1975 Cadillac Fleetwood

Sedan

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

6B69S5Q278179

Clear

Gasoline

1975 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD 60 SPECIAL BROUGHAM D’ELEGANCE RARE FUEL INJECTION!! TRIPLE BLACK COLOR COMBINATION! 54,320 ORIGINAL MILES! Up for auction is my 1975 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special Brougham D’Elegance. I know the description is long, but please take the time to read as I have attempted to include as much information as possible. I am the 2nd owner of this vehicle. The car has 54,320 original miles. The original owner was a manager in General Motor’s Oakland California plant. He retired in 1975 and ordered this car new as his final automobile for his retirement. When he passed away (I’m told in 1979) his son, who owned a Chevrolet dealership in California, would not part with the car because it was his father’s final Cadillac. He stored it inside at the dealership until his death. His son (the original owner’s grandson) inherited the dealership and wanted to get rid of his father’s “old cars” of which this was one. This is how I came to purchase it 3 years ago. The last time the car was registered and on the road before I purchased it was 1978!! I have the original final registration from California as proof and this will go to the new owner. In addition, I also have the original dealer invoice as well as the original sales order. This will also go to the new owner. The original California title from 1975 had to be turned in to motor vehicle when I titled the car. I have only put 113 miles on this car since I’ve owned it. In 1975, this car was considered the top of the line American Luxury car, surpassing the Lincoln Continental Town Car. The Fleetwood 60 Special was Cadillac’s flag ship model and the D’Elegance was an added luxury package second only to the limited production Fleetwood Talisman. The D’Elegance package was an added $603 option ($2,600 in today’s dollars). In addition, the car has FUEL INJECTION! If you know anything about these cars, Cadillac was the first US automaker to offer fuel injection as an added option beginning in 1975. Cadillac placed the majority of fuel injection systems in the Eldorado’s of that year so it is rare to find another model with this option. In 1976, they were placed in more models. The fuel injector’s were manufactured by Bendix which is the same company that made the propulsion systems for the rockets used by NASA. The fuel injection option cost $462 in 1975 (the equivalent of $2,000 in today’s dollars). This pushed the total retail price of this vehicle up to $12,986 during a time when one could buy a new Chevrolet for $4,500 and a new Oldsmobile or Buick for $5,500. This is the equivalent of $55,500 in 2011 dollars!!!! As for options, the car has the following in addition to the D’Elegance package and fuel injection: 6 Way driver and passenger power seat, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, remote trunk release in the glove box and power pull down, carpeted floor mats (yes, they are the original in mint condition), twilight sentinel, cruise control, remote right side mirror control (manual operation with a cable), illuminated passenger vanity mirror), delay wipers, illuminated entry system, opera lamps, fuel monitor and California emissions (of course). The only 3 options the car does not have are a rear window defogger (it was probably not needed in California and in 1975 it was not standard on the D’Elegance) and the auto dimming headlights. It also does not have a sunroof. All of these options work as they should (so my mechanic tells me) including the CLOCK (how many times have you read “the clock does not work like they all don’t as it’s a common problem with this vintage). Well, it works on mine! An interesting option on the AM/FM radio is a bar that you push that searches for more stations automatically in a time when the radio dials were mechanical! You can also search for “Stereo only” stations. All of this works properly as it should. I even have the original owner’s manual. Cosmetically, there are 2 issues that I know of with the vehicle. There are 3 plastic pieces next to the “coffin” door pull handles missing (I have included photos). It was this way when I purchased the car and I had always intended to see if I could buy them or have them fabricated. The second is that the headliner is a tad bit faded from the California sun (again, it was this way when I purchased the vehicle). It is not sagging or worn or torn in any way. I was quoted a price of about $150 to dye it back to its deep black and that’s standard top gauge Northern New Jersey pricing so people I other states can probably get it done for half that amount. However, it looks fine as is, its just not jet black. The dash has no cracks whatsoever and neither do the arm rests. They are in perfect condition. In addition, the rear bumper fillers are also in perfect condition with no cracks whatsoever. Mechanically, there are just 2 issues of which I am aware. The car needs a muffler and pipes. I just found this out last month when I got it out of storage. My mechanic tells me the exhaust is most likely the original. He tells me the Catalytic converter is ok. The reason I