“Cars of Dreams” Breaks Cadillac Records

RM Auctions closed out its 2012 auction calendar with the early December sale of the John Staluppi “Cars of Dreams” auction in Florida. While 100 percent of the lots were sold for a grand total of $11.5 million, it was a trio of Cadillacs that stole the show.

Headlining the list of 113 automobiles on offer was a magnificently restored 1956 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible. Considered near the pinnacle of Cadillac’s post-war flamboyance, the brilliant Mandan red convertible drew lively bidding, eclipsing its pre-sale estimate of $150,000–$200,000 to sell for a surprising $299,750. The remarkable sales price represents a new world record for a 1956 Cadillac Convertible sold at auction. In addition to the sale-topping ’56 Cadillac, other highlights from the same marque included a 1958 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible selling for $206,250 and a 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible also for $206,250— a new auction record for the 1960 model year.