The 1953 Cadillac Elegante, a one-of-a-kind coachbuilt luxury convertible coupe, is set to be offered for public sale for the first time in its history. Built on a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 chassis and unveiled publicly at the 1955 New York International Auto Show, the handcrafted vehicle combined General Motors engineering with European styling and remains a unique chapter in Cadillac’s design history.
A Unique Cadillac Inspired by an Era of Automotive Innovation
Between 1949 and 1961, General Motors showcased futuristic concept vehicles through its Motorama exhibitions, introducing the public to advanced styling, engineering, and luxury features. Cadillac contributed several memorable concepts during that period, including the 1950 Debutante, the 1959 Cyclone, and multiple Eldorado concept cars.
Although the gold-plated 1953 Cadillac Elegante was never displayed at Motorama, it shared the same spirit of innovation. Unlike the Debutante, which was never offered for sale, the Elegante was built as a one-off coachbuilt luxury convertible coupe.
Built on a Cadillac Series 62 With European Design Influence
The project began when commercial artist Harry Birdsall partnered with car importer Joe Mascari to create a luxury convertible unlike anything available from Detroit manufacturers.
The car was based on a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 chassis featuring a 126-inch wheelbase, a 331-cubic-inch V-8 engine, and a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.
Design responsibilities were assigned to Albrecht von Goertz after he opened his own design studio, Goertz Industrial Design. The Cadillac Elegante is believed to be the first automotive design produced by the studio.
Italian Coachbuilder Crafted the Hand-Built Aluminum Body
Construction was handled by Carrozzeria Rocco Motto of Turin, Italy. The hand-formed aluminum body reportedly required 30 months of work and cost $30,000 to complete, a substantial amount during the 1950s.
In addition to its streamlined bodywork, the chassis was lightened and lowered by 8 inches, creating a lower, sleeker profile.
The bespoke convertible featured numerous custom elements, including:
- A hydraulically operated disappearing retractable hardtop
- A lavish red leather interior
- A Lucite steering wheel
- Custom-made bronze castings with gold-plated exterior trim
- A wraparound windshield with built-in window vents
Ownership History and Restoration
Harry Birdsall drove the Elegante until his death in 1960. Joe Mascari later acquired the vehicle before selling it to a fellow speed boat racer. It was subsequently purchased by Stan Marks, a road construction executive and Orange Bowl Committee president.
Members of the Birdsall family made several attempts to reacquire the car. Their efforts succeeded in 1992 when Richard “Dicky” Birdsall, the youngest son of the vehicle’s creator, purchased it.
He spent 16 years completing a comprehensive restoration that returned the Cadillac to its original condition. The restored Elegante returned to public display at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, where it received the People’s Choice Award.
First Public Sale Scheduled for September
The 1953 Cadillac Elegante will now be offered for public sale for the first time. The sale also includes a custom-built enclosed Pegasus Race trailer equipped with air-conditioning and a power lift gate for loading, unloading, and transportation. Period photographs and a Brausi scale model are included as well.
The one-of-a-kind Cadillac is scheduled to cross the auction block on September 5 during Kruse Auctions’ Auburn Fall 2026 sale. No auction estimate has been announced.
