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Best Cadillac ever made your

Started by 60eldo, November 09, 2017, 09:56:06 PM

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60eldo

   OK,,,,whats the best, nicest cadillac ever made,,, most desirable,,,whats your favorite,,,and the ugliest
Jon. Klu

D.Smith

Toss up between the 57/58 Eldorado Broughams or a 1966 Fleetwood Brougham.    Both are magnificent cars.

76eldo

Based on what I own and what I have driven and what I have worked on over the years I would have to say the 1970 DeVille.
You will certainly get a LOT of opinions here.

Brian
Brian Rachlin
Huntingdon Valley, Pa
I prefer email's not PM's rachlin@comcast.net

1960 62 Series Conv with Factory Tri Power
1970 DeVille Conv
1970 Eldo
1970 Caribu (?) "The Cadmino"
1973 Eldorado Conv Pace Car
1976 Eldorado Conv
1980 Eldorado H & E Conv
1993 Allante with Hardtop (X2)
2008 DTS
2012 CTS Coupe
2017 XT
1956 Thunderbird
1966 Olds Toronado

James Landi

#3
Begs many answers, and having owned so many, I can say for certain that the engineers and designers at the Cadillac division always created cars that were subtly  unique and sumptuous year by year.  I would venture to add, America at its economic post WWII strong point occurred in the mid-60's and the 65 and 66 Cadillac Brougham with interior wood trim and a new sound and rough road isolating chassis were especially special.   

60eldo

    Sorry to all those that own 1961-1964 I think cadillac really f---up, I love the 59s,,,but I think the 1960 was the best
Jon. Klu

Chris Cummings

I like the 1930-31 V-16 models.  Virtually hand made, elegant with a capital E, technologically amazing even today, and the biggest headlights Cadillac ever made.  For a 3-1/2 ton car built before independent front suspension, they drive really nicely.  And they certainly make a statement.

Chris Cummings

Alan Harris CLC#1513

My favorite that I ever owned was a 1965 DeVille convertible.

I really think that the 1965-1966 cars were about the pinnacle. I went from the 1965 to a 1969 and really thought that the 1969 was a letdown.

64\/54Cadillacking

#7
I would love to own a 66 Fleetwood Brougham as I believe its one of the nicest most luxurious Cadillac ever built due to the rear pull down trays, rear footrest and additional lighting inside. Talk about the ultimate luxury cruiser in those days. Not to mention the longer wheelbase and massive interior.

After owning a 94 (Fleetwood), 68, 72 Cadillac and now a 64 Sedan Deville, I have to say from a styling and quality standpoint, the 64 is the better car hands down compared to all of them even though it is the oldest. It strikes me as being regal and majestic, just like how the 50's Cadillac's are.

My ultimate dream Cadillac would be a 59 Coupe Deville, then a 49, the 53-54 and possibly a 55-56. I know that they were overdone and over the top, but I love the flashy styling of 50's Cads and it is the best decade for the brand and most recognizable.

My cutoff year would probably be a 65 or 66, but I also like the looks of the 69-70 models as I loved the huge menacing grill of and the massive 500 engine with all that power! But the interior is just horrid, no offense guys.

What I love about the mid 70's-80's models are how comfortably cushy the interiors are. Pillow tufted leather and velour seats were heaven sent and so nice to sit in especially compared seats in modern cars these days that all seem to be rock hard and feel uncomfortable. The comfort factor increased in the 70's and 80's, which I respect and appreciate very much.
Currently Rides:
1964 Sedan Deville
1954 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special
1979 Lincoln Mark V Cartier Designer Series
2007 Lexus LS 460L (extended wheelbase edition)

Previous Rides:
1987 Brougham D' Elegance
1994 Fleetwood Bro
1972 Sedan Deville
1968 Coupe Deville
1961 Lincoln Continental
1993 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series
1978 Lincoln Continental ( R.I.P.) 1978-2024 😞

The Tassie Devil(le)

The best Cadillac ever made is the one that doesn't break down.

Actually, every "next" year is better than the previous one, with the exception of those fitted with the HT4100, or the Cimarrons.

Bruce. >:D

PS.   The best one that I like is the one I have at the moment.   I can afford it.

'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

jdemerson

1930-31 V16
1941 Sixty Special
1957-58 Eldorado Brougham

1964   Climate Control air conditioning available, engine size increased to 340
hp and 429 cu. in., introduction of Turbo-Hydramatic, Twilight Sentinel
lights with delay feature, last use of tail fin

1965   New body style, vertical headlights, fins gone, curved side-glass,
full perimeter frame replaces X, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Delco super-lift automatic leveling shocks, front seat belts standard, rear seat belts optional, Brougham option on Sixty Special

1966   Optional variable-ratio power steering, optional heated seats, optional stereo AM/FM radio, front and rear seat belts standard, Fleetwood Brougham now a separate model

1967   New body style, new front-drive Eldorado, printed mylar-circuit dashboards, energy-absorbing steering column, heavily-padded instrument panel, hazard warning flashers, optional front shoulder straps, optional front disc brakes on Eldorado.

