1957 El Morocco Hardtop
< Back to Listings

Vehicle Description

1957 El Morocco Hardtop $129,995

"This 1957 El Morocco Hardtop is an absolutely stunning, frame-off restored example of a Ruby Allender-built El Morocco. If you're thinking, ""what in the world is an El Morocco?"" don't worry because so few were built and even the most experienced, well-versed collectors are thinking the same thing. Well, just looking at one of these, you're also probably thinking that it looks part Chevrolet and part Cadillac, which was exactly the idea that drove Detroit industrialist Ruben ""Ruby"" Allender to think up and produce the El Morocco. Reportedly, Allender was a huge fan of Cadillacs but wanted a car for his grandchildren that looked like a Cadillac but was priced more in tune with a Chevrolet. Working with Creative Industries of Detroit and engineer Cyril Olbrich, the result was the El Morocco. Up front, the hood was shaved, and the Chevy bumper and grille was replaced with a Cadillac-style Dagmar bumper and Cadillac-inspired ""eggcrate"" grille. Down the sides, the standard Chevrolet side trim was replaced with Eldorado Brougham-inspired polished lower rear quarter panel trim. The Chevy-designed rear bumper was also replaced by a Cadillac influenced bumper but the El Morocco's most recognizable attribute was the addition of faux Cadillac tailfins that were reportedly made out of fiberglass and gave the El Morocco its iconic silhouette. Capping off the El Morocco's transformation was the removal of the Chevrolet nameplates and replacing them on the hood and trunk with special ""El Morocco"" badging. Although the novel idea of converting Chevys into junior Cadillacs was well-intentioned, Allender's venture was a total flop and with Chevy's major redesign in 1958, the El Morocco only lasted a little over a year from 1956-57. In total, most believe that approximately 36 El Moroccos were produced during its short production run, of which a mere 10 were produced in 1957 which makes this particular car one of the rarest cars in the collector car hobby. Powering this '57 El Morocco is a ""Power Pack"" 283 cubic inch V8 engine fed by a single 4 barrel carburetor that together were said to have produced 220 horsepower when new. The Power Pack 283 V8 is mated to a Powerglide Automatic transmission which is reported to have been standard equipment on every '57 El Morocco produced and makes this example and easy car for anybody to drive. Exhaust exits the Power Pack V8 via a dual exhaust system that produces a superb sound out of the tailpipes. Because the El Morocco was intended to mimic a Cadillac, they came loaded with options! With power brakes, bringing this 4 door hardtop to a complete stop is much easier and requires a lot less effort. Squeezing into a tight parking space at a Concours event or even at a local car show is a total breeze since this El Morocco comes outfitted with factory power steering as well. Further aiding with parking efforts are a pair of chrome outside mirrors that provide improved piece of mind. Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires mounted on painted steel wheels and Fiesta-style wheelcovers, this '57 El Morroco has a great look whether parked or cruising down the road. The chrome and brightwork is in fantastic condition, much of which is virtually one-of-a-kind. The body has been refinished in Harbor Blue and the hardtop has been painted silver to resemble a 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham and completing the exterior look of this extremely rare collector car. The interior of this 1957 El Morocco is outstanding! The front and rear bench seats have been completely restored, adorned in Blue and Silver upholstery. The matching blue and silver door panels, blue carpeting silver headliner, blue painted dash, and steering wheel with custom leather insert are all on wonderful shape and retain a nice stock look of a 1957 El Morocco. The instrument cluster is unchanged from a '57 chevy and is comprised with a 120 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, and fuel gauge, along with indicator lights for generator operation and oil pressure. The dash is finished off with a push-button AM radio, locking glovebox, clock, and special El Morocco plaque. Whether you're growing your existing collections of classic cars or you're looking to purchase your very first classic car, this 1957 El Morocco would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-428-7337!

*283 Cu. In. V8
*Single 4 Barrel Carburetor
*Powerglide Automatic Transmission
*Power Brakes
*Power Steering
*Designed/Produced by Ruben Allender
*Believed to be 1 of 10 Produced
*Harbor Blue Body w/ Silver Hardtop
*Blue & Silver Bench Seat Interior
*Wide Whitewall Tires w/ Fiesta Wheelcovers
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 170 Miles

"