1957 Cadillac Air Suspension – Part 1, The Front

After a number of years of engineering, Cadillac introduced air suspension on the 1957 Eldorado Brougham. For four years this option was offered, but since only 904 Broughams were built there were a very few equipped with air. In at least some years (if not all) from 1957 through 1960, Cadillac offered air suspension as a $215 option for both the Brougham and the non­ Brougham models. To do so, frames were built to accommodate both steel and air springs. Reports on these cars tell us that the system was quite remarkably smooth and comfortable (quite a complement considering Cadillac’s reputation for great ride) as long as they worked. The problem was that they were plagued with leaks. Leaks at fitting, and in controls, and anywhere else they could leak. They tended to freeze in the winter. You could lose air and drop the car without much warning. It was complicated and difficult to repair and maintain.