There’s always a lot of chatter among enthusiasts about emerging classes or models of collector cars. You know, those vintage rides that we haven’t paid much attention to over the years as the typical class leaders continue to rise in value and notch big wins when sent to auction. This 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham strikes me as the kind of car that should be looked at and appreciated far more than it is as a potential collector’s item. Handsome looks, ornate interiors, and absolutely the peak of 1980s domestic luxury, this Brougham is offered here on craigslist in Atlanta for $8,000 with just 62K miles on the clock.
The low mileage is readily evident on the insides of the Caddy, as the leather seats remain in excellent condition front and rear. The same goes for the door panels, and the “ornate” fake wood trim that lines the dash. The carpets are likewise spotless, and overall, it’s hard to fault this Cadillac from the outside looking in. The seller claims his uncle bought the car new and only racked up 62,000 miles in that time, and that it’s always been in the garage. While I don’t tend to get worked up over a car being garage-stored or not, it can make a difference when protecting the paint from contaminants in the atmosphere and preventing brittle areas like the dash from cracking.
The bright work all looks tidy on this car, along with the polished wire hubcaps. The seller notes that the Hankook whitewall tires are new (“Hankook” and “whitewalls” are two words that don’t go together) as is the battery. Despite being a vintage vehicle with no discernable paper trail. the seller claims he would get it and drive the Fleetwood across the country tomorrow, so do with that what you will. These are generally fairly robust models with outstanding enthusiast network support, and the ability to pull into pretty much any NAPA auto parts store anywhere in the country and get what you need. A Cadillac Fleetwood is a wonderful entry into classic vehicle ownership, provided you can accept the fact you won’t be carving any corners with its generous wheelbase.
Now, this is sitting in the lap of luxury. If you look quickly, this could double for a presidential motorcade in terms of the opulence on display. I always loved how luxury cars from this era wanted to seemingly pack prestige into every corner of the body so that everywhere you looked there was either leather, wood trim, or deep-pile carpeting. The seller claims this Cadillac has no issues and that major systems like the brakes and suspension are in good working order. Will these big body Cadillacs stay cheap forever or are we beginning to see a migration away from rock-bottom prices and more appreciation for a land yacht that’s been loved? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Jerry R. for the find.
Great write up Jeff. I have been looking for an 80s Brougham for about 10 years. Most were trashed. Now they are getting expensive. I waited too long. Not a bad car and appears it’s already sold. Slow as a turtle with boat anchor 307 Olds oil burner junk. I had the same engine in an 87 Caprice wagon. Engine replaced under warranty for excessive oil consumption.
I had two 80s Oldses w/that engine, and while not a barn burner, they weren’t that bad for everyday driving. Only problem I ever had was a leaking intake manifold, which I understand was not unusual.
I have a 1988 Fleetwood Brougham with 32,000 miles Non smoking matchching leather interior probably wont find a cleaner car and yes it wont win a race. I am #2 owner and kept inside
Single word review, “Funeral”
Proving that there are still some decent deals out there…. Great deal on a great car. Would be a real shame to DD this one though.
Gone.
New owner = screamingly great deal.
Always loved the big Caddy’s. My grandma always had one. When she died in 94 she willed a mint 78 Coupe Deville to my mom. Her idiot husband tore it up. When I was doing custom pinstriping in Houston back in the 70s/80s I did many Cadiallcs and even did a few that were converted to el Camino style. I had a 2011 CTS-V wagon with the LMR 800hp build and man that was one bad kid. Had to get rid of it because every time I drove it some idiot in a ‘Stang or Camaro wanted to race. I had to show them a few times who was boss.
Even though Cadillac downsized the DeVilles in 1985, there was still a demand for the Fleetwood Land Yacht.
If I would have had $10,000, I would have snapped it up, $8,000 for the car, and $2,000 for gas.
Not a collector item. Simply a painful reminder of how bad things got for the bug three.
I disagree. It IS a collector’s item, you just don’t know it yet. In the 70s/80s, 50s cars were still around as everyday drivers here (no rust), and they were becoming collectible for their style and rarity. Fast forward 40 years or so, this 88 FW certainly matches many of them for rarity (in THIS condition) and style (compared to the crap that’s being made today). There will never be cars like this again (some may cheer, some may moan), but the fact remains a 34 year old FW IS collectible for many of us.
If you aren’t interested just scroll on by.
If the buyer backs out I’ll be interested. I am in Titusville florida.
I am storing a caddy like this in my shop for a guy who lives in Alaska. 33 thousand miles mint condition. He pays me 2 hundred dollars a month to keep it. Been over a year he keeps sending me the money?