If ever there was a car that epitomised the brand, for Cadillac it was the Eldorado. Possibly the longest running model name in the marque's history it debuted as a showcar in 1952.
It was a unique convertible with a wraparound windshield and a dip in the side sheetmetal that was to become a GM trademark. But it was very expensive and only sold in small numbers.
Cadillac subsequently "badge-engineered" its new model from other cars in the range, but in 1955 a new high rear-end and tailfin treatment was a precursor of a style that was to be widely copied elsewhere. A 1957 version was bought by Elvis Presley, and specially kitted out with white leather and purple fur floor.
The Eldorado Brougham of 1957 was another styling pioneer, with the now-famous rocket-ship tail-lights. This car was a hard-top four-door sedan that cost more than a Rolls Royce. Just two years later the extravagant rear end disappeared in new model Eldorados which were all built by Pininfarina in Italy and shipped back to the US.
This ended in 1960, and there were no further distinctive Eldorados until 1967, The convertible reappeared in 1971. The Eldorado name disappeared in 2003, 50 years after it first appeared.