did not have it replaced is because the area in which I reside has no mechanics willing to work on these old cars. If they can’t hook them up to a computer and look at a computer screen, they don’t want to be bothered. Since the exhaust can no longer be purchased as stock, I need a mechanic who can bend pipe. I had a mechanic who actually worked for Cadillac in the 70’s who worked on all my classic cars, but he retired a few years back so he is no longer available. The second is that the car has a Freon leak. It was this way when I purchased the vehicle but I was not told this as the seller lied to me telling me the A/C was fine. I had the entire system tested with dye and I am told it’s definitely a leak which can be patched once found. The reason I did not do it? My mechanic told me he does not have a scope as long as is required to find the leak or the “technical expertise” to properly diagnose and repair it. They all have modern equipment for cars with much shorter lengths from the compressor to the vents. More than one wants to replace the entire system for top dollar, but this is not needed. The leak just needs to be found and repaired. The compressor operates properly and the vacuum operated doors for the climate control system which switch from vents to floor operate fine. It’s just that the Freon leaks out over a week or so. The car still has the old R-12 Freon system and I wanted to keep it that way. Everyone else wants to convert it to the 124A which will take away value from the car. So, I’ll let the new owner decide what they wish to do. Once again, you can get it done for half the price in other states than what it costs here in New Jersey. The final issue is the tires. I was told the tires were put on new around 2005 and they appear to have almost 100% tread left. However, because the car sat in the dealership and was never driven, due to the weight of the car, there is a flat spot on the tires which again was there when I purchased it. Thinking something was wrong with the front end, I had it checked very carefully. The front end is tight and solid. My mechanic said the flat spot may round out when driven, but he cannot guarantee it. I have tried my best to describe the vehicle truthfully as I know it to be because, quite honestly, I have been lied to and burned on every vehicle I have bought either through Ebay or otherwise. Please check out my 100% positive feedback. The car has passed New Jersey State inspection through next year. Finally, the car needs a good detailing in and out as it’s a bit dirty due to my storing it in a garage near a truck terminal last winter. Also, black paint oxidizes and needs to be compounded and buffed periodically to keep the deep black shine. I was going to have it done prior to the sale, but if the buyer trucks it on an open carrier, it will only get dirty again. The value of this car is in it’s rare combination. It’s a D’Elegance in triple black with fuel injection. I have been looking at and/or collecting these cars since 1985 and this is the first time I have EVER seen this combination offered for sale in this year in any condition let alone almost pristine condition like mine. I WELCOME ALL QUESTIONS!!!! Please, please, please write to me with any and all questions as I want to make this a pleasant transaction for both of us. Unlike so may on here, I won’t answer only 1 of the 10 questions you will ask or I won’t “go away” on vacation or a business trip during the entire listing, nor will I make you wait 4 or 5 days before I answer your questions. Also, I won’t tell you “I don’t know” (even though it’s my car) like so many on here. Inspections of the vehicle are always welcome! The car has been appraised by actuaries for my insurance company and is insured at a replacement value of $12,000. My reserve is set way below that (and no, I don’t mean $11,500 like so many others would do on here). I am not a dealer or looking to get rich off this car. I think the price is fair given the condition of the vehicle and taking into account the 2 mechanical repairs needed. I’m selling this one because I wish to buy a classic Lincoln and I simply don’t have the room for more cars. If the bidding gets close to my reserve, I may extend a second chance offer! Now for the terms: I hate to do this but I read some horror stories from sellers getting stiffed by buyers so I apologize to the good folks out there who are honest. I’d like a $500 non refundable deposit via Paypal within 24 hours of the end of the auction. Full payment must be made via wire transfer or certified check or cashier’s check in U.S. funds within 7 days of the auction ending (I won’t be ridiculous and make you pay within 48 hours like so many on here where you need to spend $23 to overnight mail a check). I will then send you the title and a receipt via priority mail when the funds clear (same day). I’d like the car picked up within 10 days of receipt of the money unless other arrangements with me are made (if you use a broker to ship, I know how horrible they can be too in picking up the vehicles so I will try to work with you if need be). As is always the case, there are no warranties expressed or implied and the car is sold “as is.” Thank you for taking the time and interest in my car.