Since the early days of the automotive industry, Cadillac has been known for luxury, class, and excellent design. They have a history dating all the way back to the summer of 1902, and since then have remained a heavy hitter in the industry providing drivers with a wide variety of top-of-the-line luxury cars. From iconic vehicles like the prolific Cadillac Escalade series to vintage classics like the Supercharged 1953 Eldorado, the Cadillac brand has been successful in creating vehicles that are second to none. Cadillac has earned a reputation for the quality of their rides, establishing a driving experience that is intended to make drivers feel at the helm of a vehicle designed for pure elegance. In this post, we’ll cover some of the top 10 best Cadillacs for sale throughout history from their first founding in 1902 into today.
The Classic Look of the 1937 Cadillac Phaeton 5859
We would be remised if we went without mentioning the line of Cadillac vehicles that graced the brand during their early years. One glance at the 1937 Cadillac Phaeton 5859 and you’ll find yourself breathless. This was a custom built vehicle and was intended to radiate an exuberance that is still breathtaking today. Sleek and designed with plenty of flattering lines, the 1937 Cadillac Phaeton was certainly a sight to behold. Unfortunately, the impressive look of the Cadillac Phaeton couldn’t be truly appreciated during its time, as it arrived into Cadillac showrooms right in the height of The Great Depression. Regardless, the Cadillac Phaeton 5859 was still an incredible luxury coupe, so much so that it went on to inspire the designs for concept Cadillac vehicles in 2010.
The Iconic 1959 Eldorado Biarritz Convertible
If you’re looking for a Cadillac for sale that showcased the stylings of the 50s, the Eldorado Biarritz is the perfect example. The low profile, wide set convertible is still a classic today, transporting drivers back to a time when cars were driven for the sake of being driven. Of course, what makes the Eldorado Biarritz a true stand out is the enormous rear tail-fins which was iconic at the time. Cadillac marketed the Eldorado Biarritz by declaring it, “the new standard of the world in splendor,” and they weren’t wrong saying it. Only 1,320 models of the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz were manufactured, making the vehicle a difficult find. As for other model years, their story stays the same; few models were made each year.
The 1957 Cadillac DeVille the Hay-Day of the 1950s
The Cadillac DeVille is probably a familiar face for most Cadillac fans, you can thank celebrities of the 1950s for that. The Cadillac DeVille was the luxury car of the rich and famous, and as a result, was in front of a lot of cameras. The most notable appearance of the 1957 Cadillac DeVille is when Elvis Presley purchased one of these luxury sedans for his mother. However, Elvis wasn’t the first to be photographed with or to have owned the DeVille, as famous owners included Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, and Bruce Springsteen.
The Legacy of the Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham V8 Coupe
Of all the famous Cadillacs for sale, the Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham V8 Coupe was one of the few vehicles in the family lineup to make such a long-lasting impact for the brand. This Cadillac coupe was equipped with an impressive V8 engine making for quite the powerful driving experience. From start to finish, the Fleetwood Brougham V8 Coupe brought a luxury package that earned widespread praise during its heyday.
A Modern Day Favorite in the Hennessey CTS-V
While Cadillac had plenty of success in the past, modern-day Cadillac vehicles certainly live up to the class and elegance of the vintage classics. Take the Cadillac Hennessey CTS-V which is known for the sheer amount of power beneath the engine. The Hennessey is famous for being able to go from 0 to 60 in as little as 2.9 seconds, and with the supercharged 6.2 liters V8 engine, it’s easy to see why the Cadillac Hennessey CTS-V is so incredibly powerful.
The Trimmed Cadillac Seville
Before 1975, Cadillac was known to create vehicles that were large, luxurious, and unapologetically powerful. The 1975 Cadillac Seville changed everything. Downsized compared to other models in the lineup, Cadillac created a smaller model to adapt with the change of the times, as competitor luxury manufacturers opted for a more svelte design. To Cadillac’s surprise, the 1975 Seville exploded in popularity and sales went through the roof. The 1975 Cadillac Seville would go on to be one of the best selling Cadillacs for sale in history.
The Adaptive Cadillac Eldorado Sport Coupe
There was a time when luxury car sales weren’t the best, and Cadillac reacted in kind. From 1992 to 2002, Cadillac produced the Cadillac Eldorado Sport Coupe, a sleek, yet practical luxury sedan, with plenty of power to boot. The Cadillac Eldorado Sport Coupe could be purchased with a 4.6-liter V8 engine, as well as a tight suspension, and a whole suite of electronic features which were cutting edge at the time.
The Legendary Cadillac Escalade
When it comes to the luxury SUV, Cadillac took their time. As other brands jumped into the market early, Cadillac sat back and observed, eventually releasing the full-sized Cadillac Escalade in 1999. Very quickly, the Cadillac Escalade became one of the largest, most elegant luxury SUVs on the market. The Cadillac would define the direction of luxury SUVs, and even today continues to be one of the most well-known models in the Cadillac model lineup.
The Class of the Cadillac CT6
Throughout history, Cadillac has been known for its luxury sedans, and the Cadillac CT6 is no different. The CT6 is the latest Cadillac flagship sedan offering up a four-cylinder and six-cylinder engine option to potential drivers. Compared to other sedans in the Cadillac lineup, the CT6 is certainly a standout, and with all of the modern smart tech at its disposal, the Cadillac CT6 re-solidifies the brand’s place as the leader in luxury vehicles.
The Power Beneath the Cadillac ATS-V
Nowadays luxury doesn’t just mean having leather seats, a nice steering wheel, and plenty of bells and whistles, it also means premium performance. Nothing says premium performance quite like the Cadillac ATS-V. Standing over the competition, the Cadillac ATS-V brings a twin turbo 3.6-liter V6 engine to the table, which pumps out a heart-racing 464 horsepower. Maybe not quite as fast as the Cadillac Hennessey, the Cadillac ATS-V can still make 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds.
The Legacy of the Cadillac
These are just some of the luxury vehicles under the Cadillac brand that impacted drivers around the world. Cadillac has a long and colorful history, filled with vehicles that have existed in a league of their own. Today the lineup looks very different from how it did in the past, but don’t let the change of face fool you. Modern-day Cadillac models hold true to their founding roots, offering a luxury driving experience that goes above and beyond expectation. If you’re looking for a Cadillac for sale, chances are you won’t be disappointed by your options. From the latest in modern automotive technology to the powerful engine which Cadillac puts at every driver’s disposal, it is pretty clear that the Cadillac legacy is bound to continue well into the future.
