Project or Parts? 1957 Cadillac Coupe De Ville
It is easy for an enthusiast to find the project car of their dreams and become so overwhelmed with enthusiasm that they fail to recognize its failings. That is when an owner has to step back and gain some perspective. Once they have, they need to decide whether the project is viable or whether they are about to shovel a small fortune into a bottomless pit. That is the choice someone will need to make if they become the next owner of this 1957 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. It has undoubtedly seen better days, but you will struggle to find a cheaper Cadillac project from this era. Its location is unknown, but it is listed for sale here on eBay. The seller’s BIN is $1,600, making it a cheap project or an affordable source of parts. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this thought-provoking classic for us.
The photos supplied in the listing for this Cadillac are pretty poor, and the information is slim. When the complete description of a classic car stretches to a mere eight words, you know you will need to examine any photos thoroughly to draw any conclusions. It appears that a previous owner performed a color change because White paint is peeking out in a few locations. Since Cadillac offered three shades of White during that model year, it is impossible to determine which this is. The panels have a few dents and bruises, but these appear repairable. The most vital question will revolve around the presence of rust. Some is visible in the rockers and lower extremities, raising the specter that there may be issues with the floors or frame. Only an in-person inspection would provide a clear answer, which is one option that potential buyers should consider. The windshield is cracked, but the remaining tinted glass looks okay. Most of the trim is corroded or damaged, so any restoration would include the cost of reconditioning or replacing those pieces.
Lifting the hood reveals a 365ci V8 that would have produced 275hp in its prime. In keeping with this classic’s luxury credentials, it also features a four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. At 4,620lbs, this Coupe is no lightweight. However, its ability to storm the ¼ mile in 18.3 seconds was considered impressive for a vehicle of this type in 1957. This is another aspect of the Cadillac where information is lacking. The photos suggest that it is mechanically complete, but its condition is unknown. If the motor turns freely, revival may be an option without spending a fortune. Given the vehicle’s condition, a cautious owner should probably brace for the expense of a total mechanical refurbishment.
This Cadillac is nothing if not consistent. The interior condition mimics the exterior, meaning that a total retrim would form part of this build. There are few upholstered parts that are salvageable, while many of the plated pieces would be destined for a trip to the platers. Interior trim kits for many classics from this era remain affordable, but the prestige associated with Cadillac ownership comes at a cost. Buyers should budget at least $3,500 for a retrim, although this figure could climb higher if an inspection reveals missing parts.
You will rarely find a complete Cadillac project from this era cheaper than our feature car. That poses the question of whether it will be cheap and cheerful or cheap and chilling. It would take an in-person inspection to determine how severe any rust issues might be and whether repairs and restoration would be financially viable. The figure that potential buyers need to keep in their heads is $35,000 because that would represent the potential value of this Coupe if restored to a high standard. Considering the BIN, that leaves a lot of room to move on this project before its viability becomes questionable. However, would it be enough? Do you believe that this classic’s fate will see it returned to its former glory, or will it become a source of parts?
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Comments
Shedillac! Fix the rust, as little mechanicals as you can get away with, and paint it whatever colour you like (with a brush, natch) and go to the cinema with yer mates.
The glass alone is worth $1600. Front fenders look useable. This is definitely a parts car; something to rob from for a better project.
Take your time and restore this, there aren’t that many left around now.
$1600 isn’t much of a gamble in our world. Buy now, assess later.
@Adam – where are you getting your values? Hagerty lists a #1 condition 1957 Coupe deVille at just under $89,000.
CCFisher: Hagerty values are unrealistic because they are from 1 high auction result from Barett-Jackson. The Old Car Price Guide Magazine has typically lower values from more sources such as ebay & Hemmings etc. I’m not sure where Adam got that number though. Hagerty is an insurance company so they have made more money by creating their own list of values, there was no industry need for them to do that; Nada & Kelly already had high auction result numbers in their guides.
” you will struggle to find a cheaper Cadillac project from this era” Well yeah, mainly because this thing thing is a ratbag ! No one is going to restore this heap ; its a low end Caddy that needs everything , and keep in mind on top of all the rusted ,missing, broken and rotted parts you can see it was originally parked and left for a reason (motor ? trans ?). Another car dragged from an old junkyard or someone’s overgrown backyard and the sellers hoping for a quick flip . Oh well , at least he’s not asking the moon for it , but he should be happy if someone offers him a little more than scrap value .
The heartache caused by the condition will remain long after the joy of the low price is forgotten.
WAS a very cool car. Sadly, what I see here is a decent buy on a parts car.
15 years ago I’d of said parts car. But today, if its complete, we should probably say “review”. It might still be a nice complete parts car. It might also be good enough for a bottom-of-the-start-from point.
As others have said, cars from this era are becoming harder and harder to find. Are there enough of them out there restored or drive-able to not bother with any more? Is the value of the car sufficient to attempt at least some kind of salvation? Is the love of the marque or challenge sufficient to have a go at it?
As said, $1,600 is a cheap entry into the hobby. If you have the ability or wherewithal to make it happen, even if just to a driver (runs/drives – still looks like crap) is that worth it?
I have a 60 2.4 Mk2 that isn’t too far from the condition of this car. It is mostly complete and numbers matching (145 Mk2 built). I’m going to at least make it run/drive then decide if I want to restore it or not.
I also have a 61 Ford Club Victoria (2 door coupe) that I pulled out of a wrecking yard a few years back. It runs/drives and is reasonably straight and complete. I might restore it, I might not, but its a fun car and if nothing else I saved it from a date with a crusher
Just rebuilding and/or replacing all the drivetrain components will run into many thousands of dollars , and searching for parts just for that area of this car may be difficult .,I can only imagine what the frame and floor looks like after sitting for probably 50 years outside. Then there’s all the electrical parts, and making that leather interior even presentable for driving is going to be expensive, and likely unavailable for many parts . The lights front and rear are missing and the windshield is broken .The bodies rear quarters are shot ,again replacement parts are not around, and are you going to buy some rust free ones to put on a rotted car ? Nobody is even going to bother trying to get this to be a runner. Its only hope is parts, and that’s only if you happen to have a 57 Caddy that needs the few good parts that are left.
If someone is going to revive this beautiful Cadillac my biggest concern is the passenger door and rear quarter. Those dents are right on the seam. Unless you’re going to replace instead of repair.
Just rebuilding and/or replacing all the drivetrain components will run into many thousands of dollars , and searching for parts just for that area of this car may be difficult .,I can only imagine what the frame and floor looks like after sitting for probably 50 years outside. Then there’s all the electrical parts, and making that leather interior even presentable for driving is going to be expensive, and likely unavailable for many parts . The lights front and rear are missing and the windshield is broken .The bodies rear quarters are shot ,again replacement parts are not around, and are you going to buy some rust free ones to put on a rotted car ? Nobody is even going to bother trying to get this to be a runner. Its only hope is parts, and that’s only if you happen to have a 57 Caddy that needs the few good parts that are left.
I paid almost twice that for my 29 Dodge yard art. Well worth 1600 IMO I just don’t want to drive to Nebraska
With all the missing bits, parts car maybe a stretch, if the engine is salvageable, good for a period hot rod, even at that price, after a careful look over most of it will end up in the dumpster. Best have a spot to let it sit while you try to piece it out.
#1 condition, 89K… It would cost in excess of 200K to get it there.