1959 Broadmoor Sightseeing Coach

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Amazing that any of these cars survived.

As to the asking price...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1959-Cadillac-Eldorado-/201921185931?hash=item2f0370c88b:g:s4AAAOSwlY1ZE4jd&vxp=mtr







THE CADILLAC BROADMOOR SKYVIEW

The Broadmoor Hotel of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is one of America's finest historic establishments. The hotel was founded in 1918 by Philadelphia businessman and land speculator, Spencer Penrose. Attracted to the stunning natural beauty of the area and nearby Pikes Peak, Mr. Penrose set out to build a resort that that would rival Europe's most prestigious destinations. The Broadmoor quickly became a top choice amongst the world's elite, regularly hosting the upper echelon of society from top government officials to the biggest celebrities of the period.

As part of the Broadmoor experience, Mr. Penrose wanted guests to be escorted from the airport to the hotel, and to be given tours of the area's majestic beauty in the finest of luxury. As a result, a fleet of Cadillacs was put into service as part of what was known as the the "Gray line Touring Cars." The fleet consisted of ten 1937 Series 75 Cadillac Limousines with special roll-back canvas tops, four special built 1938 Cadillacs capable of carrying fifteen passengers, and two1942 Cadillac Series 75 Sedans. The Gray Line fleet was always available to tourists who were interested in experiencing the mountain scenery. The cars would run from dusk till dawn, carrying their passengers up and down Pikes Peak, Cheyenne Mountain, and throughout the Garden of the Gods.

In 1955, the Broadmoor commissioned long established funeral coach manufacturer S&S to create six new, specially built Cadillac limousines, named the Broadmoor Skyview. The Broadmoor Skyview was enhanced by four large longitudinal plexiglas roof panels, which allowed passengers to take in all that the Rockies had to offer. In 1956, two more S&S Broadmoor Skyview models joined the fleet.

In 1959, when it came time to replace the 1955/56 cars, the Broadmoor turned to the Superior Coach company of Lima, Ohio, to build a new model. Superior decided to use a modified version of the chassis and body shell from their production professional cars, the Superior ambulance and the Royale hearse. Six 1959 Cadillac Broadmoor Skyviews were built, all wearing the model number 666 on the body tag. The cars were equipped with power steering, power brakes, a 390 cubic inch V8 engine, and consisted of rather generous dimensions, with a 156-inch wheelbase, and a 251-inch overall length. The cars used the tallest of four available GM windshields, providing more than ample headroom. The roof consisted of 3 massive rectangular plexiglas panels that spanned the entire length of the car. Unlike the 1955/56 models that had large sections of steel in-between the smaller plexi panels, the enormous 1959 Skyview roof panels were only separated by a very thin chrome support, that was not at all obtrusive to the view. Opening one of the gigantic doors would allow a driver and up to eleven lucky passengers to enter and occupy one of the four leather stitched rows of seating. Today, sitting inside is truly an amazing experience - the combination of the tall windshield, the large, all-encompassing windows, and the Skyview roof make one feel as though they are floating down the road in a full glass enclosure. One could only imagine the breathtaking views that were to be had while driving around the Rockies in the custom, purpose built machine. To ensure guests could identify this wonderful automobile, the Broadmoor had the car adorned with a myriad of emblems bearing the Broodmoor Skyview name. The most notable emblems include the gold plated Broadmoor Skyview logo on each of the cars iconic fins, in addition to an emblem on each of the interior door panels.

Although there were only six 1959 Cadillac Broadmoor Skyviews built, Superior made two additional model number 666 bodies, that were to be used for an unknown purpose. Neither of the two non-Broadmoor Skyview model 666 cars are known to exist today. This 1959 Cadillac Broadmoor Skyview is body number 8 of the 8 produced, making it the very last Broadmoor Skyview to be built. Number 8 marks the end of the model 666 production, and the end of an era for the purpose built Broadmoor vehicles. Broadmoor Skyview number 8 is believed to have remained in service at the Broadmoor Hotel until the early 1970s. On file are extensive service records from the Broadmoor Hotel Garage, the latest of which is dated December 17th, 1969. On the service records the car is referred to as number 197 - the number 197 is marked on the back of the car's rear view mirror and on its gas cap. The car appears to have been purchased directly from the Broadmoor Hotel by George Reichert, of Mansfield, Ohio. Mr. Reichert would keep the the car in his collection until 1978, when he sold the coachbuilt masterpiece to a large Cadillac collector in Branford, Connecticut. The Broadmoor remained tucked away in the Connecticut based collection from 1978 until its recent discovery.

