May 31, 2018  •  Uncategorized  •  17 Comments

A Long Story: 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Castillan Wagon

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If you’re looking for the ultimate 1970s wagon, this one built by Traditional Coachworks may be just what you’re looking for. There have been numerous companies building custom Caddys over the years but this wagon is better than most. They were GM authorized and could be ordered through Cadillac dealers. At $30,000, or $135,000 in today’s money, only about 50 very rich people like Elvis or Dean Martin bought one. Thanks to reader PhilJustPhil who found this wagon listed on Craigslist in Midlothian, Texas. The $6,000 asking price seems like it might be reasonable, especially if you consider the price per pound or by the foot. It was the victim of a badly done restoration and runs but it does not drive. There are some detailed pictures of a nicer example on the Notorious Luxury website. The huge tailgate must be really heavy.

The taxicab vinyl upholstery is in sad contrast to the original and would look right at home in a taxicab. The carpet needs cleaning, but the rest of the interior looks original and serviceable.

This view shows how well the wagon modification blends with the Fleetwood’s original lines. Hopefully, there’s not a cheap paint job hiding a lot of bad body repair. If paintwork was part of the “restoration” you’d think they would have painted the bumper extensions so perhaps the wagon may not have been painted. There’s no information provided on what repairs are necessary to make this drivable. Brakework could be expensive but not as expensive as transmission repair. Fortunately, there are a lot of old Cadillacs out there so parts shouldn’t be a problem. Wagons are popular these days, but there is a limited market for a beast like this. This would certainly be an attention getter at car shows and automotive swap meets. Unfortunately, there were few pictures and little information provided in the ad so it’s not possible to determine what condition this wagon is in or what sort of work it’s going to need.

Comments

  1. Dan in Tx
    May 31, 2018 at 5:56am

    I cannot think of any way that brakework would be expensive for a mid seventies GM product. Unless, of course, you tried to get a Cadillac dealer to do it for you.

    Like 18
  2. XMA0891
    May 31, 2018 at 6:34am

    Dino would look right-proper in this with an arm out the window and a cigarette hanging from his lower lip – But no cup holder for the V-O and soda? Very cool wagon! Hope someone with very deep pockets finds and returns it to its former glory.

    Like 4
  3. Ike Onick
    May 31, 2018 at 7:55am

    The idea of changing a back tire on this battlecruiser would stop me from purchasing.

    Like 1
    • Miguel
      May 31, 2018 at 8:57am

      Why? Have you never changed a tire on a car with fender skirts before?

      Like 4
  4. David Grant
    May 31, 2018 at 8:05am

    Having worked for Traditional Coachworks, Ltd. as a 17 year old in 1975, this a bargain, even in its present condition. Where else are you going to find a quality built custom car that Gene Winfield had his hands on for a mere $6,000.

    Like 9
    • Ike Onick
      May 31, 2018 at 10:49am

      Who is/was Gene Winfield? Is this yet another “celebrity” owned pipe dream?

      Like 3
      • brian cMember
        May 31, 2018 at 11:27am

        Car customizer.

        Like 2
    • Ike Onick
      Jun 1, 2018 at 6:34am

      Oh, I see. Another guy with an oxy-acetylene torch and some lead paddles.

      Like 0
    • Rob Little
      Jun 1, 2018 at 7:27am

      Now, if Stirling Moss had worked on this ugly, monster Caddy, I’d pay $6,000.00 for it. Oh, wait, wrong Barn Find car…

      Like 1
  5. Miguel
    May 31, 2018 at 8:58am

    It would be cool to be able to find out who the original purchaser was. Too bad that information is not around.

    If I was in the market for a Cadillac wagon, I would look for a 1970 model.

    If I am going to spend the gas, I want the power to back it up.

    Like 2
  6. Tom Justice
    May 31, 2018 at 9:06am

    A high school friend Dad had one of these. When I told people about it they said Caddy never made a wagon and I guess they were technically correct. It had the 500 cube engine and a sweet ride; lots of room as you would expect.

    Like 4
  7. Maestro1
    May 31, 2018 at 10:03am

    David is quite right about a lot of wagon conversions for Cadillacs. This one is disappointing especially with that front seat covering. Further, the rest of what is required to do is not mentioned by the Seller. I would try it at $3000.00 and then you are North of $8000.00 to get it to be itself as conceived.

    Like 0
  8. Z1rider
    May 31, 2018 at 10:04am

    The opening pic shows why Cadillac never offered a wagon. That addition just doesn’t work with the lines of the Caddy. Ugly.

    Like 2
  9. Rob Little
    May 31, 2018 at 1:30pm

    Z1rider is correct. I’m not a fan of this conversion at all. It looks crummy from the front and the back, IMO. That thing would be an expensive tar-baby for a Caddy lover.

    Like 2
  10. Nick
    May 31, 2018 at 4:56pm

    I just hope that whoever buys it doesn’t paint it black with flames and skeletons all over it.

    Like 2
  11. P Wentzell
    May 31, 2018 at 7:59pm

    …..Or, you buy an old Hearse.

    Like 1
  12. Grant
    Jun 1, 2018 at 9:24am

    Anyone else notice “Gas Monkey Garage” of Dallas, TX as the seller on the bill of sale?

    Like 2

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