Legendary 1959 Cadillac Death Car Rolls toward the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--Forever linked to the 1959 murder of Maurice Gagnon, the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Seville (Lot #1014) that stored the dead body of the infamous entrepreneur will be auctioned at No Reserve during the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from Jan. 13-21, 2007, in Scottsdale, Ariz. With the odometer reading only 2,240 miles, it is believed to be the lowest mileage 1959 Cadillac in the world. The winning bidder will also receive complete documentation of the cars involvement with the murder. Hailed as “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™,” the auction will feature more than 1,200 of the world’s finest collector automobiles, attract over 225,000 visitors and be featured on SPEED with 40 hours of live coverage.

“In 1959, the Cadillac was the best of the best, the face of American luxury,” said Craig Jackson, CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “With its involvement in the notorious Gagnon murder, this Eldorado Seville is one of the most infamous cars that will cross the block during the 2007 Scottsdale auction. In addition to its historical significance, it has less than three thousand miles on it and has changed ownership only once since 1959.”

Instantly recognizable by its towering tailfins, the Eldorado Seville has additional features that make it the automotive icon of the 1950s. With numerous power options, including windows, vents, antenna and trunk release, the white and silver-blue classic was the most advanced production car ever built. The 345hp Eldorado was also equipped with three carburetors, 4-speed hydramatic transmission, self-leveling and driver-adjustable air suspension and cruise control.

“The Eldorado Seville was often the platform for Cadillac’s most exclusive, head-turning design styles and luxury amenities, and in 1959, they really stepped it up with a creation well ahead of its time,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “There are new cars on the road today without the options available on this classic. When this car was built, Americans were looking towards bright futures filled with wealth, happiness and extravagant automobiles.”

With jet travel and whispers of highways stretching from coast to coast, the 1950s were indeed a time of exuberance and innovation in America. Taking full advantage of his thriving plastic molding company and growing fortune, Gagnon surrounded himself with luxury, highlighted by his Eldorado Seville.

Tragically, the sleek Cadillac gained additional exposure when it was found on the back streets of Nashua, N.H., on February 9, 1959, containing Gagnon’s lifeless body. It became an integral part of the sensational murder trial that led to a death row sentence for Gagnon’s murderers. The car was held as state’s evidence during the impending 15-year legal struggle, which ultimately lead to the parole of the convicted murderers.

In 1981, Cadillac enthusiast John Pfanstiehl discovered the little-used classic in a dusty warehouse, still sporting the original tires. Following extensive research, Pfanstiehl uncovered the murderous history of the Eldorado Seville, ending speculation that its tie to the Gagnon murder was an urban legend.

Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, challenging annual records and serving as the barometer for market trends. Last year, more than 300,000 attendees and millions of television viewers from around the world witnessed over 1,600 cars being auctioned off for approximately $135 million at the two 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events held in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale and Palm Beach, Fla. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.