Only 43K Miles: 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
In 1985, General Motors came out with new front wheel drive models for the Cadillac De Ville, Buick Electra, and Oldsmobile Ninety Eight. While Buick and Oldsmobile elected to replace their rear wheel drive vehicles with the new front wheel drive vehicles, Cadillac chose to keep rear wheel models in addition to the front wheel drive cars. This is probably so they could keep competing with Lincoln Town Car which was actually selling pretty well in the mid-eighties. Here is a 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham 4 door sedan for sale here on Craigslist in Tulia, Texas. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Ikey H. for bringing this car to our attention.
We recently featured a 1990 Cadillac Brougham d’elegance here on Barn Finds, but it was a bit pricey. While this one is a few years older, the mileage is about the same, and while maybe not as opulent, this one will certainly fit anyone’s budget more easily at the asking price of $3,850. This car was bought new in fall 1984 in Amarillo, Texas. It was passed along to the seller’s mother-in-law, who at 98 years old, is no longer able to drive. The dark blue car is still in good condition and was never driven on salted roads, so no rust is to be found on this car. The bumper fillers appear to be faded quite a bit, but I can’t tell if they are cracked. It features a vinyl roof which appears to be in good condition and has wire wheel covers.
The interior has seats covered in dark blue leather. The front seat is split into individual seats. The Fleetwood Brougham has things you expect in a Cadillac such as center armrests, AM/FM stereo radio, power windows, power door locks, air conditioning with electronic controls, and power seats.
Yes, this one may be a bit underpowered in comparison to the 1990 Brougham, because it has the HT 4100 V-8 (4.1 liter or 250 cubic inches) with digital fuel injection. No picture of the engine is included. The car has recently received a new battery. It starts and runs great and the transmission performs well. This car only has 43,809 miles. If the performance of the car is not very important to you, would you be interested in this 1985 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham at the more manageable price of $3,850?
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Comments
… a bit under powered is a under statement but for that price just don’t be in a hurry to go anywhere
My thought exactly as far as it being underpowered. I have an 84 Seville and acceleration is leisurely at best. If I take it on the expressway, I hope for a long on ramp.
I love the old land yachts, Mine was a ’72 Olds NinetyEight, Blue with black vinyl top.
I worked in a dealership that was close to a retirement community. It was common to get creampuffs in every once in a while. A 1988 Cadillac Fleetwood D’Elegance happened to grace our floor one day. A 13 year old luxury car is not worth that much on a trade in so I bought it for a song. I think it had 50k on the odometer and all it needed was tires. There wasn’t even a wrinkle in the leather, it was really perfect. Drove that for 2 years and sold it for 4500.00. The only knock on the car was it was way under powered, I believe it was a 307. Great highway cruiser and good looking too.
Spend a bit more, and buy a newer one with the 5.0L V8. The 4.1 is a dog, and was notorious for eating up camshafts/lifters.
ONly f you do not use the radiator pellets available from GM. Head gaskets leak anti freeze attacks the camshaft. The pellets are only a few dollars and work well. 4100 will last if treated properly. Had an 84 that went 200K always used the pellets,changed anti freeze regularly. Mine liked premium gasoine.
The HT 4100 was as bad an idea as the earlier 4/6/8.
Love this car, but my last HT 4100 died and cost me $7K to get it replaced. If it were not for that engine, I would be on the next plane to Texas. She would look so nice in my shop.
Bob, What year was your 4100?
How many engines did they install for that $7000?
If you got less than 5 4100’s for that amount, you got ripped off……..
Few cars say G T F outa my way like this. I could be tempted. Well worth a Repower with a wreck LS with a blower and as 4L80.
Mama mia!
Man, for effortless cruising I think a straight swap using an aluminum 5.3 LS motor and electronic automatic transmission would do just dandy.
That combo launched a 4wd 2016 GMC Sierra to 60 in 6.6 seconds and through the quarter in 15.1 sec @ 92 mph – all while pulling down 20 mpg. The Sierra weighs 5700 pounds to the Cadillac’s 4200 and makes the Caddy look, well, downright aerodynamic. With just a little bit of engine tuning you’d be running the quarter in the high twelves.
Of course, my 1979 Olds Delta 88 Royale Brougham, with a built 370 cid LQ4 and a Jake’s Performance 4L80E, is getting a blower after I box the frame, so it’s not like your idea is meritless…
Roseland Pete, If I remember correctly, it was a 1984 Eldorado Convertible.
Bob, Nice car. Same year as my 84 Seville and I haven’t had any trouble with my 4100.