The seller purchased this 1973 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham approximately three years ago from the original owner’s estate. The fact that its odometer shows a mere 18,500 original miles suggests it has spent plenty of time hibernating in a quiet corner of a garage. That has left this classic rock-solid, although there is some visible paint deterioration that the new owner may wish to address if they are more concerned about spotless presentation than complete originality. After three years of limited use, the seller feels it is time for a new owner to write the next chapter in this Cadillac’s story. Therefore, they have listed the Fleetwood here on eBay in Albemarle, North Carolina. They set their BIN at $24,500 with the option to make an offer.
Cadillac introduced the latest version of its Sixty Special range in 1971, with the final cars rolling off the line in 1976. This Caddy is a 1973 Fleetwood Brougham that was ordered by its original owner in stunning Mirage Taupe Metallic. I admit that I haven’t seen many cars wearing this shade, which is a shame considering how classy it looks. The seller confirms that most of the paint is original, although they had a quart of touch-up paint mixed when they replaced three of the crumbling fillers. They will include the remains for the new owner should more work be required. That brings us to the subject of appearance, and it will divide readers. Initial impressions are positive, with the exterior shining nicely, and the vinyl top in good order. However, a close inspection reveals lifted lacquer, with the trunk lid carrying the worst of the problems. It isn’t horrendous, but the new owner must decide whether to protect the Fleetwood’s survivor credentials or perform a cosmetic refresh. The panels are straight, there is no evidence of rust, and the trim and tinted glass are in good order.
The “Taupe” theme continues inside this Caddy, with the seats wearing that shade in supple leather. The remaining upholstered surfaces match, as does the plastic. There is no appreciable wear, even on the carpet under the driver’s feet. The dash and pad are excellent, confirming that this classic has been protected from harsh UV rays and abuse. It is a luxury vehicle, so the presence of climate-control air conditioning, power operation for the windows, locks, and driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio is unsurprising.
As was often the case during the company’s history, Cadillac adopted a single mechanical configuration for the 1973 Fleetwood Brougham. Buyers received a 472ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The V8 generates 220hp and 365 ft/lbs of torque, which was on par with the previous year. However, evolution to meet new legislative requirements raised the Fleetwood’s curb weight by 100 lbs, having a slight impact on performance. The seller claims that this survivor has a genuine 18,500 miles showing on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. This is crucial because the odometer reading is one of the defining factors when determining this Caddy’s potential value. However, they supply this YouTube video that proves that the car runs and drives beautifully. It is quite long, but well worth watching if you are considering pursuing this classic further.
Classic Cadillacs almost invariably attract attention when they hit the market, and this 1973 Fleetwood Brougham is no exception. Its listing has accumulated 260 views in the past day, while thirty-three people have added it to their Watch List. The price is above the market average, which is a point to ponder. If the odometer reading is verifiable, the figure is justified. However, some may point to the paint flaws as a solid argument that places the price in question. There will be very few fence-sitters on the subject, and it will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on the topic.
Only 5″ shorter than a 2025 Escalade ESV. This is a Cadillac!
And the Escalade is just ridiculous.
Now this…… Is a Cadillac!!! I’d be very inclined to believe the mileage is authentic. When I looked at the close up of the trunk I was looking for rust, but don’t see any which is good. Our ’70 Olds 98 had chrome trim which ran along the bottom and caused the trunk lid to)start rusting after only a few short years. I’d be inclined to leave the paint alone and try to stop it from deteriorating any furthur. It would be too hard to match. And poorly matched paint never looked to good tobme at least. Thisbis a very nice find.
The rust is above the trunk trim on the right side.
This is the car that The Greatest Generation built for themselves: Luxurious, substantial and above all unapologetic. This was Grandpa’s last car before he died three years later at the age of 90. It was terrifying to ride with him until my mom and my uncle took his keys. I wish he could have taken it with him as it symbolized his accomplishments in life.
What other car could legitimately mean as much as one of these?
When I was young, I dreamed that when I was in my 60s, I’d go to the Cadillac dealer and buy a new Caddy, as cars like this represented true luxury. Sadly, I’ve hit that age, but real Caddys no longer are made
That reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw on an older Cadillac years ago.
It had small print but it read”I want to die peaceful in my sleep like my grandfather, not yelling and screaming like his passengers”.
Me – 12 years old. Grandpa – 66.
Time you learned how to drive. We’re going to the liquor store.
Just wait til Angel sees this one; I know she’ll be right on it if possible.
