Classic American Luxury Cars at Blue-Collar Prices

After World War II America was on an economic upswing, and one of the biggest, most visible signifiers of that were the cars we were making. American car makers like Cadillac, Buick and Lincoln cemented their reputations as class-leading luxury brands during this period, with over-the-top opulence and excess creature comforts coming standard. It’s the heyday that American manufacturers love to harp on these days, but always seem to fall short of replicating. To celebrate the better days of American luxury cars, here are a few shining examples at working man prices.

1957 Dodge Custom Royal Convertible D-500

What we like: Fins, Chrome, two-tone paint job and white-wall tires — it’s the ’50s in full swing.
From the seller: This 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Convertible D-500 has been with the seller for about six years and is largely original. The original bill of sale is included and shows the Hemi D-500 engine option as a line item, giving the car a factory-rated 285 horsepower. It shows well inside and out, and features a nearly all-original interior and nicely detailed engine bay.

Mileage: 61,653
Location: Portland, Maine

1976 Cadillac Eldorado

What we like: The Eldorado may be the “entry-level” Cadillac of the day, but it came stocked with more accoutrements than European equivalents. Just ignore the Eldorado’s 8.0-liter engine that could only hope for 200+ horsepower.
From the seller: The 1976 is the last Eldorado convertible to be produced and very much sought-after. This color combination was a favorite to all buyers.

Mileage: 22,750
Location: Marlboro, New Jersey

1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible

What we like: Suicide doors on a convertible. That is all.
From the seller: Folks, this is an extremely rare find. Our ’66 Lincoln is absolutely beautiful all around. The paint and body look great and the interior is gorgeous. I drove this beauty around town last weekend and it was a very pleasant ride.

Mileage: 69,057
Location: Lakeland, Florida

1963 Buick Riviera

What we like: Not only does the Riviera look like a stretched-out muscle car, but this one even comes with the Wildcat 445 V8.
From the seller: Rare original “Willow Mist” 1963 Buick Riviera with its all-original “Sandlewood” vinyl interior, and its original matching numbers 401/325HP 4BBL V8 engine.”

Mileage: 51,300
Location: Santa Monica, California

1959 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

What we like: The ’59 Coupe DeVille was one of the last of the truly classic Cadillac designs. The jet-age details are some of Cadillac’s most famous designs cues.
From the seller: Same owner for over 20 years. Owner has spent over $25,000 in restoring.

Mileage: 86,000
Location: Carmel, Indiana

Related Topics