Having accumulated most of its miles in Colorado and being maintained with an open checkbook by the Broadmoor hotel, before being sheltered in storage by its two long term owners, the car is in fantastic condition. Upon discovering the seldom seen, legendary Cadillac in Connecticut, it was evident that the car had been sitting for quite some time and was in need of some mechanical refurbishing. In an effort to get the car back on the road, the consignor began an extensive mechanical refurbishment. The engine was removed from the car and anything in need of attention was either rebuilt or replaced with factory correct parts. The heads received a professional rebuild which consisted of a complete valve job, redone to the original specifications. The transmission received a new torque converter seal, and the original water pump was rebuilt. Both the fuel system and cooling systems were completely overhauled. This included a full rebuild of the carburetor and the replacement of all rubber. Underneath, the unbelievably original and seemingly rust free car received a complete exhaust system built to original spec. The brake system was also gone through, and received new wheel cylinders, hoses, a NOS master cylinder, and a rebuild of the booster. To round things out, four new 4-inch wide white wall tires were installed. Before reinstalling the engine, it was cleaned, resealed, and repainted to its correct specification, as was the firewall and the frame.

The unique interior received a new set of kick panels, and using the original as a template, a new carpet was made. The original rubber mats were reused with the new carpet. It should be noted that the original carpet was retained and will accompany the sale of the vehicle. Aside from a full cleaning, everything else inside appears to be totally original with a wonderfully charming layer of patina throughout. When inside the car, one can't help but wonder what other extraordinary people graced these very seats. At some point in the car's life, it appears to have been repainted in its original red/white combination, of which all of the 1959 Cadillac Broadmoor Skyviews were dressed. The paint has held up well and is very presentable. All of the car's brightwork appears to be present and is also in very presentable shape.

Overall the car is well-preserved and in exceptional condition. All of the original, impossible to find Broadmoor Skyview specific pieces appear to be in place. Of the six 1959 Cadillac Broadmoor Skyviews built, body number 8 is thought to be one of the most original and complete examples left. The other five cars are all said to still exist and occupy some of the greatest museums and collections. This exceedingly rare, custom coachbuilt Cadillac is truly something special - its sale presents the extremely rare opportunity, which may very well be a once in a lifetime chance, to acquire one of the most exclusive Cadillacs ever built. This car has over 92 Pages of service records while maintained by the Broadmoor Hotel.

[chrisntam]

$225,000.00



For a glorified station wagon?  I'd rather have a eldo biarittz for that amount of money.  Or, better yet, 9 really nice '70 convertibles.

Isn't it funny that all these old cars are, are just differently shaped pieces of metal with some cast iron and leather thrown in?  The cooler the shape of the metal, the higher the price.

Just a deep thought for my Cadillac peeps.

[Jeff Wilk]

For what this is I think its a gift at this price. Dress it up and make it fully reliable and throw a Ghostbusters sticker on the side and get commercial insurance. THEN run a NYC tour service with it and make a fortune if nothing else!  Anybody want to start a business with me???  

Jeff

[Chas]

Damn ugly ass car. Hearse with two tone paint.

[D.Smith]

Why are people shocked at the price?   It's one of six hand made cars.    The 59 Biarritz was assembly line made and in greater quantities.

Yes it is expensive.  But restoration costs alone are probably close to 100K if you could even find one.     

These are not station wagons or hearses.   They were hand made for a specific client.  You can't even compare them to a mass produced station wagon. 

These six cars have features and trim that you won't ever find on any of the 2,102 commercial chassis cars sold that year.

[Scot Minesinger]

Hand made one of one for 225k, that is fantastic news. 

I'm almost done restoring this baby to a very high standard, one of one, and something that would be visually more appealing to more people.  Color will be Sable black with saddle top and interior.  It runs and drives so well now.  This picture is just before restoration started.  This Cadillac was issued by Cadillac thru a dealer and carried a factory warranty, started life as a 1970 DVC and so top mechanism is like any other, doors were shortened and grafted on.

Thoughts on value if # 1 condition (or #1 minus - very close)?

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Why are people shocked at the price?   It's one of six hand made cars.    The 59 Biarritz was assembly line made and in greater quantities.

Yes it is expensive.  But restoration costs alone are probably close to 100K if you could even find one.     

These are not station wagons or hearses.   They were hand made for a specific client.  You can't even compare them to a mass produced station wagon. 

These six cars have features and trim that you won't ever find on any of the 2,102 commercial chassis cars sold that year.

David's observations are spot on. These cars are as limited as they are unique and were created for an specific purpose to serve an elite clientele.

These were no cobbled up backyard conversions but carefully executed coachbuilt cars.

Note the large plexiglass roof panel.



Special one-offs like this are important part of Cadillac history.

[Ken Perry]

I also agree with Dave Smith. What a rare piece of Cadillac history ! What a nice piece to have in a collection.    Ken Perry

[Ken Perry]

Even in magazine adds. Ken Perry

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

That's great ^^^.

A still frame from North by Northwest of the '59 with Cary Grant at the wheel & Eva Marie Saint riding shotgun would've been even better! 

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Here's one in slightly better condition than the example on eBay. 





Postcard maybe?

[chrisntam]

Well, it sounds to some like a bargain, one of six, hand made, then step up and be a buyer.

Does the club take donations, buy and restore cars?  Seems like this one would be good candidate for that and to be displayed in our museum.

