There was a time when a multi-door limousine, also known as an “airport limousine” was a pretty common sight. The extra two or four-door make for a rather ungainly appearance but functionality, with some style, was the endgame. Benefactors of the door addition treatment were usually Checker Marathons, Cadillacs, and certain Chrysler models. There were probably others but those are the ones that usually come to mind. By 1995 they were really a relic of the past but not entirely as barn finder, Rocco B. has turned up a 1995 Cadillac XTS that has had a trip to the door store and is now wearing a total of six. This big stretch is located in Georgia and is available, here on Classic Car Deals for $8,395.
Now, those in the know will note that the styling and badging of this limo resembles a Cadillac XTS and that was an intentional alteration. Under its skin, this big Caddy is actually a rear-wheel-drive Fleetwood sitting on a perimeter frame. It has experienced 96K miles of high falutin style but unfortunately, the coach conversion company isn’t referenced. It’s rather Presidential in its bearing methinks!
If I could only use one word to describe this limousine, it would be “ungainly”. I’m not trying to be dismissive and don’t get me wrong, I can really appreciate the metal fabrication skill that goes into such a modification but the lines on this big car just don’t flow. It could be the odd-sized and non-symmetrical side glass; whatever, it just doesn’t tie together. That said, this Cadillac is in excellent appearing condition and looks to have been gently used and carefully maintained. The alloy wheels are a welcome departure from the usual and a nice inclusion.
As for the interior, it’s a comfy-looking cavern of blue leather. It’s safe to say that it hasn’t experienced too much hi-jinx, or if it did, it has cleaned up well – no sign of cigar burns or anything! The dash and instrument panel are ’90s GM all the way – kind of pedestrian for a Cadillac but the upholstery is certainly up to Standard of the World quality.
There is no image of the engine and that’s unfortunate – perhaps the thought is that someone who’s interested in a limo won’t give a flip about a greasy old engine but engine bay appearance can be very telling. Anyway, the listing claims that power is provided by a 5.7-liter V8 engine which probably means a 260 net HP Chevrolet 350 CI LT1 powerplant. It was standard fare in early to mid-’90s Fleetwoods, Buick Roadmasters, and the Chevrolet Impala SS. The seller claims, “It drives great too“. I wouldn’t be too concerned about the mileage, assuming proper maintenace, the LT1 is a long hauler.
So, who is the likely target market for such a car? The seller suggests, “Here is your chance to add to your fleet without the huge cost of brand new cars“. Well, that’s a thought, I don’t know if there’s a theoretical upper age for a car used in livery service. This one is an in-betweeny, it’s too old to be considered an au courant ride and too new to be considered a classic. Tell me, if you were going to spring for this stretch Cadillac, how would you use it?
Six-door limos like this one are primarily used to transport families during a funeral procession. They are traditionally called “family cars”. This in turn explains the lack of tell-tale use signs referred in the write-up (cigarette burns).
The coach builders who originally made these limousines also build hearses, with many from this era (93-96 RWD Cadillac Fleetwood) relying heavily on the use of the (tall) commercial glass. The higher roofline undoubtedly offers grieving families the ease of unobstructed ingress/egress and also affords the funeral staff the convenience when loading and unloading a casket (especially with a flower spray on top).
Most funeral homes tend to update their fleet every few years- starting with the hearse. These can often approach, if not exceed, 6-digits, so the advantage this lower-priced conversion was substantial savings in not having to purchase a same year (new) family car(s) to match.
This one in particular was converted by Wolf Limo in Ormond Beach, Florida.
I cannot believe BarnFinds! Though they knew it all. Everyone who in Livery Business knows the difference between an old Airport/Park 6 to 10 door vehicle (usually Checkers) to Funeral 6 door to a Limo.
Gee, I didn’t know we were in the livery business.
JO
Don’t worry Jim, some people have to lighten up. This is a sight for entertainment, it can’t always be 100% accurate.
Thx Jack, no worries here. His “point” is completely debatable anyway.
JO
I have not heard the term high falutin since watching the Beverly Hillbillies and I initially read it as high faulting.
So, you buy an ugly car, then turn it over and have someone turn it into a really long ugly car. Why, were you really than averse to learning to parallel park a Suburban?
Ugly is subjective
This is NOT a limousine. Six doors-not a limousine. Three rows of seats-not a limousine. No leg room-not a limousine. A limousine is supposed to be a ridiculously over sized car meant for one or two people.
Seems like a fair price, but a little goofy looking.
????Steve RM
Kenn
What ???
I had never heard a limousine described as a vehicle “..meant for one or two people.”
This vehicle would look a whole lot better without the extra two doors in the middle….and perhaps a little rework of the side glass
Love the car, I would us it for fishing and camping. Last caddilac I had was my 1959.
You would certainly turn a few heads Jack, when you pulled up to a campsite driving this!
I like limousines
It’s definitely not a 1995, it’s much newer, first of all there were no such Cadillac in 1995 that was an XTS. I have a 1995 Cadillac and it looks nothing like this. This Cadillac has to be 2013 or newer.
Read the listing! It states, “1995 Cadillac 6 door limousine remodeled into the newer body style XTS Cadillac 6 door limousine”
JO
Am I missing something? Is there any good reason for going to the expense of grafting that nose onto a 27-year-old Caddy?