. Though clean-looking (lines actually previewed Cadillac's 1961 styling), these were larger (130-inch wheelbase) and heavier cars that weren't put together very well (bodies contained lots of lead filler). They're collector's items now, but restoring one is a chore.

SERIES 62

For 1957, Cadillac adopted a tubular X-frame, without side rails, on all models. This resulted in greater structural rigidity and provided for lower body lines without loss of useable space. New front end styling was marked by rubber bumper guard tips and dual, circular parking lamps set into the lower bumper section. Side trim was revised and a dual taillight theme was used throughout the line. By utilizing different center frame sections the wheelbases and overall lengths of specific body styles was altered. In the 62 lineup, including the Eldorado sub-series, three different overall measurements appeared on cars with matching wheelbases. The Sedan DeVille was bigger than "standard" models and the Eldorado Coupe Seville and Biarritz convertible were larger still. Identifying the "standard" 62 models were

• vertical bright metal moldings, just forward of the rear wheel openings, highlighted by seven horizontal windsplits.
• At the upper end this fenderbreak trim joined a horizontal molding that ran along a conical flare extending forward from the taillamps.
• A crest medallion was seen on the forward angled rear fins.
• Coupe DeVilles and Sedan DeVilles had special nameplates on the front fenders.
• Eldorados were further distinguished by the model name above a V-shaped rear deck ornament and on the front fenders.
• The rear fender and deck contour was sleekly rounded and the wheel housing was trimmed with broad, sculptured stainless steel beauty panels.
• Also seen were pointed, "shark" style fins pointing towards the back of the cars.
• A three-section built-in front bumper was another exclusive trait of the two luxury cars, which came with a long list of standard accessories.

I. D. NUMBERS

STYLE

NOTES:

• The export sedan was shipped in CKD form to foreign countries.
• The symbol "X" after Body Style Number in brackets indicates power windows optional
• without brackets indicates this feature standard

SERIES 62 ENGINE

Type	V-8, Overhead valves.
Block	Cast iron block.
Displacement	365 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke	4.00 x 3.625 inches.
Compression ratio	10.0:1.
Brake horsepower	300 at 4800 rpm
Bearings	Five main bearings.
Valve Lifters	Hydraulic valve lifters.
Carburetor	Rochester fourbarrel Model 7015701.

CHASSIS

CONVENIENCE ACCESSORIES

HISTORICAL NOTES

• The 1957 Eldorado Brougham was designed to compete with the Lincoln-Continental Mark II.
• The new dual quad headlamps seen on the Brougham were illegal in some states during 1957.
• The Brougham air suspension system proved unreliable and Cadillac later released a kit to convert cars to rear coil spring type suspension.
• This makes Broughams with the feature rarer and more valuable today.
• The Brougham is a certified Milestone Car.
• Series 62 sedans were short-deck models with trunks five inches shorter than 60S sedans.
• Ball joint suspension was a new technical feature adopted this year.
• Model year sales amounted to 146,841 deliveries earning Cadillac Division ninth industry ranking for two years in a row.