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Cadillac: The Standard of Excellence

Posted in "As the Standard of the World Turns", Cadillac, Cadillac Historical, Classic American Marques, Editorials, Extreme Luxury, Grande Marque, Luxury Sedans with tags "As the Standard of the World Turns", Brougham, Cadillac, Cadillac Brougham, Cadillac Convertible, Cadillac Style, Classic Cadillac, Coupe deVille, DeVille, Eldorado, Fleetwood, Fleetwood Brougham, Limousine, luxury cars, Luxury Sedans, NotoriousLuxury, Sedan deVille on September 27, 2015 by 99MilesPerHour

A tribute to the traditional Cadillac

…in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”

Cadillac was once a formidable brand in the automotive industry. It was the standard of excellence in every aspect…superb fit & finish, remarkable engineering, absolute power…and prestige beyond belief world-wide. No automobile in the world achieved the admiration and respect as a Cadillac. Whatever one desired in a high-end luxury automobile…Cadillac either offered it or was in the process of building it. Always the innovator…always the epitome of luxury…and always the leader!

Fleetwood-bodied, hand-crafted automobiles catapulted the brand to an even higher standard of automotive excellence. The Cadillac DeVilles were and remain America’s favorite luxury cars. The formidable Eldorado had the entire industry in awe…with its poised dignity which was the hallmark of every Cadillac. Whether one chose the elegant open tourer, a spacious four-door sedan, the personal luxury of a two-door hardtop coupé, or a luxurious limousine…Cadillac designed and built the industry’s finest. NotoriousLuxury rekindles the passion of this lost art… in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”

The Cadillac crest

1963 Cadillac crest

The famous insignia that adorns the legend is a coat of arms from the French de la Mothe Cadillac family. It was registered as an American trademark on August 6, 1906. In the language of ancient heraldry it’s described as: “Quarterly, the first and fourth gold…a fess sable between three Merlettes of the same – posed two in chief and one in base. Second and third gules quartering argent…three bars azure.”

What does this mean? Translated, it describes a quartered shield with the uppermost left and lower right corners gold containing black bands with two legless birds above and one below the band. The uppermost right and lower left corners contain two red quarters, and two silver quarters with blue bars. The “couronne” or coronet is for the six counts of France. For symmetry, the original de la Mothe Cadillac family arms and the trademark of 1906 contain seven round pearls. Evolution of the crest through the years has displayed as many as 18 but no less than seven.

1941 Cadillac crest

1955 Cadillac crest

The first and fourth quarters represent the de la Mothe arms. The Merlettes are ancient heraldic adaptations of the Martin and are shown without beaks and legs. The Merlettes are given for a difference to young brothers to signify, in order to raise themselves they are to look to the wings of virtue and merit; and not to rely on the legs having but little land to set their feet upon. The second and third quarters were added to the de la Mothe arms to signify the favorable marriage which increased their estates. The red stands for prowess and boldness in action…the silver for purity, charity, virtue, and plenty. The azure blue signifies knightly valor –

Fleetwood laurel wreath and Cadillac crest

The laurel wreath augmenting the crest was used for Fleetwood…the senior most models in the hierarchy. DeVilles, Calais, and Series 62 models used a prominent “V” under the crest in either gold or silver. Contemporary Cadillac models use an abstract interpretation of this legendary design. Some agree this new design separates the make-believe Cadillacs from the genuine “Standard of the World” editions…

1965 Cadillac crest

1974 Cadillac DeVille crest

The formidable fins –

1948

1949

Cadillac’s chief designer Harley Earl “started the dance” of which the entire automotive industry followed suit. This man designed Cadillac masterworks. It was his 1948 Cadillac creation that started it all – he designed the 1948-1949 Cadillacs patterned after the Lockheed P-38 war-time aircraft.

The beautifully tailored fins are artfully integrated into the rear fenders. These are separate bolt-on features which flow gracefully into the doors. Within a few years, tail fins sprouted in every division at GM…not to mention how the rest of the industry emulated but could not replicate the design. Harley Earl and Chrysler’s chief designer Virgil Exner instigated the “Tail Fin Wars” of the 1950s.

1952

1953

The next tail fin design appeared on the 1950-1953 Cadillacs. They have the same basic style only a bit more elegant and refined. Back-up lamps were moved from below the rear deck lid and repositioned beneath the taillamps for the 1951 model. Cadillac is one of the early pioneers of back-up lamps. The basic theme of the taillamp/back-up lamp combo ran through the 1956 model year designs.

1954

1955

1956

The 1954 model year introduced a higher tail fin to offset the overall lower silhouette. Cadillacs were redesigned to be longer, lower, and wider than previous models. The fins are more “kicked-up.” This is the most remembered style establishing Cadillac as the tail fin leader. This design went basically unchanged from 1954 until 1956. Cadillac didn’t redesign their offerings from a blinding flash of inspiration…change was evolutionary. The 1955 Eldorado sported its own unique shark-fin design which inspired the next model year for the standard Cadillac.

1955-1956 Eldorado

1957

1957-1958 Eldorado “Chipmunk-Cheeks”

For the 1957 model year the tail fins were completely redesigned for the standard Cadillac models. They are a modified version from the 1955 Eldorado. The fins are lower and tapered into the architecture fashionably. The 1957 Eldorados received their own distinctive tail fin redesign. They are a bit sharper and more prominent than the previous version.

Rounded faired-in fenders received the nickname “Chipmunk-Cheeks” because of the appearance for the rear-end design of the Eldorados. The 1957-1958 Eldorado Seville and Biarritz used their new design; however, this was not inherited by any other Cadillac models. The 1957-1958 Cadillacs sported an even lower silhouette than previous designs. Automobiles were becoming more streamlined…Cadillac led the way in the entire industry with elegant designs, impeccable craftsmanship, and that poised dignity which was the hallmark of every Cadillac.

1958

1957-1958 Series 70 Eldorado Brougham

1959

Tail fin drama continued. The tail fin shocker came with the 1959 redesign. The iconic 1959 Cadillac tail fins are the tallest and the largest in the industry. All Cadillac models shared the same design. They represent American excess to the hilt. Either you love ‘em or you hate ‘em…there is no in-between. Some say they are the summit of gaudiness…some say they are elegant, and then there are some who are undecided. Because of this controversy – 1959 Cadillacs especially Eldorados, fetch six figures easily on the auction block.

