1966 Cadillac Fleetwood - $15,900 - Orange Village, OH - Incredible 34,910-mile survivor. Recently serviced and ready for HPOF and preservation class judging.
The luxury car world seems to be over its fascination with plain old black, and the wonderful steely green finish on this 1966 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham is called Crystal Firemist. Fans of the period will recognize it instantly, and its clean, crisp look is ideal for a car built when designers celebrated stainless steel and polished veneers. The misty hue seems to emphasize the chiseled lines of the ’66 Cadillac, and its great size is cleverly masked by exquisite detailing. There is absolutely zero rust on this incredible survivor, and it seems highly unlikely that this car has ever seen a winter snowstorm. All the Cadillac crests are vivid and bright, and the Tiffany-style script logos are crisply rendered. Finished in black long-grain vinyl, the padded roof is in exceptional condition with no fading, popped seams, or signs of rust underneath. Remarkable.
However, the real jewel in this Cadillac’s crown is the spectacular all-original interior. The light green brocade fabric is pure 1960s, so kitchy that it’s cool again. In back, there are limousine-like accommodations, with footrests and individual lighted vanity trays for each passenger. You will also note that this Cadillac sports eight functional power windows, four conventional windows and a pivoting vent window in each door. The instrument panel is crisply rendered with a speedometer that looks new, and there’s no sign of UV damage to the dashboard. Only the carpets show the slightest signs of wear, but nothing that would cost points in competition. As the top-of-the-line, almost everything was standard equipment, but this Fleetwood also offers options like automatic climate control, cruise control, a tilt/telescope wheel, Twilight Sentinel, auto-dimming headlights, and a rear defroster. The AM/FM stereo radio includes a rear speaker, which is situated right next to the blower and heating coil for the rear window defroster. The massive trunk is also in fantastic condition, offering all the original felt lining and what we believe to be the original spare tire, and you will note there is exactly zero rust underneath the trunk mat.
Cadillac’s legendary 429 cubic inch V8 provides smooth, effortless power with an appropriately muscular exhaust note befitting such a machine. The engine has recently been extensively serviced, with new valves, lifters, and other related parts, a freshly rebuilt carburetor, fuel pump, and as a result it runs superbly. All the factory-original equipment is intact, although there are signs of regular maintenance items being replaced in the past, including the belts and hoses. A heavy-duty 3-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment, and it shifts properly without issues. Brakes, steering, and suspension are also in excellent order, delivering that incomparable Cadillac ride quality for which cars like this are justifiably famous. The tires are 235/75/15 whitewall radials that are the correct replacement size for the original bias-ply tires, and they wear the original hubcaps which appear unmarked.
We also have documentation on this car including the original bill of sale and purchase invoice.
Truly original cars are prized by collectors, and in many cases, it separates special cars from those that are merely interesting. This Fleetwood would be a fantastic car in any condition, but its remarkable preservation and extensive options list, not to mention the unusual color, make it something unique. For fans of the era, of Cadillacs, or just of remarkable preservation, this car is a treat. Indulge yourself and discover the luxury that our fathers understood only too well.
For more information and nearly 100 photos of this remarkable survivor, visit www.VintageMotorCarsUSA.com.