It has been said that Chevrolet enthusiasts can be divided into two groups  those who have never heard of the El Morocco  and those who are looking for one. The story of the car is a fascinating one, as there has been nothing similar, either before or since. It was, in fact, the first time an outside contractor had designed and built a customized Chevrolet model which was then sold as a new car, reportedly with a full factory warranty. El Moroccos were built in 56 and 57 and they are the rarest Chevrolets ever built. Ten were built in 1956, and 16 more in 1957, in a mix of two and four door hardtops, and convertibles. Founded by Canadian Reuben Allender, R. Allender and Company began in the surplus textile business. Like so many inspired customs, the concept was the pet project of a wealthy businessman who was fulfilling his dream of building his own car. A lifelong Cadillac buyer, Allender envisioned a smaller, lighter car that would be easier to drive, but would have the style and flash of the Cadillac. The 1956 cars were redesigned 56 Chevrolets made to resemble the 55 and 56 Cadillac El Dorado. The name came from a popular Manhattan night club and the fact that only a few new letters had to be cast to change El Dorado into El Morocco. The 56 El Morocco featured panels made of fiberglass, the new wonder material. These, plus a host of new trim parts and a variety of parts taken from Willys, Dodge, and Kaiser-Frazer completed the look. The car was well received. Writing in the September 1956 issue of Motor Trend, author Don MacDonald said There should be ready acceptance. The public is already brainwashed into the belief that Cadillac's, and particularly Eldorado's, fins represent the epitome of motordom. Unfortunately, many believers can't afford the real thing; Eldorado sales do not reflect their true popularity. We can't help but agree with Allender that a Chevrolet-based miniature at $3250 complete. . . should be a hot seller. For 1957, Allender began work on the new El Morocco. With Cadillacs new top of the line Eldorado Brougham on the market, it was only natural that he would choose to emulate it with his car. Production troubles with the fiberglass body parts on the 56 model led to the decision to construct the panels for the 57 from steel. Metalwork changes were quite comprehensive, including removing and filling the 1957s rocket hood spears with steel, and welding on the steel rear tail-fin extensions. It is thought that just ten hardtop sedans were built, along with two hardtop coupes and two convertibles a total of only sixteen cars. Of these, six are known to survive two of each style. Part of the problem was the price the conversion cost $800, which brought the El Morocco too close to the price of a base Cadillac. And yet, it is unlikely that Allender made any money on the process, given the costs involved in the conversions. Today, these rare cars are unquestionably the most valuable of all 56 and 57 Chevrolets, and even the four door hardtops sell for more than most Cadillacs-a testimonial to the appeal and success of Allenders vision.