Reminds of the story she posted here
about driving one of these in a blizzard. And she’s right, they do make a great snowmobile when you add 2 50 pound bags of cat litter to
the trunk! That’s what I did To my ’66
Calais hardtop during our Midwest
winters. A good set of snow tires didn’t hurt either. Man, do I want this
car!
I am 72 and while I have no interest in obtaining one of these, my dad ( who would have been 100) drove a 72 Sedan de Ville back in the 70’s. It was a very similar car to this but the Fleetwood Brougham was the flagship. They were both ‘ living rooms on wheels’ and were more like giant boats than cars. Beautiful rides, plenty of power when you needed it, and they were the true definition of an American luxury of the day. They were never in my taste bracket but when I did drive his, I knew I was in a substantial vehicle. These were the real definition of a Cadillac………..
As all agreed this is a Cadillac! I would love to own this one, there is more rust underneath the vinyl top above the windshield along with what is shown at the base of the rear glass neither a simple fix. I’m not sure I would be able to just leave that rust without a proper repair which would lead into paint work on the rear quarters and Dutchman panel, and on down the rabbit hole…
What a gorgeous beast. Just right in every way. I love the light cluster of the ’73 despite the big bumper. Never looked out of place to me.
I see this “survivor” status going away soon as repairing the rust on the trunk & under the vinyl top will do that. Leave it alone & keep the survivor status & you’ll have a rust bucket in just a few years.
This one is gorgeous! Love the color if not a little bland. The ’71, 2 & 3 are my favorite of the 70s with the ’75 & ’76 a very close 2nd. The ’69 is 3rd & ’65/66 are 4th.
That huge front bumper does not look out of place like a lot of ’73s front bumper did. Most looked tacked on but this was designed to flow.
I’ve often wondered why Cadillac did not repeat the rear bumper with the ’74, 5 & 6. For those they chose to use the plastic to embed the taillights and license plate. Had they kept it metal & chromed, half you insert problems would be solved.
Having owned a ’74, two ’75s & a ’76, I’ve raided many a junkyard for decent inserts and even bought a few aftermarket.
The dashboard is so much cleaner and nicer than the later 4, 5 & 6. Statelier and more formal.
I will get a ’71 & or a ’73 before I become daisy food, I promise.
I consider the ’73s the last of the real Cadillacs. After that they became more plastic, cheaper looking interiors and although still beautifully designed they lost the pinash. And ’77 when they started to shrink them was just all downhill from there.
So take my opinion & put wherever you’d like, just not there! 🌥
I’m with you on the years Angel , however I prefer the 70 taillights over the 69 and love the huge grill on the 67 but 71-73 are my favorites as well. I agree on the rust on this one it’s never going to stop. I think repairing this one correctly now and caring for it properly moving forward it will last longer than us. Although to do so it would require a full repaint and replacement vinyl top. The body is so nice the preparation for painting would be very straightforward as almost all the body work is hidden in the glass frame and under the vinyl top. Strip it of every bit of chrome so there is no evidence of tape or overspray it will look better than new.
John, if this car has a legit 18,000 miles, it sat in a damp environment to have rust issues like that or if it was occasionally driven in salt they went to the convenience store touch-free wash which is worthless for anything more than dust.
I’d take a good look underneath and in the trunk for sure. The bubbles under the vinyl roof are especially troublesome. Umm, pass.
Seems back in the 70’s, if you were past 60, you drove the biggest car possible. I’m near that age and think a car half that size is more suitable.
@mike
Back in the 70s I was in my 20s & ever since I was 16 I drove the biggest car possible. I love my land yachts/luxo barges.
I’m now 71 & STOLL love my land yachts. Even though my choices are limited to SUVS & trucks now I try to get the largest.
My first SUV was kinda midsized. My current is larger but I still am shooting for a Ford Expedition/Cadillac Escalade/RAM truck size.
I’ve had small cars, MG Midget, Chevrolet Vega, etc but nothing beats a living room sofa on wheels
Angel you are 100% right there’s nothing like the ride of a rolling living room
Back in the ’60s-’70s if someone had told me that Cadillacs in the future would be trucks, and more people would buy them over cars I would have laughed. I still do since they are merely warmed over, expensive Suburbans. A truck is not and never will be a Cadillac in my opinion.
Looking at the engine pic, I didn’t think it had cruise, which would’ve been odd, but the 2 interior pics where the end of the turn signal stalk is barely visible shows it indeed does have cruise control. W I understand if the seats are dual powered.
Last sentence should read, “wonder if the seats are dual powered.”
My new phone screen is too sensitive for my clumsy fingers!
I can clearly see the factory cruise control unit behind the air cleaner(speedo cables).
I always look for the servo unit on the left fender but it must be just out of the pic.