1960

1961

1962

Refinement for the mighty tail fin began the 1960 model year. The designers knocked them down a notch planing them into the architecture for a cleaner look. The restrained use of ornamentation also provided an understatement of Cadillac elegance. From 1960 onward, the tail fin began to disappear into oblivion. The 1961 model trimmed the fins tastefully and added lower fins called “Skegs” to the redesign. They were trimmed again for the 1962 model year. The finale for the beloved fins are the 1963-1964 model years. They disappeared completely for the all-new 1965 redesign. Cadillac will always be remembered for luxury, opulence, and tail fins!

1963

1964

1965…tail fins are banished into history

1966

1967 Calais, DeVille, and Fleetwood

1967-1969 Fleetwood Eldorado

1968 Calais, DeVille, and Fleetwood

1969 Calais, DeVille, and Fleetwood

1970 Calais, DeVille, and Fleetwood

1970 Fleetwood Eldorado

1971-1972 Calais, DeVille, and Fleetwood

1971-1972 Fleetwood Eldorado

1973 Calais, DeVille, and Fleetwood

1973 Eldorado

1974-1976 Calais, DeVille, and Fleetwood

1974-1976 Eldorado

1977-1978 Eldorado

The luxury of choice

The traditional Cadillac offered more body styles than any other luxury car manufacturer. There is no more romantic architecture than a Cadillac convertible. They are the glamour cars of the stars. The elegant open tourers are still the most desired convertibles in the entire world. These elegant Cadillac creations have inspired music by Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley with “Pink Cadillac.” They have inspired movies such as “The Solid Gold Cadillac” with Judy Holiday in 1954. They were also used in parades such as the very first Cadillac Eldorado of 1953 driven in the inaugural parade for Dwight D. Eisenhower.

And we cannot forget the 1973 Eldorado convertible pace car for the 57th 500 Mile International Sweepstakes held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Wednesday May 30, 1973. There is no more dramatic manner in which to travel Cadillac-style than open air motoring in an elegant Cadillac convertible coupé. Whether it be the classic Series 62…the classic DeVille…or the “Gilded One” it is the ONLY way to travel…Cadillac-style –

1959 Series 62 convertible

1957 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special

The most distinguished automobiles in all of motordom are the impeccably hand-crafted Fleetwood-bodied Cadillacs. This is luxury on the grand Cadillac scale…in the grand Cadillac manner. These most revered models are more than austere, ostentatious bling as today’s kitschy-faux make-believe luxury cars. The Fleetwood-bodied Cadillacs are the most luxurious owner and chauffeur-driven models in the history of the brand. All Fleetwood crafted cars were built on their own dedicated assembly lines. Their individually longer wheelbases provide more rear seat passenger room.

The magnificent Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Broughams are decadently luxurious with ultra-exclusive accommodations that offer limousine-style luxury in an owner-driven sedan. It is the Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special that reinforced the “Standard of the World” title. Unfortunately…there will never, ever, be another hand-crafted Cadillac Fleetwood…they epitomized the brand’s integrity as the finest automobiles on the planet. No car in the luxury automobile arena could have been made more personally yours than a Cadillac Fleetwood. Will there ever be another LUXURIOUS Cadillac to be the pride of the US…and the envy of the world?

1959 Fleetwood Series Seventy-Five

The most eloquent sedans in the world are the Cadillac Fleetwood Series Seventy-Five nine-passenger sedan and Imperial formal limousine. Executive-style grace with spacious accommodations is expedited in a refined and most dignified manner. This is the ultimate expression of the “Standard of the World.” These opulent sedans are still seen at foreign embassies, palaces, and in the driveways of luxurious estates. Some things are just too good to be forgotten.

These hand-crafted Fleetwood-bodied masterpieces will still be in service…when today’s make-believe luxury cars are rusting in peace at the local scrap yard. Cadillac commercial chassis were popular as ambulances during the 1950s throughout the 1970s because of their notorious reliability and high-speed capabilities. They were also built as hearses of the utmost dignity. Some mortuaries still have them in service just because…there is nothing in today’s market that even comes close to the poised dignity that was the hallmark of every traditional Cadillac Fleetwood –

1976 Fleetwood Series Seventy-Five

Good taste never goes out of style…

1970 Coupe deVille

America’s sweethearts –

The Cadillac DeVille remains America’s favorite luxury car. They are available as the Coupe deVille, Sedan deVille, and the DeVille convertible. They enjoyed the highest resale value and repeat ownership of any American-built luxury car. The elegant Coupe deVille and Sedan deVille sold more automobiles than the combined aggregate totals of the competitors.

The Cadillac DeVille ruled the industry from 1949 until the 2004 model year when it became the DTS; maintaining the poised dignity Cadillac invented. The Cadillac DeVilles are among the most successful and longest production runs in the history of the brand. Their preeminence in the luxury car arena is achieved through years of growth and innovation. These elegant motorcars stole the hearts of enthusiasts world-wide in one svelte swoop.

1976 Sedan deVille

Their six-passenger roominess combined with legendary Cadillac comfort and conveniences are what retained their following annually. They are smooth, responsive, and quiet beyond belief. The Coupe deVille is the only two-door luxury car that offers as much interior room as the competitor’s four-door sedan. It was the primary choice among the ladies with its intimate personal luxury and high style. Features and accessories were available to make it as unique as its driver.

The Sedan deVille is the luxury sedan that doubles as a family sedan. With its four-door convenience, it is like your own personal limousine. It was the perennial favorite among luxury car buyers. The Sedan deVille offered more comfort and convenience features and accessories as standard equipment than its competition. Open air touring with a youthful zest makes the DeVille convertible the number one choice among convertible lovers. Its fully automatic, power folding fabric roof disappeared at the touch of a button. The DeVille is the grandest of all open tourers…Cadillac-style. Its luxury has no peer. The Cadillac DeVille was the only luxury convertible built in the land at the time. It is one of the world’s most dramatic automobiles.

