There was a time when Cadillac was truly the standard of the world, unsurpassed even by the likes of Rolls Royce.
25,035 Actual Miles:
1966 Cadillac
Fleetwood Brougham
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Arguably, the pinnacle of Cadillac luxury and craftsmanship was reached in the mid-sixties. There was no other car that could hold a candle to a fully equipped 340-horsepower Cadillac Fleetwood, not in build quality, and not in performance.
The most expensive and most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac of 1966 was the Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham. The ultimate status symbol for affluent (say: rich) Americans, it was an unabashed success. 13,630 examples were sold during the model year.
This $6,651 automobile (an astonishing sum of money at the time) was sold brand new to a wealthy, German-born dairy farmer who used it on special occasions only, such as chauffeuring about his elderly Mother during her biennial visits from the Fatherland. For mundane transportation needs, he relied on a trusty '65 Volkswagen Crew Cab Transporter and, of course, his red Porsche Diesel tractor, both Made in Western Germany.
Being obsessively organized, the gentleman kept the original sales brochure and owner's manual in their original Cadillac vinyl pouch inside the glovebox.
This distinguished luxury sedan is powered by Cadillac's mighty 429 cubic inch V8, producing 340 hp @ 4,600 rpm with 651 Nm of peak torque @ 3,000 rpm. Performance was rated as 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds, 0-100 mph in 24.8 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph. It could do the quarter mile @ 87 mph in 16.4 seconds. The engine was mated to GM's Turbo Hydra-Matic THM 400 3-speed automatic transmission.
Due to the low mileage and always great maintenance regimen, engine and trans perform flawlessly, without any issues to report.
A truly big car, the 1966 Fleetwood Sixty-Special Brougham rode on a long 133" wheelbase, had the luxurious overall length of 227", and was 80" wide.
This is one arrow-straight Fleetwood!
Nutmeg-colored, cross-grain vinyl padded roof, a Brougham option, is in perfect condition throughout, free of any rust bubbling or wear.
Resplendent in its original, very elegant Sandalwood color, this "Cadillac of Cadillacs" looks like the jewel it is. Paint is still eye-catchingly glossy. There are no dings, dents, scratches or bubbles to be noted anywhere.
Rear fender skirts. Stainless steel turbine hubcaps with Cadillac crests. Dual-stripe whitewall radial tires of the dimension P235/75R15 look virtually new.
Starting with its gray wool headliner, Cadillac's interior accoutrements are on par with a contemporary Rolls Royce.
Almost yacht-like in its layout, Caddy's cockpit looks immaculate.
1966's Fleetwood featured an especially pleasing instrument design.
Sweeping dash looks virtually new. There are no cracks or other blemishes to note.
Lots of brushed stainless trim. Original AM/FM radio works.
Details, clockwise from top left:
- Driver's arm rest features switches for 8 (!) power windows and the power door locks.
- Next, we spot speed control, autronic eye, twilight sentinel and wiper/washer.
- The aforementioned AC Delco-Cadillac AM/FM radio. Everything is neatly illuminated.
- Twin ash trays (there's two more in the back), lighter and an extra large glove box.
The all original, immaculately preserved Medium Beige Dartmoor Cloth and Leather seats (code 42) simply look stunning.
Close-up of this special fabric, a Brougham exclusive.
Just as pristinely preserved as the driver's seat is the opulent rear compartment.
Exclusive to the Brougham are the carpeted rear seat foot rests and adjustable reading lamps, walnut trim, and lighted rear seat writing tables.
Everthing here looks and works like new, not 54 years old!
More details.
By 1966, Cadillac had sworn off the tail fins but featured instantly recognizable styling, nevertheless.
Trunk is as huge -- and as clean -- as you had expected it to be.
Trunk light, jacking instruction label, spare tire.
Cadillac Fleetwood features the traditional body-on-frame engineering. Undercarriage has survived the past five-and-a-half decades outstandingly well. A thin layer of British Owatrol wax was applied to keep humidity away from the metal. There is no rust here!
Monday, the 6th of July was a fine and sunny day here in Ventura and we were delighted to take the big Cad out for a test drive.
The Brougham starts, idles, runs, drives, handles and stops as you'd expect it from an automobile that bills itself as the "Standard of the World."
We're amazed time and again at how easy this exceptionally large and heavy car is to drive. It's an indescribable feeling to be behind the wheel of the Sixty-Six Fleetwood Brougham.
Returning home, we are in awe of Cadillac's accomplishments. It's really like driving a new car. No rattles, no road noise, just floating and gliding like a white swan on a glassy lake.
Here it is, one of the lowest-mileage '66 Fleetwood Broughams in captivity. Cadillac's top-of-the-line model for the year, it's as exclusive today as it was all those years ago. One thing's cetain: if you are looking to enjoy a mid-sixties Cadillac, you search has ended. Get in this fabulous car, take your five best friends along, and enjoy cruising to the Country Club in the lap of luxury!
Addendum:
We sold this Cadillac in summer of 2020.
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