For over fifty years, from 1936 to 1987, few cars in America conferred as much instant respect as a Cadillac Fleetwood 75 limousine. These stately, factory-built limos quietly proclaimed that whoever was inside was somebody. Well, you’re somebody, too, and if you really want to feel like it, this cherry, 29,000-mile 1976 Fleetwood 75, as seen here on eBay out of Howell, New Jersey with an asking price of $12,500, could be just the ticket.
This big Caddy’s low miles and impeccable condition aren’t as surprising as they might be on some other 42-year-old cars. Limousines don’t often rack up big odometer readings; odds are, too, that this factory-built limo was either privately or corporate-owned, and as a result, better maintained than your average prom stretch job for hire. Its understated navy lines, looking so much the more sleek for the absence of a vinyl roof covering, ooze confidence, presence, and class.
So, too, does this car’s respect for limousine tradition, with a durable but plain leather bench in the driver’s compartment and sumptuous fabric in the rear. In true ’70s style, options for 1976 were either crushed velour or this knit fabric. The only major off note is the rather plebeian floor mat, which looks like it belongs in a lowly DeVille; better to toss it and enjoy the fold-down footrests. There are also occasional jumpseats for when the need to carry eight passengers arises.
There’s often an element of surprise when we feature a car that has survived with low mileage and in nice, fully-functioning condition, but for this regal Cadillac, it just seems right and proper. The seller has helpfully linked to a video to verify that various geegaws, from the radio with electric antenna (which, in a delightfully Jersey moment, tunes in to Van Halen’s “Jump”) to the electric divider window to the self-closing trunklid all work, and that the massive, 500 cubic inch V8 runs smoothly and quietly. Even the somewhat questionable-seeming fit of the rear filler panels where they wrap around the bumper are actually pretty much just the way this car was built. I think you’re worth it—do you think you’re somebody enough to be seen in this long, low-mile Caddy?
Someone will buy it and donk it.
I hope not! I hope it goes to a person that will keep the integrity of the original condition.
I am selling the car. A real beauty and drives dreamy.
Absolutely LOVE these big Cadillacs! Yes, the fuel ‘economy’ is gallons per mile, but who cares about that when you own such a work of art. Sure to garner alot of attention at car shows. $12,500 is a decent price, tho I think there might be a little wiggle room on that, simply because they’re not easy sellers [gargantuan size, very thirsty, need an airplane hanger to park it]
Big, dark colored, Caddy, limo, New Jersey………….hmmmmmmm, check.
No, Hoffa disappeared in ’75…………but this could be the replacement car for the one that “disappeared” with the evidence.
Jimmy Hoffa’s last ride was in a red 1975 Mercury Grand Marquis.
The mats might make sense for a commercial limo, but I haven’t been in many, and I certainly wasn’t looking at the mats! It’s easier to clean a mat, then the floor. This car makes me wonder; what was the longest (length) production car made?
If memory serves, the 1957-1960 Lincolns with the “Cats Eye”
headlights are the longest production cars ever produced.
I did a search, this Fleetwood may be the longest, at 252 “.
This 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 was the longest American “factory” produced car in history at 252.2 inches long. Nonetheless, the 1975-1976 Buick Electra was the longest 4 door hardtop car that GM ever produced at 233.3 inches. It was also the longest car that Buick ever built
Like it…made me think of the closing scene from Blazing Saddles
^^^^ what he said^^^^
^^^^ what he said. My thoughts as soon as I saw it. ^^^^
One of the funniest movies made!
Oh, believe me, I thought of that, too.
The first photo is from Asbury Park, NJ. The building in the background with the smiling man mural used to house an indoor amusement park. Spent nearly every summer there. Good times.
Nice Caddy.
Trivia: the smiling man is known as “Tillie”.
I was fortunate at 18, and got to have my grandfather’s `72 Fleetwood for awhile until my Dad sold it out from under me. I can tell you these huge majestic beasts float like a cloud (as they should!). I was a limo driver for 2 years while in my 20’s & we had a black `76 in our fleet. I loved that car so much, I almost bought it in `81 when they wanted to retire it. It had less than 50K then.
I bought a ’66 Fleetwood limo when it was about 8 years old. Same format, plain roll & pleat black leather up front & luxurious gray cloth in the rear. It had the divider window, jump seats and radio controls in the back armrest. I was in my early 20’s and me and my friends used it as a Saturday night party wagon, taking turns driving. It was like driving a station wagon with a long trunk welded to the back, getting around a corner & parking it could be a real challenge. It was a gas hog, but it was worth it for the ride and novelty of acting rich. I finally sold it because I moved to a new house that didn’t have room for the limo & my ’72 Coupe Deville in it’s short driveway.
Ad states “Do not contact if you are a broker, dealer, seller, trader, or dreamer”
But the seller is a dealer.
Negative.
Plate was used to drive temporarily.
I (the seller) fix radiators and fuel tanks!
Shouldn’t matter anyway. I stated that so people would take the listing seriously; selling a low price classic car on eBay is a job in itself. Basically, I only want serious inquiries.
Limo snob:
“Here we go with another 4-door. The pre-1972 2-door limos were so much cooler. Who saves these? Crush it. Maybe buy it for parts but crush it first.”
My family ran a 50 car Limo Service in NYC and Atlantic City through the 60’s 70’s into the 80’s these Caddy’s were the standard still remember driving them. Great for a modern wedding ride. CS
And then the Lincolns took over……
ever since watching mcmillan and wife ive always wanted one of these we have a 73 fleetwod and it was glorious
“Gimme that old-tyme Caddy,
Gimme that old-tyme Caddy,
Gimme that old-tyme Caddy,
It’s good enough for me!” ;-)
Four ashtrays for just the back seat[s]! LOL
Pretty funny that there’s ash trays in the back. In the 70’s smoking was ‘just bad’ for you. Sign of the times I would guess.
Fine looking car, would be proud to call it my own.
Does anyone else hear that clunking noise in park? That’s a shift selector bushing gone bad at the transmission side of the linkage. Easy fix since its outside the trans case.
The father of my childhood best friend had one of these (in 1990 Illinois). I only rode in it once or twice. You could sit in the rear driver-side seat and control the window of the rear passenger-seat. That was awesome! There was also rear AC. amazing!
This car is the real deal. No cut up adding here & there, this is a Fleetwood car! The pinnacle too w huge 500 cubes & the full size body its heaven.