The 1969 model year would be a milestone as Cadillac built its 4-millionth automobile. It had only just crossed the 3-million mark four years earlier. The Fleetwood was the top-of-the-line model which was also the basis for limousine production. According to the seller, this light blue Fleetwood has been sitting in the same spot for 17 years and is being sold as-is for $4,500 firm. Located in Great Meadows, New Jersey, this forgotten project is available here on craigslist and is a tip brought to us by Mitchell G.
Cadillac would set new car sales records almost every year in the 1960s except in 1969. That’s when production dropped by three percent largely due to a labor strike that idled the assembly lines for a few weeks. Yet, overall output would amount to 223,267 automobiles of which 19,845 would be either the Fleetwood Sixty Special or the Brougham (the latter is probably where the seller’s car falls in). The cars would continue to be powered by a 472 cubic inch V8 that produced 375 hp (it would be replaced by a 500 CI the next year).
The seller is a bit cavalier regarding the sale of this car. If he/she has to do anything about it, including adding air to the tires, the price will go up and what’s being asked is non-negotiable. The car was driven to its current resting spot in 2006 due to a transmission leak and there it stayed. The odometer reading is 50,000 and it might be accurate. The auto has never seen the insides of a garage, so you have to wonder what the real situation is about rust or body damage. We wonder if the photos provided are of two different cars as there’s a dent in the tip of the driver’s side fender in one photo that disappears in the others.
Speaking of photos, the ones provided don’t help much in determining the status of the vehicle. The interior might be okay, then it might not be. At a minimum, the buyer is going to have to flush the gas tank, replace the tires, and add a new battery in the hopes of getting it to start and move around. And then there’s the transmission issue that idled it, to begin with. Is this a project that you’d like to add to your stable?
Keep dreaming on your price hurry and scrap it before the price goes down
LOL! Exactly what I was thinking here. There will be an adjustment at some point in the near future. He should be giving prospective buyers the white glove, not the boxing glove, treatment while the getting is good.
Looks as though they may have damaged the fender while getting the car out of its 17-year resting place. It may not have been the first time this car was damaged – the grille is from a 1970 model.
The 500 was introduced for 1970, but it was Eldorado-only until 1975. Standard Cadillacs continued to use the 472.
I don’t understand sellers who advertise a “100% FIRM” price. It’s so much easier to pad the price and make the buyer feel like he/she got a deal.
Another “seller” who makes it publicly known that he doesn’t care if he does NOT sell the car… I usually flag these ads for removal from CL, which I just did. Feel free to re-list the car when you decide to become a serious seller and not a jerk.
This person would probably charge an entrance fee just to walk on the property and look at the car. Then proceed to tell you ” I know what I got” and talk your ears off until they bleed.
Um no thanks
So if Cadillac set a sales record every year in the 1960’s, I’d like to vote whomever was U.S. President back then into office for 2024. A booming economy where you and all your neighbors can afford new Cadillacs sounds like a pleasant change to the current uncertain economy…
Alright! I love the 69’s, especially the Fleetwood. And the convertible. And the Coupe de Ville hard top. And I guess – all of them for that matter! That 472ci with the Rochester Quadrajet was AWESOME! Just like a jet engine. Premium gas WITH the lead in it was the norm for these big beautiful cruisers. NOBODY talked about gas prices, you didn’t have to even MENTION gas prices. Because it was reasonable. SANER times where people, businesses, government and your next door neighbor. People were KINDER towards each other. This Fleetwood could be fantastic if the price was right. I think that this car would become a HUGE SUCCESS at shows and cars/coffee! I love these Cadillacs, especially the 1969’s.I hope it goes to the right buyer for a “SANE “ price. Love the article! Good luck.
You seem close to a bid… Don’t be bashfull… Make some room in the drive.
This person would probably charge an entrance fee just to walk on the property and look at the car. Then proceed to tell you ” I know what I got” and talk your ears off until they bleed.
Um no thanks
I had a friend that had one of these, bought it as a wreck from an insurance company and rebuilt it. It was one of the best running and riding cars I’ve had the pleasure to drive. And it was comfortable. Unfortunately he “upgraded” to a ’73, what a dog nowhere as nice as the ’69. The dealer he traded it in at had a waiting buyer who knew the car’s history and still wanted it. P.S. yeah we lived in small town.
I owned a 1969 Fleetwood Brougham executive limo from a big Pharma company years ago and that 472 would pass everything except a gas station but what a ride!
After his price-is-firm rant he says, “or I may just keep it myself.” I think he just made sure of that!
The front Grille ii out of a 1970 Cadillac, but at this point, it will not affect so much the future fate of this old glory…
With that sellers funky attitude, my guess is that car will sit in that spot for quite a few more 17 year stretches
What’s it Worth?
What’s it Weigh?
I had a 65 and it was a great car. Big and roomy with a very comfortable ride and an engine that could really move the big car when asked. I think this car for sale at $4500 is a good buy as the fixin’ doesn’t seem too bad for a driver. I would want to know if the engine is free spinning or not though.
Take a plane to New Jersey and drive it home.
The seller is such an arrogant guy with “the price goes up”. What a piece of work he is. I would hesitate to even go see this car even if it’s the perfect fixer upper. Don’t have to be so freaking rude!!!
I wander if the kounts kustom owner in Las Vegas Nevada would be interested in this caddy?
Just go see the guy. Make an offer and argue with him until you are both satisfied. People make a lot of statements like this but what actually goes down is usually a different matter. The only way to deal with this guy is face to face.