1970 DeVille convertible

1976 Eldorado convertible

No story regarding Cadillac could be complete without mention of “The Gilded One.” The totally avant-garde Eldorado was the Flagship from Cadillac the entire world will never forget. They became the most dramatic models in the history of the brand. Elegance, innovation, and engineering excellence made them one of the world’s most desired dream cars. The Eldorado introduced styling, features, and accessories that eventually found their way to other future models.

The superb Cadillac engineering, advanced design and dedication to excellence spawned the formidable 1967 Fleetwood Eldorado. It is the ultimate personal luxury automobile. The Fleetwood Eldorado is the only car in the world to successfully combine the positive traction of front-wheel drive, the agility of Variable Ratio Power Steering, and the perfect balance of Automatic Level Control. During its tenure, the Cadillac Eldorado was available as a convertible coupé, a two-door hardtop coupé, and an ultra-luxurious four-door hardtop sedan. They were the glamour cars of the 1950s through the 1970s…and remain so –

1956 Series 62 convertible

The traditional Cadillac was the most desired automobile in the entire world. It was the standard of excellence and second to none in the manufacture of luxury motorcars. It is a legend, and an American institution. A Fleetwood-bodied Cadillac is a hand-crafted masterpiece from the master craftsmen that garnered the title of the “Standard of the World.” The DeVilles remain America’s favorite luxury cars in every respect. The Eldorado began as the Flagship and evolved into the finest personal luxury car in the world. Cadillac had a luxury car for every luxury car buyer…whether coupé, convertible coupé, sedan, or an opulent limousine – the only way to travel…was Cadillac-style. NotoriousLuxury salutes the traditional Cadillac…in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”

Special thanks to the finest classic automobile dealers in the business: Daniel Schmitt Classic Cars, Bob Adams Classic Cars, Jim Hailey’s Classic Cars, MJC Classic Cars, Park Ward Motors Museum, and Matt Garrett & GM Classics. You are the best in the industry!

“As the Standard of the World Turns”

NotoriousLuxury IS Greg’s World…

1994 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham: The end of an illustrious era in motoring

Posted in "As the Standard of the World Turns", Cadillac, Cadillac Historical, Editorials, Extreme Luxury, Grande Marque, Luxury Sedans, Notorious with tags "As the Standard of the World Turns", 1994 Cadillac, 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham: The End of an Era, Brougham, Cadillac, Cadillac Brougham, Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, Cadillac Style, Fleetwood, NotoriousLuxury, Those Fabulous Fleetwoods on September 1, 2015 by 99MilesPerHour

“As the Standard of the World Turns” presents…

…Those Fabulous Fleetwoods

The finale to Cadillac’s full-size rear-wheel, big-bodied luxury sedans is the 1993-1996 Fleetwood. The 5.7 litre V8 powered the last of Cadillac’s Flagship luxury grand tourers in true Cadillac-style. For the 1994 model year the Fleetwood received the 5.7 litre LT1 V8 from under the hood of the formidable Corvette. The eminent Fleetwood Series WAS the Cadillac of Cadillacs. In stature, in presence, and power, the Fleetwoods were the end of an illustrious era in motoring luxury.

The Brougham epitomized the brand being the most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac luxury sedan in the model hierarchy. It is the Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special that garnered the “Standard of the World” title for Cadillac. The Brougham option was so popular for the 1965 model year that it became its own series. The fabulous Fleetwood Brougham has a poised dignity which was the hallmark of every Cadillac. The 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham leads the flashback performance of “Those Fabulous Fleetwoods”…in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”

Power…prestige…and presence are the attributes to the 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood. Model #DW5 style code #W69 1994 Fleetwood sedan was base priced between $33,990 and $34,615. The base sedan is a hefty 4,478 pounds and with the Brougham option it becomes 4,506 pounds. The Brougham option with the handsomely tailored Prestwick cloth interior was an additional $1,680. The Brougham option with glove-soft leather upholstery was $2,250 extra. These are the big-bodied Fleetwoods built on the “D-body” platform that was shared with Chevrolet for the Caprice Classic, Buick for the Roadmaster, and Oldsmobile for the Custom Cruiser wagon. This is the last full-size platform from General Motors. Cadillac built 27,473 Fleetwoods for the 1994 model year.

1930 Fleetwood V16 convertible sedan

The eminent Fleetwood series began as a pet project by Larry Fisher, one of the famous Fisher brothers that formed the Fisher Body Division of General Motors. He was intrigued by luxury bodied Cadillacs. Fisher Body was formed in 1916. Larry Fisher became GM general manager in 1925. He coordinated the Fleetwood Metal Body Company acquisition in 1925.

Fleetwood no longer produced bodies for a variety of luxury brands now that it was owned by GM. The Fleetwood Division bodied cars exclusively for the Cadillac brand. From 1927 through 1934 any Cadillac could be ordered with a Fleetwood crafted body. By 1938, Cadillac became more exclusive with Fleetwood-bodied cars. The only way to get a Fleetwood was to order the Series 75 or Series 90.

1938 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special

For the 1938 model year Harley Earl and Bill Mitchell, both top design managers for GM, introduced the eminent Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special. The name became synonymous with the most luxurious Cadillacs. Beginning in 1940 onward, the Series Sixty-Special would bear the high-end trim. For 1941 the Series Sixty-Special gained an exclusive 133” wheelbase and a uniquely stretched “C-body” platform for the next 28 of the 34 model years. These special cars had special trim, with greater head and legroom, with the exclusive wheelbase. The fabulous Fleetwood-bodied cars catapulted Cadillac into the “Standard of the World” which is a formidable title Cadillac would hold until the late 1970s.

1939 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Derham Town Car

1941 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special

1952 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special

The Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special continued to flourish throughout the 1940s and 1950s. No motorcar in history has captured the admiration of luxury car buyers as the fabulous Fleetwoods. Whatever the occasion, there was no more gracious manner in which to arrive. This is luxury on the grand Cadillac scale…they are outstanding even among Cadillacs. Fleetwood crafted the interiors of all Cadillacs; they hand-crafted the entire car for the eminent Fleetwood Series…on a dedicated assembly line –

The custom crafted design and superb Fleetwood coachwork speak eloquently of its owner’s impeccable taste. Never has the Cadillac emblem adorned more impressive automobiles than the Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special sedans. In every aspect of motorcar superiority, the fabulous Fleetwoods are truly masterworks of the motoring age – it was unlikely that any material possession reflects good taste and achievement more than the distinctive Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special.

