Beschreibung:

In 1965, this Cadillac was one of 2,125 Eldorado Convertibles to roll off the assembly line. The epitome of American luxury, they cost $6,754—without any options—and weighed a hefty 4,669 pounds. The 429cid, overhead valve V-8 engine was certainly up to the task of hauling that Caddy around. Rated at 340 horsepower, it was mated to an automatic transmission and head plenty of juice left over to run the power steering and the optional air conditioning. In the late 1960s Elvis Presley is said to have collaborated with his friend George Barris to dream up a unique gold-plated Eldorado convertible that would reflect his ideas and taste. According to the vendor, Elvis never had the chance to make his golden dream a reality. As the vendor explained, “in 1986 representatives of the Elvis Presley Cosmetic Company (E.P. Cosmetics) contacted George Barris” to arrange for him to create a car for an Elvis promotion. The 1965 Cadillac was finished in 40 coats of gold/pear lacquer paint and accented with hand-swirled gold leaf striping by Bob Bond. All exterior brightwork was treated to 14 karat gold plating, including the special E.P. hood ornament. The custom interior upholstery concept was by Dick Dean. Other special features of this unique golden Eldorado include a rear seat entertainment compartment complete with a color television, guitar-styled rear seat speakers and sun visors, French white pearl phone, gold RCA record discs mounted into the tonneau cover and ten year anniversary guitar pins by P.I.T.T.S. The Dream Cadillac was completed and reportedly insured for $250,000. Sold to the E.P. Cosmetic Company, the car was licensed and debuted at a special presentation held at The Equestrian Center in Toluca Lake, California. Elvis’ father, Vernon, acted as the company spokesman for the cosmetic company. The following year, the car began a national tour sponsored by E.P. Cosmetics. As another part of the promotional efforts, they sponsored a national sweepstakes with the golden Cadillac dream car as the grand prize. After the sweepstakes was over, Barris Kustom Industries purchased the car and took it on tour to the World of Wheels, Autorama and Rod & Custom shows throughout North America. Eventually, this larger than life dream car became smaller than life when Mattel Inc. released a miniature as part of its “Hot Wheels Legends” series of collectibles. When Barris Industries sold the car, it was exported to Japan, where it remained until it returned to the United States in July 2002. In the 19 years since it was completed, this Cadillac has never been restored. Unfortunately, during shipping some of the paint and striping behind the hood ornament was damaged in transit and several small details are missing. The car runs well, but will need a muffler. The car will be sold complete with an information package and certification from Barris Kustom Industries and George Barris who inspected the car and declared it genuine. The line on the certificate of authenticity has been left open for the name of the new owner, who will surely feel like a king after just one drive.