This car is all me. It's not that I don't like the direction Cadillac took, and it's not that I don't appreciate how good modern Cadillacs are - particularly the V models - but they really are built by people who don't like Cadillacs very much.
This car was. Wire wheel covers, vinyl top, pencil thin steering wheel, anemic V8, luxo-barge suspension on a full frame, over-assisted steering and brakes, and a boulevard ride that could soothe even the angriest toddler. Inside there are yards of dead cow with pillow upholstery, expanses of faux wood paneling, chrome, and plush carpet a mile deep. Even the radio knobs are fake wood. It's got more in common with a Belgian Bordello than a vehicle interior, and - damn it - that's the way it should be.
This was one of the cars of my youth - growing up in a well-to-do retirement town, the local Cadillac dealer looked like Versailles, and behemoths like these roamed the well manicured streets, pampering occupants in rich comfort. Even as kids, we learned to love and appreciate how good and comfortable these cars were.
So it's a treat to have one this nice in stock. I've been finding any excuse to drive it, and am enjoying every slow comfortable cruise down memeroy lane. What a great machine.
1983 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham D'Elegance. Full review and test drive by Bill, along with a history of the name. Vehicle is for sale at Autohaus of Naples - www.AutohausNaples.com, or call us at (239) 263-8500.