1954 Fleetwood Series Seventy-Five

Now, fast-forward to the 1965-1970 Fleetwood Series that reinforced the image of these eminent automobiles. They were the Flagships annually in the model hierarchy. The Fleetwood is the last word in exclusivity and supremacy. If you see one of these distinguished models, it is instantly recognizable. They have an individually longer wheelbase and signature styling features that were not shared with other Cadillac models. And if the Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special wasn’t grand enough for you in 1965, you could have ordered the Brougham option.

The Brougham was so successful in 1965 that it became its own stand-alone series in the model hierarchy for the 1966 model year. The Brougham is the most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac luxury sedan. Signature styling features include a formal padded vinyl roof, “Brougham” nomenclature inside and affixed to the rear “C” pillars, carpeted rear seat footrests, adjustable reading lamps, and a 60/40 dual power front seat. The 1965-1967 Broughams have folding wooden tables attached to the backs of the front seats. Fleetwoods up to and including the 1970 model year have genuine walnut trim inside. A Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Brougham is a car that wasn’t seen at every stop light.

The 1965 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Brougham

1970 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Brougham

A dual 60/40 power front seat, carpeted rear seat foot rests, and adjustable rear seat reading lamps…were all signature styling features of the Sixty-Special Brougham, the 1970 model is shown here.

1972 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Brougham

1976 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Brougham

The 1971-1976 Fleetwoods are the last to be in the Sixty-Special model series. These are the last of the hand-crafted Fleetwoods built on their own dedicated assembly line. They are the last to have the distinctive 133” wheelbase built on an exclusive platform. The Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special is known for its glitzy, chrome-laden presence…1976 is the last true Sixty-Special Brougham. The 1971-1976 Fleetwoods were now all Fleetwood Broughams; there were no more base Sixty-Special sedans. Special editions of the Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special include the Brougham d’Elegance above and the Fleetwood Talisman.

1976 Fleetwood Talisman

The interior of the sumptuous Fleetwood Talisman

1976 was the last of the full-size Cadillac luxury sedans…

1977 Fleetwood Brougham

From 1977-1979 the Fleetwood lost its distinction. The Sedan deVille and Fleetwood Brougham were now trim levels for a base product. The only exterior augmentation distinguishing the Fleetwood Brougham is a uniquely padded vinyl roof treatment with a Frenched-in limousine style rear window, special nomenclature, and stainless-steel lower rocker moldings. All of the enigmatic “Fleetwood” stature had vanished. The major difference was the interior trim level.

1980-1989 Fleetwood Brougham

From 1980 until 1984, the Sedan deVille and the Fleetwood Brougham shared the same body shells also. The Fleetwood Brougham continued to be the Flagship. It is simply known as the “Brougham” from 1988 until 1992. The Fleetwood Brougham is basically the same car from 1980 until 1992. The Brougham received refined new styling for the 1990-1992 models, but it is still the same basic bodyshell. The 1990-1992 models are the classiest of the 1980-1992 versions.

1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham

For the 1993-1996 production years, the Fleetwood was revamped as a rear-wheel drive luxury sedan sharing neither sheet metal nor drive train with any other Cadillac. It was the largest rear-wheel drive automobile made in America at the time…and the last of the big-bodied behemoths that spoiled Americans.

The 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood is the king of the road. It has a front mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. It rides upon a long 121.5” wheelbase, has the luxury length of 225.1”, and a wide 78” stance which makes it superior in ride quality. This is traditional Cadillac luxury at its finest – The optional Brougham package includes a fully padded vinyl roof, special “Brougham” nomenclature, exclusive aluminum wheel design, and contoured seating with a special sew-style. This option makes the 1994 Brougham even more distinctive. The Fleetwood Brougham continues the tradition of being the most luxurious sedan in the model hierarchy.

The base Cadillac Fleetwood for 1994 is equipped with: power windows, automatic power door locks, Pass Key II theft deterrent system, Electronic Climate Control (uses R-134a refrigerant), Solar Ray tinted glass, front and rear center folding arm rests with storage bins inside, digital instrument cluster, Illuminated Entry system, driver’s memory seat with two settings, power six-way front seating which includes power triple element lumbar controls, manual articulated front head restraints, split frame construction 55/45 dual comfort front seats (seat cushion and back rest are both individually adjustable), Cruise Control, and a leather wrapped tilt steering wheel. These are just a few of the myriad comfort and convenience features offered by America’s largest and most comfortable luxury sedan. A number of options were available to make the 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood as unique as its owner’s finger prints –

The Cadillac Fleetwood was the primary choice of premiere coachbuilders. The coachbuilder limousine package was $755. A funeral coach package offered a $910 credit because only the front end of the Cadillac Fleetwood was used; the coach work completely revised the rear of the car. The heavy-duty livery package was $150. When Cadillac discontinued the Fleetwood, the coachbuilders scrambled to buy the last of them…after the Fleetwood and the Lincoln Town Car ceased production, the coachbuilding industry suffered.

They converted vans into hearses, Hummers were stretched into limousines, gaudy yes, but there was nothing else large enough to stretch into a professional vehicle. The new Cadillac XTS stretched into a hearse is “homely” to the point of looking like a caricature; their limousine versions are equally as tacky. The XTS looks awkward from most angles; this is exemplified when they are stretched…shame on Cadillac for building such crap –

The ferocious LT1 engine from the Chevrolet Corvette became standard for the 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood. It is the GenII 5.7 litre V8 with 16-valves and a displacement of 350 CID. This naturally aspirated V8 engine used sequential port fuel injection and new Opti-Spark Ignition. This is an angle-based spark delivery system that ensures a precisely timed high-energy spark for optimum fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions. It uses dual-platinum-tipped spark plugs that can go up to 100,000 miles before changing. (I personally went 120,000 before replacing the plugs, and really didn’t have to at that point. I always burn premium gasoline that keeps the injectors cleaner which in turn adds life to the spark plugs.)

The LT1 cranks 260 hp @ 5,000 rpm with 454 Nm of peak torque @ 2,400 rpm. The engine is mated to GM’s electronically controlled 4L60-E Turbo Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and torque converter clutch. The transmission features altitude compensation and over-rev protection. The transmission shares the same key information with the Powertrain Control Module as the engine to maintain consistent shifting even in higher altitudes as well as automatically upshifting out of D1 (first gear) to second to protect the engine. It also has a stainless-steel exhaust system for longer life.

