1966 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

The Brougham was sophisticated luxury and elegance

The “Standard of the World” was once again the leader in luxury, the leader in engineering prowess, and the epitome of elegance and splendor. The 1966 Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham now its own separate model series was eloquence on the grand Cadillac scale. The fabulous Fleetwood Brougham was the most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac sedan.

It was truly the “Cadillac of Cadillacs.” The Fleetwood series with all its grandeur was the most revered of Cadillac’s offerings. The 1966 Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham and its preeminence in the luxury car class was duplicated but never replicated….so here is the 1966 success story in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”

Cadillac’s dominance in the luxury car arena was a formidable “wake-up” call for other luxury makes. Cadillac’s Brougham series was always decadently luxurious to the point of obscene opulence….unmistakably Cadillac. The Fleetwood Brougham had signature features that made it unique and stately with a highly distinguished presence.

A Fleetwood Brougham was immediately identified in any gathering of fine automobiles. The Fleetwood Brougham had a formidable presence…..It immediately took center stage as the other luxury cars exited stage left…..arrogance but not conceit….as a luxury sedan it was complete…..the formidable Fleetwood Brougham…..formidable, formidable, formidable….Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Brougham.

The Fleetwood Sixty-Special and the Fleetwood Eldorado were the only two non-limousine Cadillacs bodied by Fleetwood coachcrafters. The Fleetwood Brougham priced at $6,695 and the Fleetwood Sixty-Special at $6,378, were the classics that augmented Cadillac’s luxury fleet.

The Brougham differed form the Sixty-Special, as it came standard with a fully padded vinyl roof treatment, special “Brougham” nomenclature, carpeted rear seat foot rests and adjustable reading lamps, walnut trim, and lighted rear seat writing tables.

The Brougham sold over 13,630 units as compared to the Sixty-Special’s 5,445 units for the 1966 model year. The Brougham was an option package for the 1965 Sixty-Special which added $194 to the 1965’s base price of $6,479. It was such a hit that it was made into its own series for the 1966 model year.

This distinguished luxury sedan was powered by Cadillac’s 429 CID 16-valve OHV V8. The engine was equipped with a Carter AFB 3903S 4-bbl down-draft carburetor with equalized manifold, mechanical fuel pump, dry-type air filter, and an automatic choke. The engine produced 340 hp @ 4,600 rpm with 651 Nm of peak torque @ 3,000 rpm.

Performance was rated as 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds, 0-100 mph in 24.8 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. It could do the ¼ mile @ 87 mph in 16.4 seconds. The engine was mated to GM’s Turbo Hydra-Matic THM 400 3-speed automatic transmission.

The 1966 Cadillacs were built as body on frame construction. They were built on Cadillac’s rugged fully boxed perimeter frame with hidden bulkheads for extra torsional strength. The front suspension used the traditional upper and lower control arm with spherical joint, independent helical coil springs, rubber mounted strut rods, and rubber bushings to absorb impact and isolate road noise. The rear suspension was Cadillac’s four-link drive, helical coil springs, and rubber bushings to improve ride quality. The rear axle was the hypoid type with offset differential housing to facilitate Straight-Line Drive. 

The 1966 Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham rode on its long signature 133” wheelbase, had the luxury length of 227”, and was 80” wide. Standard was Cadillac’s hydraulic dual power braking system with both front and rear brakes operating independently, and a parking brake that doubled as a true auxiliary braking system. The parking brake would not lock with the engine running and car in gear. Also standard was Cadillac’s Variable Ratio power steering which constantly adjusted to the driver’s style automatically. The “Standard of the World” stood alone….

The 1966 Fleetwood Brougham had an interior that rivaled a limousine. It was deep-seated luxury with many comfort and convenience accessories as standard. A fully leather upholstered interior by Fleetwood was available in six colors, Damask Cloth with leather bolsters in four colors, textured Dartmoor Cloth available in three colors, and Delmont embroidered cloth available in two colors.

 The warmth of genuine walnut graced the dash and door panels.  Fleetwood luxury was no more evident than in the Brougham with its carpeted rear seat foot rests, folding illuminated writing tables, adjustable reading lamps, even power ventipanes. Fleetwoods received a complete compliment of power accessories.

Power windows, power seat, Automatic Level Control, front and rear folding center arm rests, courtesy lighting, and a fully padded vinyl roof with “Brougham” scripts identifying this as the epitome of Cadillac luxury. Fleetwood interiors blended fabrics, leathers, and walnut in typical Fleetwood tastefulness. The Fleetwood series were recognized by the classic laurel wreath and Cadillac crest design.

The White Fleetwood Brougham belonged to actress Ann Miller

The 1966 Cadillac Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Brougham was motoring in the grand Cadillac manner on the grand Cadillac scale. It offered resplendent elegance and formidable luxury that only Cadillac could present. Its powerful 340 hp V8 engine powered this personal limo with aplomb. Cadillac offered more standard comfort and convenience features and luxurious optional equipment than any other luxury brand. Every Cadillac Fleetwood was truly a masterpiece from the master craftsmen. The 1966 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham was simply another superlative in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”

Just more superlative-superlatives…. in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”