If you had a Cadillac in 1968 you knew that you had arrived. If you were riding in the back of this 1968 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 Limousine you knew that you had really arrived. While this example needs a full restoration, the seller is only asking $2,000 for it. And yes, it runs. The seller has it listed here on craigslist just east of Phoenix, Arizona.
The Cadillac Series 75 was a longer wheelbase version of the Series 70 and they were made up until the 1987 model year. Cadillac built 995 of these cars for the 1968 model year and they cost just under $11,000 – less than a mid-range Escalade in 2021 dollars ($82,000). The 1968 Cadillacs, in general, have a really clean look to them because that was the first year where the windshield wipers were hidden. I know, it’s a small thing but I think it really gives them a crisp look. I have to admit to preferring the non-sloping grille on the 1965 and 1966 models.
You can tell that this car needs a lot of work but I’m surprised at how solid it looks. Cars can rust even in Arizona but other than the fried paint, a dent in the left-front fender, and some missing trim, I don’t see a lot of glaring issues with the body of this beauty. I’m surprised to not see a vinyl top on this car unless it was removed years ago? Are there any fans of vinyl tops out there or is that the first thing you do during a restoration is to tear off the vinyl top and vow to never replace it?
There are only two interior photos but overall the seller has provided quite a few good photos of this 20-foot-long car. The back seating area is where most owners would be sitting unless this car was a rental limo, but we don’t know any history of this particular car other than it’s been sitting for many years. The back seat will also need work and this will not be an inexpensive restoration. For a general reference, Hagerty is at $13,900 for a #3 good condition car and the next owner will have to do most of the work him/herself in order to not go over that number. A #2 excellent condition car is valued at $25,300.
The seller has provided two engine photos which is great. This is Cadillac’s 472 cubic-inch V8 with 375 horsepower and the seller says that even though this car had been sitting for years, they put a battery in it and put some gas in the carb and it fired right up. Can this Cadillac be saved without breaking the bank?
That is a very good price for a driveable car.
Drivable, you say. It might sound like a Model T or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It looks to be for sale in a junk yard…ooops, sorry…auto salvage yard.
That is a great price for a running car.
My Great Great Uncle left a 75 of this vintage to my Grandparents. I only rode in it once, the week Nixon resigned. I couldn’t keep my fingers off the power buttons. Years later I asked about it and my Dad said it got rusty and they sold it to “some college kid” for $600. That must have been one epic score; I picture it having lived an exciting second life ala Animal House. Thanks for sharing this one Scotty!
You’ve got several books worth of great car stories, Todd!
Found a picture. That’s me in the striped seersucker jacket and green velvet bow tie. No vinyl top on this one either.
Awesome pic Todd. Thanks for sharing.
If you rode in a Cadillac Fleetwood 75, you might have been arriving at a cemetery.
Commonly used as a funeral car for the departed’s family. Might be why this one has no vinyl roof.
I’ve never ridden in a Cadillac, I don’t want my first ride to be my last ride. If you know what I mean.
Ha, good point, Allen!
I agree. The lack of vinyl roof meant it was owned by a funeral home or the mob. So if the prior owner wasn’t taking mourners to see dead people, they were driving around with dead people in the trunk.
Modern LS motor and leave everything else as-is.
I think you’re onto something there.
Not that this would ever be a performance car of course but would improve gas mileage considerably and give you better performance.
Great investment for someone who wants to start a vintage limousine business.
Having seen these in period, The vinyl top ones gave off a “nouveau riche” vibe, while a shiny all black ones gave off either a sinister , ” you doan wanna knowwho’s in there, OK ? ” vibe, or that a very high ranking politician was inside. . Absolutely gorgeous shape w/o the vinyl.
I would bet the farm they got nowhere near that price. I’d give them 5K due to all the ork that is going to have to go into it. AND no not everyone was used for a funeral car. Geez.
I drove one of these for years throughout the 70’s. Not for funerals or livery. Bought it used from livery igigs.