The 1994 Fleetwood is a powerful luxury sedan. Longitudinal acceleration is rated as: 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds, 0-100 mph in 22.6 seconds, and 0-120 mph in 40.3 seconds. It does the ¼ mile @ 88 mph in just 16.1 seconds. If this engine kicks-butt in a Vette…can you imagine this same powerplant in a luxury barouche like the Cadillac Fleetwood? If you are like me who likes a big, fast, and extremely well-mannered luxury sedan, the 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood sedan is the automobile for you.

This car is not only fast but efficient as well. The large 23 gallon fuel tank allows it to go longer between fill ups. Fuel economy is rated as 17 mph city/25 mpg highway. I personally have gotten 35 mph doing straight highway driving; burning 93 octane gasoline while driving at speeds between 70-80 mph. (kids do not try this at home). These cars are magnificent performers.

The 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood is built as body on frame construction. The front suspension is fully independent with short/long arm upper and lower control arms, coil springs, deflected disc shock absorbers, and stabilizer bar. The rear uses Cadillac’s four-link drive, coil springs, stabilizer bar, and Electronic Level Control system. The Cadillac Fleetwood has a Powertrain Control Module and computer diagnostic system for extended service and fewer maintenance requirements.

Standard is the Bosch ABSIIU, the patented three-channel anti-lock braking system with power assisted discs to the front axle and drums to the rear axle. To aid in its overall operation ASRIIU full range Traction Control with throttle relaxer is also standard. Power Speed Sensitive Steering is recalibrated to balance highway and parking feel. The Electronic Variable Orifice (EVO) valve is a key component in variable assist systems.

At speeds below 40 mph the EVO valve is completely open allowing full hydraulic flow from the power steering pump through the steering unit for maximum power assist. At higher speeds the control module commands the EVO to partially close which restricts the hydraulic flow reducing assistance to improve the road feel while providing greater directional stability.

Custom Carriage Roof treatment

The Cadillac Fleetwood is no mere luxury factotum. All Fleetwoods are full-fledged luxury sedans that are highly sought among collectors world-wide. The 1994 Fleetwood goes to great lengths to provide the attributes that are so important to luxury car buyers. It retains the classic elegance and style of which Cadillac is so prominent. The Fleetwood’s preeminence in the luxury car arena is unequalled among its competitors.

The 1994 Cadillac Fleetwood is one of the roomiest cars you can buy. This is a luxury sedan with the heart of a sports car. Powered by the formidable 5.7 litre LT1 V8 from the Corvette, it can pounce from 0-60 mph in a mere 8.5 seconds. The Cadillac Fleetwood evolves from a tradition of eloquence. A Fleetwood has that poised dignity which was the hallmark of every Cadillac. The fabulous Cadillac Fleetwoods are another successful chapter…in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”

1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham hand-crafted by Fleetwood

Special thanks to Sarasota Classic Car Museum, Park Ward Motors Museum, RLB Auto Group, MJC Classic Cars, Matt Garrett and GM Classics, Jim Hailey, and Bob Adams Classic Cars for these beautiful photographs.

1958 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special

1959 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special

1959 Fleetwood Series Seventy-Five

1964 Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special

1974 Fleetwood Talisman

1976 Fleetwood Series Seventy-Five

The Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is NotoriousLuxury

The only way to travel was Cadillac-style…will there ever be another?

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1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

Posted in "As the Standard of the World Turns", Cadillac, Cadillac Historical with tags 1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, Brougham, Cadillac Fleetwood, Classic Cadillac, Fleetwood Brougham, NotoriousLuxury on February 15, 2014 by 99MilesPerHour

“Craftsmanship a creed….accuracy a law”

The Fleetwood Brougham had to be seen to be believed….driven to be appreciated….and owned for total satisfaction. The 1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Brougham was the unexpected economy car…it precluded the restless quest for something finer to replace it with….

The Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Brougham was Cadillac’s most luxurious owner-driven sedan. It was the absolute epitome of Cadillac luxury and elegance. The pinnacle of eloquence with the formidable Fleetwood touch… unparalleled distinction on the grand Cadillac scale….in the grand Cadillac manner. The 1970 Fleetwood Brougham was immediately identified in any gathering of fine automobiles. A Fleetwood was the very essence of the Cadillac brand.

The Spirited Seventies were no more magnificently stated than in the majestic 1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Series Sixty Special Brougham. The eminent Fleetwood series was rich in taste….rich in elegance….it was the “d’Elegance” of the brand. A Fleetwood-bodied Cadillac was the epitome of Cadillac luxury with unparalleled splendor. Fleetwood coachcrafted Cadillacs were built at a restricted pace for exclusivity. There was no more resplendent way to travel than viewing the world from behind the wheel of the 1970 Cadillacs. The Fleetwood Brougham was special even among Cadillacs. Here is another standing ovation….in the continuing saga of “As the Standard of the World Turns.”

Model # 70-68169-P Fleetwood Brougham sedan had a base price of $7,284. Only 16,913 were made which will make this a highly prized collectible. It is a sleeper, all 1970 Cadillacs are going to hit a certain time frame and catapult in value, especially the 1970 DeVille ragtop. The Fleetwood Brougham was the most elegant expression of the Spirited Seventies.

With its individually longer wheelbase of 133”, it had a uniquely regal stature. No other motorcar received the admiration accorded this supreme achievement in motoring. A Fleetwood-bodied Cadillac was luxury on the grand Cadillac scale. The 1970 Fleetwood Brougham maintained a poised dignity that was the hallmark of every Cadillac. The Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special was long respected among connoisseurs of fine automobiles.

The Fleetwood Brougham with its distinctive beauty, had a tastefully appointed interior of incomparable elegance and luxury. Rich Dumbarton cloth with leather was available in three colors. A sophisticated all Divan cloth selection in four colors, and of course, richly textured Sierra grain leather was available in seven colors. The Brougham featured the rich look of Oriental Tamo wood on the doors and instrument panel. Signature Brougham features included carpeted rear seat footrests, adjustable rear seat reading lamps, and a 60/40 Dual Comfort front seat. Exterior augmentation included a fully padded vinyl roof with “Brougham” nomenclature. This impeccably tailored interior by Fleetwood was crafted in the traditional Cadillac “d’Elegance” if you catch my extremely heavy drift….