Still looks like a station wagon to me and I'd put my $225k elsewhere.  '53 eldo/fiesta/skylark? Hemi Superbird/Cuda?  LS6 Chevelle / RAIV Judge / W30 442?  2 '60 eldo verts? 

The skyview has too narrow of a market (IMHO) and I hate to say this car's audience is quickly aging.

I could be wrong, been wrong before, prolly not the last time.

ymmv.

chris.

[chrisntam]

Hand made one of one for 225k, that is fantastic news. 

I'm almost done restoring this baby to a very high standard, one of one, and something that would be visually more appealing to more people.  Color will be Sable black with saddle top and interior.  It runs and drives so well now.  This picture is just before restoration started.  This Cadillac was issued by Cadillac thru a dealer and carried a factory warranty, started life as a 1970 DVC and so top mechanism is like any other, doors were shortened and grafted on.

Thoughts on value if # 1 condition (or #1 minus - very close)?

We're ready for new pictures of that beast!

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Still looks like a station wagon to me and I'd put my $225k elsewhere.  '53 eldo/fiesta/skylark? Hemi Superbird/Cuda?  LS6 Chevelle / RAIV Judge / W30 442?  2 '60 eldo verts?

Chances are the likely candidate already owns - or has owned - all of the above many times over and is ready for something truly unique with history behind it.

Think of the GM Futureliner that smashed all expectations at Barrett Jackson when it crossed the block at $4M. A car like this appeals to the same type of collector. He wants the ultra rare. He wants what nobody else has.

I have no idea what it's worth in its present state but I wouldn't be half surprised if it did at least as much as a '59 Biarritz in similar condition, or even more.

[chrisntam]

Found this blurb on Hemmings dot com:

While several  1955-’56 Broadmoor Skyview models have hit the market in recent years, sales of these later examples (all six of which are in museums or collections today) are rare, and Bonhams predicts a selling price between $175,000 and $250,000 when this example crosses the block in Fernandina Beach.

For more information on the upcoming Amelia Island Auction, visit Bonhams.com.

Update (20.March 2017): The Cadillac Broadmoor Skyview bid to $120,000, but failed to meet its reserve and was not sold.

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2017/03/07/a-room-with-a-view-1959-cadillac-broadmoor-skyview/

$225k seems a little high...

[D.Smith]

Hand made one of one for 225k, that is fantastic news. 

I'm almost done restoring this baby to a very high standard, one of one, and something that would be visually more appealing to more people.  Color will be Sable black with saddle top and interior.  It runs and drives so well now.  This picture is just before restoration started.  This Cadillac was issued by Cadillac thru a dealer and carried a factory warranty, started life as a 1970 DVC and so top mechanism is like any other, doors were shortened and grafted on.

Thoughts on value if # 1 condition (or #1 minus - very close)?

Scot,   The only mention of any 70 4 door convertibles is in the book 80 Years of Cadillac LaSalle by Walter McCall.   On page 388 is shows a small black and white photo of what could be your car.  It says it was made by Lehmann-Peterson in Chicago.   They were more known for their Lincoln stretch limousines but did a few customs on Cadillacs for clients.

[Scot Minesinger]

Dave,

You are 100% correct and I own it. 

The car was purchased by a wealthy lady in Chicago area for the lead in her horse racing business at a track.  She became embroiled in a scandal and the car went to auction where it became for sale in 1972 at a local Washington, DC area Ford dealer.  At the time Richard Sills drove down in his 1969 Imperial Coupe to look at this 4 door Cadillac convertible (advertised as a Sedan deVille Convertible) used car which was the same price as a new Eldorado, and could not afford it.  Mr. Webster purchased it, the owner of a local DC area plumbing company, and he drove it as a normal car (unfortunately) for 32 years until he died and local CLC member purchased it from his estate and flipped it to a Canadian Collector in late 2005/early 2006.  I saw the car just after I purchased my red 1970 DVC and was so upset about not knowing it was available - the one that got away.  Did not have the space or money for it in 2006, so let it go and time went by.

In 2009 I finished m detached garage and the recession did not hurt me too bad.  I called the Canadian collector and asked about the car.  He said it was third in line to be restored, and I offered to buy it.  We agreed on a fair price if the top went down and folded flat (no baby buggy crappy folding top deals for me) and frame was good.  I drove up to Northern VT with an open landscaping trailer I fitted for the tow back that I borrowed from a friend.  I inspected the car, loaded it on my trailer, paid for it, and drove back to VA.

The relay cool thing is in VT in mid November snow is often a problem.  This day was 55'F and sunny with no snow.  I paid for the car at a bank right across the street from Henry Leland's boyhood home (same town that had the 100 Cadillacs in a parade a few years later).  The picture is the Cadillac on trailer in VT at bank parking lot with brick home of Henry in background just before I set off for VA, 600 miles.

Three teenagers, life, work, and me doing the restoration work mostly myself it has taken some time, but it is nearly done.

Will post pictures when completed.