Big fins and bullet taillights. Put those two styling features together, and you know that you are looking at a 1959 Cadillac. These were cars that perfectly encapsulated the confidence that the American motoring public was feeling at that point in history, and the ’59 Cadillac remains as instantly recognizable today as it was when it was new. This Coupe has been sitting for more than a decade, but reviving it should not be a difficult task. It is essentially complete, and it can be coaxed into life with an external fuel source. If you feel that you are up to the challenge of reviving this classic, you will find it located in Dallas, Texas, and listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding has rocketed past the reserve and currently sits at $24,900.

The story behind this Coupe is unclear, but the owner states that it has been parked for a decade. It will need some work if it is to be returned to its best, but the buyer will be commencing this process with a car that appears to be structurally solid. The Vegas Turquoise Metallic paint shows its age, but it remains presentable if the buyer decides to revive the car and drive it as an original survivor. There are no significant marks or flaws, while the panels are generally straight and free from problems. The owner says that the doors, hood, and trunk all open and close easily, suggesting that the alignments are good. He also says that he hasn’t spotted any rust, and there is nothing visible in the supplied photos. If the Coupe has spent most of its life in Texas, there is every chance that it could be rust-free. However, the buyer isn’t going to get off too easily with this revival. Some of the exterior trim is damaged, and replacement pieces will need to be sourced. The driver’s door glass is also broken, so a trip to the glazier will be on the agenda. With those few issues addressed, the Cadillac should be good to go.

After sitting for a decade, the buyer will face a few hurdles in returning the Cadillac to a roadworthy state. It comes equipped with a 390ci V8, a 4-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The owner has coaxed the V8 back to life on an external fuel source, but he believes that the buyer will need to replace the fuel tank and pump as part of the revival process. There is also a leak from the carburetor, so a rebuild will be on the cards. Speaking of leaks, there is also one coming from the water pump. The owner has found a company that can supply a replacement for $260, which isn’t an expensive issue. The brakes may consume a bit more time and money because they don’t operate. It could be that some fresh fluid and bleeding will provide a decent pedal, but I would be bracing to replace some items like wheel cylinders if they are to be made safe and reliable. Otherwise, it seems that all the car will need is a decent service and clean before it could be classed as roadworthy once again.

One area where the buyer won’t be spending bundles of money is on the Coupe’s interior. The cover on the dash is wrinkled, but I believe that this could be stretched back into place without spending a fortune. Someone has replaced the seat covers, and while they are the correct color combination, the Black inserts aren’t the right fabric. Still, they present extremely well, with no rips, wear, or stains. The same is true of the remaining upholstered surfaces, along with the carpet. One aspect of this interior that makes it interesting for a Cadillac is the lack of luxury appointments. You would have to think that the original owner wanted to buy into the Cadillac lifestyle but did so on a budget. There is no air conditioning, no power functions for the windows, locks, or seats, and no cruise control. The lack of these comfort features makes this a bit of a rarity because most of its siblings would have been ordered with at least some of these items. Buyers receive a heater, a pushbutton AM radio, and a clock. This was about as basic as it got inside a ’59 Cadillac.

The bidding on this 1959 Cadillac Coupe has been pretty spirited, and it’s easy to see why. The car seems structurally sound and complete, and returning it to a roadworthy state should be a straightforward and relatively inexpensive undertaking. There’s no doubt that it would respond well to a cosmetic refresh, but that is not essential. If the buyer replaced the few damaged trim pieces, I can’t see why it couldn’t be driven and enjoyed as a survivor. That will leave that person with some choices to make. Which path would you follow on this one?