Comparing American and European luxury cars of the 1950s is like comparing chalk and cheese. European offerings tended to be conservative with interiors that featured acres of dark leather and timber trim. Their American counterparts were bold and brash, with enormous glass areas and lighter and brighter interiors. They were cars that reflected an economy brimming with confidence. Our feature classic is a 1958 Cadillac Series 62 Hardtop, and it is very much a vehicle of its time. It presents well for a survivor, and the owner believes that it wears almost all of its original paint. It is a solid vehicle, and the buyer could choose to retain its originality or treat it to a cosmetic refresh. Located in Puyallup, Washington, you will find the Cadillac listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has soared to $11,600 in this No Reserve auction.

This Hardtop rolled off the production line wearing a combination of Alamo Beige and Buckskin. The owner believes that most of this paint is original, although he acknowledges a few spots have previously received a touch-up. It has accumulated a vast collection of minor chips and marks, and where some of these have exposed bare metal, there is surface corrosion. However, it appears that there is no penetrating rust anywhere on this car. There is nothing visible externally, and the owner says that the underside is equally impressive. The panels are straight, with only a few minor marks and blemishes. Nothing would require immediate attention, meaning that if a restoration is being considered, it could be performed as time and finances allow. The tinted glass is in excellent order, as is most of the dazzling chrome. Some productive time spent with a high-quality metal polish should have it glowing blindingly. The overall impression is that this Cadillac has no immediate needs.

At 4,810lbs, the 1958 Series 62 Hardtop could never be classed as a lightweight. Therefore, Cadillac had to slot something pretty impressive under the hood to provide respectable performance. They delivered on that front, fitting the car with a 365ci V8 that produced 283hp. That power finds its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed Hydramatic transmission, while this Cadillac seals its luxury credentials with power steering. If the owner pointed this classic at a ¼ mile, the journey would be over in 18.3 seconds. For potential buyers, this Hardtop is a turn-key proposition. The owner says that it runs and drives well, and it cruises all day happily at 70 mph on the open road. It rolls on a newer set of tires, and the dual exhaust provides a muted but muscular note. He says that it turns head wherever he goes, and that’s a claim that I find easy to believe.

When we turn our attention to this Cadillac’s interior, we reveal one aspect of the car that the buyer will probably treat to some TLC pretty quickly. Most of the trim and carpet are in good condition, although the seat upholstery has seen better days. I believe that the splits and rot are beyond repair, so the buyer will need to source replacement covers for both the front and rear seats. These are readily available in the correct materials and colors, and a complete set of front and back covers will lighten the buyer’s wallet to the tune of $700. The headliner has also seen better days, but replacements are surprisingly affordable for a prestige car. They are easy to find and sell for less than $300. Before spending any more money on this interior, I would treat it to a deep clean. After all, there’s no point in spending money unnecessarily on any restoration. Some time spent cleaning may avoid the purchase of unnecessary parts. The original owner didn’t load this interior with luxury extras, but it appears that the factory AM radio is intact.

This 1958 Cadillac is one of those project cars with no right or wrong answers. There’s no doubt that it could look stunning with a light cosmetic refresh, but it should turn an equal number of heads if left untouched. I admit that I’m not sure which path I would follow with this one because both have their appeal. Would you restore it or retain it as a genuine survivor if you were to buy it? More importantly, are you tempted to submit a bid?