Today I spotted this front wheel drive ’80s Cadillac on Baltimore Craigslist. Painted in most excellent Sapphire Blue Firemist with matching coach roof and blue velour interior, it cuts a formal look only improved by the new for ’88 4.5 liter V8, which ended the HT4100’s reign of slowness.
It was a much more robust engine, too, with none of the reliability shenanigans the early 4.1s liked to pull. With 155 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque and weighing in at around 3,450 lbs at the curb, it was good power for the time, too.
The Fleetwood d’Elegance, as the top of the line Cadillac, forwent the Sedan and Coupe de Ville’s faux woodgrain for genuine American walnut trim inside, along with the button tufted seating, reminding prospective prosperous buyers of their club or office, no doubt.
While I remember seeing plenty of Sedan de Villes back when these were new, the Fleetwood d’Elegance was fairly scarce, probably because most folks gravitated to the RWD Brougham and Brougham d’Elegance, with their more formal, old school Caddy look.
Anyway, this one looks to be a fine example, and it’s nice to see these in the deep blues, reds and greens, when most 2020-21 cars are MidAmerican Energy Fleet White, Silver Silvermist and Grim Graymist Pearl.
This one is a little pricey, but appears to be in fine condition for a 33-year old car. Per the ad: “Like-new 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham D’elegance (ED: this is not a Fleetwood Brougham, as I mentioned, it’s a Fleetwood d’Elegance, the Brougham was an entirely different Cadillac) for sale.”
“My grandfather was the second owner and it has been kept in the family ever since. This was his retirement gift to himself and he kept it immaculate, as did we. Always garaged, only driven in perfect weather, and mostly on weekends only.”
“No rust, mechanical issues, or problems of any kind. This is in showroom condition. Perfect exterior and interior with very low miles. Comes with original documents and Cadillac gold keys. Price is firm and no trades are considered. Thank you for looking.”
Although my grandparents drove Lincolns in the ’80s, this car is of that era, and reminds me of going to their house for dinner, or out to a supper club. For the nostalgia alone, I’d inquire-if I had the space!