Standard features for the 1970 Fleetwood Brougham included: power windows and driver’s seat, folding center armrests front and rear, Variable Ratio power steering, Automatic Level Control, and 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic Drive. A host of other features and accessories that catered to one’s quest for “d’Elegance”……The spacious interior rewarded the occupants with lavish appointments, plush fabrics, and thoughtful niceties that were “Cadillac-style” along with myriad options available to add further distinction and individuality to this supreme achievement in all of motordom.

Brougham signature features: carpeted rear seat footrests

Fleetwood Brougham’s adjustable rear seat reading lamps

The dramatic elegance and majesty of the 1970 Fleetwood Brougham also offered astonishing performance for a motorcar of such magnificence. It was powered by Cadillac’s formidable 7.7 litre 472 CID 16-valve V8 engine that produced a prolific 375 hp @ 4,400 rpm packin’ a punch with 712 Nm of peak torque @ 3,000 rpm….this Cadillac ‘kicked-butt” in the performance department. It was a car that you could drive all day and never tire of it.

Ask me how I know this? It was equipped with a Rochester 4MV 4-bbl downdraft Quadrajet with equalized manifold, mechanical fuel pump, dry-type air filter, intake silencer, and automatic choke. Performance was rated as 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds, 0-100 mph in 23.5 seconds with a top speed of 126 mph. It could do the ¼ mile @ 88 mph in 16.1 seconds. Now that is quick for an automobile of this magnitude. The engine was mated to GM’s Turbo Hydra-Matic THM-400 3-speed automatic transmission.

The 1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Brougham rode upon a long 133” wheelbase, while the DeVille/Calais series had a 129.5” wheelbase. It’s individually longer wheelbase added to its incredibly smooth ride. The Fleetwood Sixty-Specials had the luxury length of 228.5” with a wide 79.8” stance. Fleetwood crafted the Sixty-Specials in limited quantities as body on frame construction using Cadillac’s rugged fully boxed perimeter frame. The Fleetwood-bodied Cadillacs had their own assembly line for exclusivity.

The front suspension used upper and lower control arms with a new integral steering knuckle for greater dependability and longer life. It had independent helical coil springs, rubber mounted strut rods and rubber bushings to isolate road noise as they absorbed impact. The rear suspension was set-up to accommodate the Automatic Level Control network. The rear suspension used the Cadillac four-link drive system, helical coil springs and large rubber bushings to improve ride quality. All 1970 rear-drive Cadillacs received an upgraded heavier, stronger rear axle and differential. This is why these luxury behemoths rode like a big ole’ rollin’ Barco lounger.

The 1970 Cadillacs came standard with a triple braking system. A dual hydraulic master cylinder housed two individual chambers with their separate pistons providing independent operation for front and rear brake systems. The shoes had a self-adjusting feature each time the car was driven in reverse and the brakes applied. Disc brakes were fitted to the front axle while finned composite drums were fitted to the rear. The parking brake was actually a true auxiliary brake. It had an automatic release function that would not allow it to lock with the engine running and in gear.

Standard for the Fleetwood series was Automatic Level Control which kept the vehicle at optimum height under any road condition and automatically adjusted for change in load. The rear suspension used the network for the system. Automatic Level Control provided pressure from a compressor and air reservoir to a valve located at the rear crossmember of the frame.

If the rear end load deflected the suspension ½” or greater the valve would open allowing pressurized air to enter air chambers in the rear shock absorbers. When the load decreased the valve would exhaust the air from the shock absorbers to lower the car to level height. The valves were calibrated with a 6-12 second delay so that normal deflection of the rear suspension while encountering uneven pavement would not activate the system.

The 1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special Brougham was a masterpiece from the master craftsmen. It was the most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac. Fleetwood-bodied Cadillacs were special even among other Cadillac models. There was no more resplendent manner to travel than viewing the world from behind the wheel of a 1970 Cadillac. The majestic Fleetwood Brougham maintained the poised dignity that was the hallmark of every Cadillac. Its 375 hp V8 engine performance was astonishing for a motorcar of such magnificence. Relentless quality fit & finish were the forte of the Fleetwood craftsmen. The Fleetwood Series was the standing ovation for Cadillac….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.”

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1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham & Brougham d’Elegance

Posted in "As the Standard of the World Turns", Cadillac, Cadillac Historical with tags 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham, Brougham, Brougham d'Elegance, Cadillac, Cadillac Flagship, Classic Cadillac, NotoriousLuxury on January 28, 2014 by 99MilesPerHour

The Cadillac Brougham augmented the model hierarchy

The 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham was a beautiful luxury sedan. They were the longest production passenger cars made in America. The Brougham was no longer in the Fleetwood Series, it was a stand-alone model. The 1990-1992 Broughams were sophisticated sedans offering spacious six passenger comfort and traditional Cadillac luxury. The Brougham name had established a legendary reputation with luxury car buyers during its long and successful tenure in various configurations from its inception in the 1930s. The Cadillac Brougham historically was the most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac sedan. The 1990-1992 Broughams were consummate elegance on the grand Cadillac scale. It was America’s premiere full-size luxury sedan. I am showcasing Matt Garrett’s Cadillac Brougham collection, which is the nicest in the world. These cars are, as he affectionately refers to them as “new out of the wrapper.”

Cadillac Brougham sedan

Comfort was always the hallmark of the Cadillac Brougham. The 1990-1992 were no exception. Brougham’s first-class accommodations included a vast array of standard amenities. Like the advanced Electronic Climate Control system, automatic power door locks with central door unlocking feature, front and rear lamp monitors, a leather trimmed tilt & telescopic steering wheel, composite Tungsten Halogen headlamps, and an illuminated entry system are just a few of the features and accessories that were complimentary, pampering the owner Cadillac style. Cadillac offered more comfort & convenience features as standard than any other luxury brand. The Brougham d’Elegance option added even more refinement such as a hand button tufted sew style to the upholstery, embroidered “d’Elegance” scripts on the door panels, power trunk lid pull-down, illuminated visor vanity mirrors for both driver and front seat passenger, and “d’Elegance” identification to the exterior.

