'50s Eldorados are kind of a big deal in the collector car world, with many of them now commanding prices deep into 6-figure territory. That's why this 1957 Cadillac Eldorado convertible is so appealing: a clean, stylish ragtop with a long-term owner and great history, all at a price that's a bit more sensible than most.There is some evidence that this car was once owned by Sir Elton John, but that's not really the whole picture here. It's been in the same collector's hands for more than 20 years and it has never been fully disassembled and restored, so it has that tight, all-of-a-piece feeling that only good original cars can offer. The Dakota Red paint comes from the 1957 Cadillac color chart, but it isn't this car's original color, which was code 90 Olympic White. Either way, the Eldo is dramatic and definitely commands attention. The repaint was done more than 20 years ago, so it's not perfect (which you've already divined from the price) but if you want to make an entrance, nothing works better than a drop-top Cadillac with fins. There's some micro-blistering in the paint that's probably unavoidable after all these years, plus some signs of use, but it's also obvious that the sheetmetal underneath is in great condition and there are no nasty surprises in store. And on a '50s car, chrome and stainless trim is critical, with all the jewelry on this Caddy being fully intact and looking great, from the "Dagmars" on the front bumper to the huge wrap-around housings out back.The red and white leather interior is in great condition, defying the years and looking just right in the bright red ragtop. Dramatic two-tone door panels help with the Eldorado's upscale image, and from behind the wheel, you'll find that this really is a land yacht, because everything it does is effortless. The dash and gauges are in very good condition and even the ornate steering wheel looks good, showing only a few minor cracks that can be safely ignored. There's plenty of chrome and stainless here, too, so everything you see or touch looks and feels expensive, from the instruments to the beautiful door hardware. All the power windows work properly, the gauges monitor the engine, and the radio powers up (but doesn't make sound). There's a crisp white power top overhead and a gigantic trunk lined in black carpet and including a full-sized spare tire.Cadillac introduced the modern OHV V8 in 1949, and by 1957, they'd punched it out to 365 cubic inches and a surprising 325 horsepower thanks to dual 4-barrel carburetors. Thanks to those dual quads, this giant ragtop feels a lot faster than you'd expect and looks awesome under the "batwing" air cleaner that feeds it. The carbs were recently rebuilt and the car was given a complete tune-up, so it runs great and pulls the big car around with ease. Gold engine paint makes it look as expensive as it was when it was new, and with accessories like power steering and brakes, plus an automatic transmission, this is a very user-friendly car. The dual exhaust system rumbles with the kind of quiet confidence you'd expect from a car like this and the suspension soaks up most of the road irregularities without complaint. Scarce and expensive "Sabre" wheels were Eldorado-only and wear wide whites that make it shine.aMaintained and restored as needed, this is an A-list collectable that's ready to enjoy and has an interesting story to tell as well. Or restore to concours level and watch the value blow through the roof. Call today!