Danbury Mint 1:24 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Seville: Golden Boy

Danbury Mint 1:24 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Seville: Golden Boy

It’s hard to believe that in the midst of the chrome-crazed ‘fifties, a design as elegant and sedate as the ’57 Eldorado was allowed to leave Detroit. But it did, and it still stirs the soul. Part of that has to do with sheer rarity; fewer than 4,000 Eldos were built that year, emerging from Detroit as Biarritz convertibles or Seville hardtops. Seeing one, especially on the hoof, is a treat.

Seeing one in scale is a treat, too, thanks to this very nicely turned out ’57 Seville from Danbury. Painted in Elysian green poly under a three-panel light tan vinyl roof, the car’s stance, shape, and finish made it the instant recipient of many “oohs” and “aahs” around here. Having it in hand only made the cooing get louder.

It’s not just that the car’s got a lot of opening features – it does, for sure. But it’s this model’s inspired detailing and level of precision that really got me wagging my tail. The metallic paint is incredible, and it’s adorned with applied “Seville” and “Eldorado” badges. The chrome trim around the windows is fitted into the body casting tightly; open and close the doors, and the frames for the door vent windows fit perfectly. With the exception of a raised rear edge on the hood (and a slightly wonky gas filler door), the shut lines are dead even, and everything opens and closes with tight, well-greased snicks and clacks.

You’ll want to get to those opening panels straight away. The twin-carbed 325-horse 365 V8 is set into the engine bay deeply, and it’s surrounded by steel lines, vinyl cabling, and all manner of accessories hung in just about every possible location. Move rearward, and the six-place cabin is slammin’ with greys, greens, and a fuzzy charcoal colored floor. Yeah, guys – those little letters on the brake pedal spell out “POWER BRAKES”. Working visors, tilting seat backs, and stow-able arm rests front and rear offer some additional finger fun for you long-digit types. The piped and cabled chassis hosts a working, fully articulated suspension, and the trunk is carpeted both above and below. Pull the spare out for a gander at the Eldo’s specially cast wheels, and the jacking equipment tucked behind.

I keep finding new stuff to enjoy on the car, and keep putting it back on the table for another look. In an office that’s jammed with models on any given day, that says a lot. Highly recommended.

www.danburymint.com

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