Before the Minivan took the nation by storm in the mid-eighties, station wagons were king of the road when it came to transporting large families around town, or across the country when it was time for a vacation. Surprisingly, Cadillac never put one into production during the heyday of wagon travel, but thankfully, there was a coach company that transformed a few Fleetwoods into what we’re seeing here. Known as the Castilian, somewhere around 50 seems to be the number generally agreed upon regarding many were produced. This 1975 model here on Craigslist needs a restoration, but if you’re in the market for a rare Caddy project, it might be worth the effort if you’ve got the know-how to make all the repairs. This one is located in Gilroy, California, and can be yours today for $5,850, with the seller also open to possible trades or a best offer.
Barney, thanks for spotting this unusual auto and sending us the tip here! The story goes that a short-lived company called Traditional Coach Works Ltd is responsible for creating and producing the Castilian, but it wasn’t the only Cadillac transformation on their roster. Also offered was the Eldorado-based Coupe De Roi, plus a Fleetwood-based pickup called the Mirage was available as well. Unfortunately, this Castilian has been neglected and will require quite a bit of bodywork and rust repairs. However, considering its rarity and uniqueness, I hope someone will love this wagon enough to perform the needed renovations and make it beautiful again.
We only get to view a couple of photos from the interior, but they’re enough to show that things inside are also in disarray, with most components needing attention of some sort. The seats are weathered, with a blanket covering the bottom section of the front unit, and the lower section of the passenger’s door panel nearby is missing. There’s also rust in the floors, which could indicate that some corrosion may also be present on the frame, but there’s no mention of the platform’s condition.
The Fleetwood came with a 500 cubic-inch V8 in 1975, with the owner informing us that his Castilian was last started and driven about a year and a half ago, when it was loaded onto a trailer by a transporter. The seller is correct in stating that this one’s rough and looks terrible, but he’s also spot on in claiming that this 1975 Cadillac Castilian is seriously rare. Is this Caddy wagon worth the time and expense it would take to get back on the road?
Sad, I love old Caddies, and this rare one is in such rough shape, no one even bothered to comment on it. It’s too bad someone let it get so rough.
This one needs a lot of work. They say it ran a year and a half ago. It is a odd Duck here.
The answer to your question is NO!
The answer to your question is NO!
FREE might not be CHEAP ENOUGH to bring the “Rare” car back to glory!
“RARE” means Nobody Wanted It Back When It Was New!
I agree with Bull’s comments! Also that’s why you don’t see them any more and GOOD LUCK finding or making parts for odd vehicles.
Only 51 +/- built there have been some pop up for sale in a lot better shape than this one and they are only original once interior parts may be easier to get than some of the missing body parts. This one I think is better off as a parts car.
I hope this posts! That Castilian looks like it’s had a zillion Castrations.
in ’71, at age 17, some rich friends of my family asked me to drive their ’69 cadillac station wagon from delray beach to DC and back. I did it. what a trip! the looks, the stares, this 6’3″ 140lb kid driving a custom made car. oh the memory and fun. back to reality, this car would cost a bloody fortune to restore. but the thoughts it conjures make me smile.
FROM CRAIGSLIST AD:
WATCH this Video, it will give you background history
Skip to about 7:00 Minutes into Video for 70’s Castilian Information
Youtube Video > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8MLqfUtVMw <
@ Rick W
Rick! My man! Where have you been hiding? I was thinking of you the other day. Dont ask what!
I just knew you had to comment on this one.
Seen quite a few of these. Not a big fan of the “liftgate.” Some have even been made by other companies from Fleetwoods and Sedan de Villes. The de Villes didn’t have the center post.
@Mark
Actually parts are easy for this. The interior is 99% Fleetwood with the only customization behind the rear seat. The outside is 95% Fleetwood with the long roof and liftgate being pretty much the only difference from a stock Cadillac.
But, after saying all that, I can also agree with Troy, maybe this would be better off a parts car.
I’ve seen ’69 & ’70 with the 2 way tailgate and ’71 through ’76 with the clamshell tailgate which I much prefer over a liftgate.
Hi Angel! I was wondering when we’d hear from you. As a glass half full kinda guy, I do think this one could be saved but it would be a labor if love doing it. The worst thing would be the rust lurking all over this poor car. If I had the money and space to do it,
I’d take the time to do it right and
work on it as my heart would permit it. Hadn’t heard from you
in a while. I thought you might’ve
been offended by my saying that
Tammy Wynette was a bigger diva than you are. Well, she was the night we opened for her at the
Indiana State Fair in 1976. I won’t
tell the story here, but I left it in your email for you. And if I did offend you, then I’ll throw myself
on the mercy of Her Majesty’s court. Did you see the ’73 Fleetwood limo yet? It looks pretty good and Jon’s waiting for you to chime in on it. Well honey,
it’s getting late and I gotta be at the store tomorrow morning. Good to hear from you again. Night Angel 💖 💋. Night all!
Ken,
There’s not much that offends me, except maybe very stupid people and we’ve already seen that.
No I’m not mad at you. Saw the ’73 limo. I just get a little depressed that I can’t afford these beauties or have any place to put them. The body and mind still wants to get out there and work on them.
And that limo was weird. Black leather front and beige valor rear. Just odd to me.
Have you received Wayne’s email Addy yet? Cause I haven’t.
No dear, I haven’t yet and I check
mine every day. Absolutely zilch.
Another case for that chat room
thingy you talk about so much. As for you being depressed, here’s a warm hug from me to make it all better. Didn’t have to be at the store this morning like I
thought I would do I got the luxury of sleeping in. Sounds like
you might wanna try those car
coloring books I mentioned. That
might make you forget your troubles for awhile. Think I’ll put one of those corny old sci-fi movies on my phone and work on
that Mustang to get it done. Here’s another hug for the road.
See Ya’ later💋
…And yes, I like the first gen ’69-’70 wagons to as you could order one directly from Cadillac if you
wanted one. The first ones used
roof sections from the Buick estate wagons to make it all happen. And to me, those were the best. Might have to draw one
when I get time.
Not sure if this is the correct forum, but I’ll throw this out there.
Let’s talk car insurance. That’s part of my immediate problem. Getting new car insurance in Baltimore.
Anyone have any suggestions? I have tried all sorts of venues. Can’t get a company with a anything lower than $225 a month!!!
Vegas I was paying $130.
Help!
I just switched from long time car insurance (with same agent) to SafeCo.a Progressive Co. You’re paying for being in a congested area. I carry heavy insurance largely because of the Lincolns low mileage and beautiful condition. 6 months for just under $900.