CADILLAC FLEETWOOD BROUGHAM( RETRO LEGEND REVIEW) by Aidan Fitzsimmons( AFCS)
Yes this month we are taking you back to 1976 to one of the coolest cars owned by the King of Rock‘ n’ Roll himself, Mr Elvis Presley. It may not be Elvis’ Pink Cadillac, but who cares just look at it it’ s the next best thing. It’ s not the car Presley was most closely associated with that’ s on permanent display at Graceland but if you love the Rocker or the gigantic American saloons of that era, it’ s hard to think of a better option currently available. This iconic Cadillac has been seen in many films over the years and the sheer length of it at nineteen and a half feet long it’ s not hard to miss.
The 1970’ s was a decade of some of the biggest shake ups in the automotive industry. Two energy crisis, increased federal safety standards, and a flood of imports dramatically changed the automotive landscapes over the course of a few years. By decade end, cars were smaller, bumpers were larger, and convertibles had all but disappeared. From a stylistic standpoint, vinyl roofs, wire wheels, opera windows, and interiors that resembled your grandparents living room had all become mainstream, as the Great Brougham Epoch was in full swing.
This absolutely staggering Sable Black Cadillac Fleetwood has covered just 39,420 miles from new. The Fleetwood Brougham was the range topping model for‘ 76 and was more expensive than the Coupe.‘ 76 was also the last year of the BIG Cadillacs before they downsized for‘ 77. The originality and condition of this car really has to be seen, all the original decals and stickers are in place, the majority of the paint work is original as is the chrome. The padded vinyl roof is in great shape with no signs of cracking or damp ingress. The light blue interior is free from damage, cracks or wear, it still sports its Cadillac floor mats, original radio and immaculate carpets. The power seats, windows and locks are all working correctly as is the soft close boot lid. On the road the car feels fresh and is a pleasure to drive. The 8.2 litre( the largest engine fitted to a production saloon) purrs away and the car floats along on a wave of torque.
History Cadillac was the branch of the early General Motors that led the way in the engineering and manufacturing fields, just as Buick led in production. Long before World War 1, the Cadillac was well established as one of the finest cars built in America and, as the recipient of two Dewar Trophies, it had gained world-wide fame. Few cars have remained as true to their original purposes and traditions as has the Cadillac. The Cadillac car can, in fact, be said to have added lustre to the name it was given. While a commissioned officer in the Royal French Army, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac founded the city of Detroit, as a fur trading centre, in 1701. Cadillac was later honoured in several ways by his King, Louis XIV, which served to obscure his rather doubtful family origins in the small town in Gascony where he was born. The Cadillac family did have a coat of arms, however, dating from the 11th century, and it was adopted for the Cadillac car. It remains the only coat of arms, of authentic origin, in use on any American car today. Cadillac, of course, arrived in Detroit two hundred years too early to start an automobile company. His name was chosen for the company and the automobile, in 1902, by a wellto-do lumber merchant, William H. Murphy. Several years earlier, Murphy had backed a young mechanic, Henry Ford, in the founding of a new firm to produce cars to Ford’ s designs. Ford had differences with his backers, however, and left the company to go his own way. Murphy and his associates were planning to give up their car-building venture after this, but decided to consult with the company that was to make engines for their cars, the Leland and Faulconer Manufacturing Company of Detroit.
What to look for... Like any big bus from this era suspension, rust, overall maintenance is a must see. Check all the usual places as in front & rear arches but also door sills and the bulkhead. Cadillac is renowned for it’ s luxury so make sure all electrics are working as well as the air-conditioning as this could set you back a hefty bill. The engine must start first time with no miss fire or sounding lumpy when idling. Apart from the obvious the Cadillac is bullet proof. Originality is key when purchasing so make sure it’ s not been sprayed or had any colour changes in it’ s past.
Whats it like to drive... On the road the car feels fresh and is a pleasure to drive. The 8.2 litre( the largest engine fitted to a production saloon) purrs away and the car floats along on a wave of torque. The car may not shake, rattle or roll but it certainly weaves thanks to it’ s super soft suspension and ride. Hard cornering is not what this car is about, however. This is a luxury cruiser that will turn heads wherever it goes, regardless of any previous owners, but the fact that Elvis was associated to this vehicle makes it rock and roll royalty on wheels. This is the Cadillac of Cadillacs and so a little less conversation and more driving required.
In summary: You will need big pockets to fill this monster. However with the small mileage you will do who cares how far you go as you will arrive in style. As Elvis would say“ Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do‘ em all together, I guess.”
Price: £ 30,000- £ 60,000
If you have a retro classic you ' d like to appear in Wirral Life, drop me a line at editorial @ wirrallife. com
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