The interiors of the Brougham and Brougham d’Elegance were as elegant and appealing as their exteriors. The standard Brougham was upholstered in Prima Vera Cloth as was the Brougham d’Elegance. The standard Brougham used a tailored sew-style while the Brougham d’Elegance used a fancier pillowed and button tufted sew-style. Both Brougham models came standard with folding front and rear center armrests. Also standard were Dual Comfort 55/45 front seats with six-way power adjustment and recliners with adjustable head restraints.

Leather upholstery was optional and available in several color combinations. A fully padded vinyl roof was standard for both Brougham models using the premiere roof treatment with closed-in rear vent windows. The outside rearview mirrors were heated and power adjustable. The instrument panel had digital display. Cruise Control was a standard feature to reduce driving fatigue on long road trips. Luxury and elegance were the constant companions to the driver and passengers of the fabulous Cadillac Broughams. The Cadillac Brougham had a reputation as “Luxury car complete.”

The Cadillac Brougham was no longer powered by an exclusive Cadillac powerplant. The 5.0 litre and the 5.7 litre V8 engines for the 1990 model year were supplied by Oldsmobile. The 5.0 litre and the 5.7 litre V8 engines for the 1991 & 1992 model years were also small block V8’s but supplied by the Chevrolet motor Division. (GASP) Many owners were horrified to find out Cadillac’s Flagships were bastardized with engines from other GM divisions. Badge engineering was no stranger to GM. Most didn’t realize that the 1990-1992 Broughams were really 11-13 year old Sedans deVille.

This generation Brougham began in 1980 as “Fleetwood Brougham.” Cadillac revamped it simply as “Brougham” in the late 1980s. Both Sedan deVille and Fleetwood Brougham shared the same platform from 1980-1984 when the DeVille was ridiculously and haphazardly down-sized for the 1985 model year. The only difference between the 1980-1984 Sedans deVille and the Fleetwood Brougham was the vinyl roof treatment.

It took the eagle-eye to see that the fancy Brougham was just vinyl padding over the center “B” pillar and different separate drip moldings with a limousine style rear window treatment. The Fleetwood Brougham continued the styling verbatim until the 1990 model year when it got mildly refreshed with composite headlamps and bumper cladding in the front, strong body cladding to coordinate with the front & rear bumpers along the body sides, and new taillamps in the rear.

1980 Brougham d’Elegance

The 1990 5.0 litre 507 CID 16-valve V8 Oldsmobile engine used a Rochester 4-bbl carburetor and GM’s Turbo Hydra-Matic THM 200-4R 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The engine produced 140 hp @ 3,200 rpm with 346 Nm of peak torque @ 2,000 rpm. Performance was rated as 0-60 mph in 10.6 seconds, 0-100 mph in 36.3 seconds with a top speed of 116 mph. It did the quarter mile @ 78 mph in 17.8 seconds. The Olds 5.7 litre had similar performance output and ratings.

To keep it less confusing I am going to focus on the 1992 model year exclusively. There were way too many specs for both Chevy and Olds engines as d’Elegance and Brougham models, not to mention them both with the trailering packages. The 1992’s were powered by Chevrolet’s 5.0 litre and 5.7 litre V8 engines. The 5.0 litre 305 CID V8 was equipped with throttle body fuel injection systems and GM’s Turbo Hydra-Matic THM 700-R4 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. It produced 170 hp @ 4,200 rpm with 346 Nm of peak torque @ 2,400 rpm. Performance was rated as 0-60 mph in 11.4 seconds, 0-100 mph in 42.3 seconds with a top speed of 115 mph. It did the ¼ mile @ 76 mph in 18.2 seconds.

The 5.7 litre 350 CID 16-valve V8 was also equipped with throttle body fuel injection and GM’s Turbo Hydra-Matic THM 700-R4 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The 5.7 litre produced 185 hp @ 3,800 rpm with 407 Nm of peak torque @ 2,400 rpm. Its performance was rated as 0-60 mph in 10.1 seconds, 0-100 mph in 34.6 seconds with a top speed of 116 mph. It did the ¼ mile @ 77 mph in 17.5 seconds. You can see that there was very little difference in performance comparing both Chevrolet engines and the Olds variants.

The 1990-1992 Cadillac Broughams were built as body on frame construction. They had the luxury length of 221” and rode on a long 121.5” wheelbase with the wide stance of 76.5”. The front suspension used upper and lower control arms with independent coil springs and stabilizer bar with Deflected-Disk shock absorbers. The rear used a four-link drive, coil springs, stabilizer bar, and Electronic level Control network.

An optional trailer towing package available could tow a trailer up to 7,000 lbs. included higher rate coil springs, beefed-up rear axle ratio and higher durometer lower rear shock mountings. Four-wheeled Bosch II ABS with ventilated discs front and finned composite rear drums were standard. Also standard were Electronic Variable Power Steering and power brakes. The Cadillac Brougham with its long wheelbase made boulevard travel intrusion negligible with a smooth, consistent ride. After all, the longer the wheelbase the smoother the ride. Despite its extreme size, the Cadillac Brougham was nimble and quick also easy to maneuver. They were the last of the solid riding automobiles….

The Cadillac Brougham and Brougham d’Elegance were luxury sedans of unparalleled distinction. They were built in the Cadillac tradition offering Cadillac-style perks. Cadillac offered standard an exceptional array of ownership services such as 24-hour Cadillac Roadside Assistance Services and the Cadillac 24-hour consumer relations hotline. The exclusive Cadillac Gold Key Delivery system included a personal introduction to your new Cadillac and key Dealer personnel. The Sales Rep would review your new car with you and even made certain the gas tank was filled. As peace of mind, every Cadillac came with the Gold key Bumper to Bumper Warranty covering every component for 4 years/50,000 miles with no deductible. The freedom Battery had its own pro-rated 4 year 50,000 mile warranty.

