Ideally, rain with the top down on your convertible is something to avoid. But, when it comes to this gorgeous 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Raindrop Prototype, it shouldn’t matter when you look this classy.
The car is clearly a product of Harley Earl, GM’s first design chief, and a man responsible for many of the classic cues seen on some of the world’s favorite General Motors vehicles. The body from the doors back is composed of hand-crafted fiberglass, and it comes to an iconic point in the rear. The 1958 Cadillac prototype features an important coming look for 1959: the tail-fins.
Every body molding was eliminated minus the wheel opening moldings, and the front and rear bumpers were color matched to the car, making for a unique and elegant look. The styling of this prototype would influence many of the upcoming post-war Cadillacs.
Speaking of Harley Earl, Earl must have quite liked his work this time. It’s reported he personally drove this prototype during his retirement in Florida. A letter composed in 1991 from Richard Stout, of Delray Beach, also has it on good authority that he personally saw Earl pilot the prototype, which was equipped with the stylish and innovative raindrop top.
The car has plenty of official stampings and markings, showing it is a clear original, and one of two raindrop Eldorados in existence. As you could imagine, it won’t pass the gavel for cheap. RM Sotheby’s Auctions is estimating a $400,000 to $600,000 price with no reserve. A small price to pay for a landmark in GM design.
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