The 1990-1992 Cadillac Broughams were the longest regular production automobiles built in America. They had the timeless elegance of a true automotive classic. They all were equipped with V8 engines, the 5.0 litre standard and the 5.7 litre was optional. This genre was powered by Oldsmobile and Chevrolet V8 engines. Their long sweeping beauty was Cadillac style in every manner. The Cadillac Brougham was the traditional front engine rear-wheel drive luxury sedan that America was comfortable with when it came to elegance and presence. The Brougham historically was the most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac sedan that established a legendary reputation with luxury car buyers all over the world.

The 1990-1992 model years had a vast array of standard features and accessories, with a number of comfort and convenience features and accessories available to add further distinction. A Cadillac Brougham was always “car-complete.” Sadly, the end was nearing for this illustrious sedan. America was moving to smaller more efficient cars but the Cadillac Brougham will always have a cult following. The eminent Brougham augmented the Cadillac model hierarchy as the Flagships. The Cadillac showroom was never the same after the cease of the Brougham’s production…..will Cadillac ever have another Flagship sedan? This tribute is dedicated In Loving Memory of “The Standard of the World.”

The Cadillac Brougham was the first choice for limousine conversion

1990 Armbruster Stageway Silverhawk Limousine

Rare 1985 Fleetwood Brougham Coupe d’Elegance

Thank you Matt Garrett for keeping the spirit alive!

The 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham was traditional American luxury

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1966 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

Posted in "As the Standard of the World Turns", Cadillac, Cadillac Historical with tags 1966 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, Brougham, Cadillac Fleetwood, Classic Cadillac, Fleetwood Brougham, NotoriousLuxury on January 7, 2014 by 99MilesPerHour

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.”

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1965 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham

Posted in "As the Standard of the World Turns", Cadillac, Collector's Series with tags 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham, Brougham, Cadillac, NotoriousLuxury, Sixty-Special on August 9, 2013 by 99MilesPerHour

For 1965, Cadillac was completely restyled. It was beautifully new and distinctively Cadillac. The masterful artisans united its tradition of luxury and elegance with a youthful new look. The Fleetwood series augmented the model line-up. Every line and contour had been redesigned to make the car look longer and sleeker, but make no mistake, the illustrious Fleetwood series was still the leader. It was truly a masterpiece from the master craftsmen. Beauty was the art of Cadillac stylists. Cadillac was the “Standard of the World” and the Fleetwood was the signature series. Fleetwood crafted all Cadillac interiors…..but with this model, Fleetwood crafted the entire car. Its uniquely regal stature had that “poised” dignity which was the hallmark of every Cadillac.

There was nothing more majestic than the eminent Fleetwood Series Sixty-Special. This was luxury on the grand Cadillac scale. This magnificent sedan was impressive in both size and luxury. Its distinctive side and rear styling set it apart from the DeVille and Calais series. The Fleetwood name denotes a special model back to 1938 and the days of Bill Mitchell, a very talented GM designer. The Sixty-Special was synonymous for Cadillac’s supreme exclusivity. The all-new 1965 Sixty-Special was no exception.

With its commanding individually longer wheelbase of 133 inches, boulevard travel intrusion was negligible as this luxury land-yacht smoothed out the worst asphalt and took curves in stride. There was nothing more satisfying that viewing the world from behind the wheel of a Fleetwood Sixty-Special. All Fleetwood models came standard with automatic level control. This was the hydraulic version of today’s electronic level control. Other Fleetwood standard amenities included a graciously appointed interior with real wood trim, power windows, even power ventipanes, power front seat, front and rear wide folding center arm rests and an outlet to direct heat to the rear compartment.

The Brougham option, first time the Brougham name had been used since 1960, made the Sixty-Special even more elegant. This option introduced the new padded roof style with “halo” effect moldings available in white, black, blue, and sandalwood. The Brougham option offered five combinations of embroidered Danforth cloth, five choices of Devon cloth with leather, and seven optional choices of a fully leather trimmed interior. Its longer wheelbase afforded rear passengers with more legroom. Carpeted footrests were one of the signature features of this luxury option. The Cadillac Wreath and crest with “Brougham” nomenclature on the rear C pillars identified it.

The 1965 Fleetwood Sixty-Special was built on a separate C-body platform from the DeVille & Calais for the first time since 1958. The Sixty-Special’s base price was $6,479 and the Brougham option added a whopping $194 to the base price! Imagine how many of these one could own for the price of one of today’s Cadillacs which are not half the car this 1965 was. The Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham was the most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac. 18,100 Sixty-Specials were made in 1965. The Brougham option was so popular that it became an individual model for the 1966 model year. No automobile at the time captured the admiration of luxury car buyers as the Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham.

The Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham rode on a full perimeter box frame replacing the old X-frame adding more rigid structural integrity. Its length was 227.5”, the width at 79.9”, its height stood 56.6” and its curb weight was 4,800-5,000 pounds. An extremely solid car such as this improves the ride, combined with the longer wheelbase….it rode like a big ole’ floating Barco lounger! The power was supplied from a 429 CID (7.0 litre) OHV V8 that produced 340 horses @ 4,600rpm. The engine had five main bearings with hydraulic valve lifters. It utilized a Carter 3903S AFB four barrel carburetor. The engine had a cast iron block. (no loose bolt/head gasket syndrome here huh) The transmission was a three speed TH-400 automatic that made virtually imperceptible gear changes.

The complete body change gave the 1965 Cadillac a longer lower silhouette with trimmed tail fins absolutely flat for the first time since 1947. Headlamps switch from horizontal to vertical placement giving the front end an all new look. 1965 Was a banner year for Detroit, Cadillac produced close to 200,000 cars. The Cadillac factory had to close July 8, 1964 for complete re-tooling for the new 1965 Cadillac. The plant re-opened August 24, which was the longest plant shutdown in Cadillac history. This new re-tooling allowed potential production for 800 cars per day which was an all time high.

Whatever the occasion……there was no more gracious way to arrive than in the 1965 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham. It was identified immediately in any gathering of fine cars. This rare achievement in motoring offered supremacy and exclusivity as it showcased its preeminence in the luxury car arena. It was the most distinguished of all Cadillacs. Its unparalleled luxury and elegance was only exceeded by its beauty. The Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham was created for the most discerning owner who could be satisfied with nothing less than the epitome of luxury and presence.

Photos courtesy of the archives at Park Ward Motors Museum, Barrington, Illinois

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1970 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham & Brougham d’Elegance

1966 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

1965 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham

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