1968   New 375 hp 472 cubic inch V8, government-required side-marker lights, concealed windshield wipers under longer hood, optional front disc brakes on all models, the last year with vent windows, seat belts standard in all positions with two front shoulder belts (option at start of model year), retractors on outside belts, rear shoulder belts optional. Shoulder belts not available for center seat position

1969   Horizontal headlights return, vent windows eliminated, first electric sunroof offered, last use of genuine wood veneer, power front disc brakes standard on all models, added safety equipment including push-button seat belt buckles and automatic belt retractors, front headrests, ignition/shift interlock, locking steering wheel, horn control built into steering wheel rim, closed coolant recovery system, optional power door locks now electric, Dual Comfort front seats on Brougham (optional on other models), optional eight-track stereo tape player

1970   Eldorado with 400 hp 500 cubic inch engine and Trackmaster skid control system (ABS for rear wheels), front seatbacks unlatch when door is opened, tamper-proof odometers, antenna embedded in windshield, and electrically heated rear defrosters

I'll stop at 1970, but if we consider 1970+ models the 1979 Fleetwood Brougham makes my list.

It depends on how you intend to use the car.
Trailered show car? -- any of first three above
Parade car? -- add any through 1966 plus 1967 Eldorado; any convertible
Driver on local roads, mostly on weekends and daytime? -- anything from 1964 through 1970
Driver with passengers including kids? -- 1968-1970, and 1979
Exhibit at art museum? -- 1941 Sixty Special and 1967 Eldorado

There's room here for dozens of quibbles...

John Emerson
1952 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan 6219X
John Emerson
Middlebury, Vermont
CLC member #26790
1952 Series 6219X
http://bit.ly/21AGnvn

Steve Passmore

This is a discussion that could go on forever. Each has his own view. It's very subjective. My dad used to say, "It would be a strange world if we all loved the same woman"   
Is the argument about Styling? Reliability? Driving pleasure?  Too many variables.     Even after 12 years, my 37 convertible still blows me away just for the sheer look of the styling.  It's a tractor by the 70s standard of cars but sweeter in my eyes, but then, I don't require it to cruise your freeways for hours on end.
As already said it also depends on what you want the car for.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe

Jeff Rosansky CLC #28373

We are focusing on styleing and features. However I think we are forgetting what Bruce pointed out-- reliability.
Now with that being said, I always loved the look of the 65-68's. However now that there is a 55 in my garage I just keep looking at it. Beautiful from any angle. I love driving the 70 but the interior is a disappointment  (sorry--too much plastic).
Jeff
Jeff Rosansky
CLC #28373
1970 Coupe DeVille (Big Red)
1955 Series 62 (Baby Blue)
Dad's new 1979 Coupe DeVille

Steve Passmore

Quote from: Jeff Rose                                         CLC #28373 on November 10, 2017, 10:10:25 AM
We are focusing on styleing and features. However I think we are forgetting what Bruce pointed out-- reliability.

Not really confined to that Jeff. The OP asked for.' Quote'  Nicest, most desirable, whats your favorite, and the ugliest. I can't personally say I have ever seen an ugly Cadillac.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe

Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621

1959 - 1962 for looks & styling.

1977 - 1981 (RWD exc Seville) for best overall comfort/ride/dependability with styling that still said "Cadillac".

A Cadillac Motorcar is a Possession for which there is no Acceptable Substitute

WTL

I think you could easily divide this subject up into categories, and get a variety of different answers.

Powertrain-
Safety-
Interior Style and fit-
Exterior Style-

It should be of no surprise that, at least through 1970, the reliability of the powertrain and mechanical features such as disk brakes, dual MC, and 472/500 engine steadily improved over previous models.  In fact, perhaps the most damning indictment of Cadillac is that at some time in the early 80s, the powertrain was inferior to that of a decade earlier.  I consider that pretty embarrassing. 

The styling questions are far less generationally tied - I can go for 33, 40, 60, 65, 69, even 79 or 85 Seville.  On any given day, I might say I prefer a different one.  I guess it is somewhat of a consensus that after the mid 60s, there were aspects of the interior that were cheaper.

All together, I guess I think the most complete one of everything might have been 1960.  But I have never owned one. 




chrisntam

#15

Powertrain- 472 / 500 engine family
Safety- the newest ones
Interior Style and fit- Not sure, I've only been in a '70
Exterior Style- 1960, 1970 (for me) is a close 2nd
1970 Deville Convertible 
Dallas, Texas

smokuspollutus

The one I find myself behind the wheel of!

60eldo

       I love the 59 and 60 eldorado with the leather seats, but I cant believe the ugly cloth they put in the devilles,,why would they do that, they all should have been leather,,,ITS A CADILLAC
Jon. Klu

The Tassie Devil(le)

Wasn't the cloth to keep the prices down.

As an aside, all the GM products down here that emanated from USA/Canada were trimmed with Leather.   Even the Chevrolets and Pontiacs, right up until something like 1965.  Even the base models, which in fact was all we ever got, and 4 doors at that.

Bruce. >:D
'72 Eldorado Convertible (LHD)
'70 Ranchero Squire (RHD)
'74 Chris Craft Gull Wing (SH)
'02 VX Series II Holden Commodore SS Sedan
(Past President Modified Chapter)

Past Cars of significance - to me
1935 Ford 3 Window Coupe
1936 Ford 5 Window Coupe
1937 Chevrolet Sports Coupe
1955 Chevrolet Convertible
1959 Ford Fairlane Ranch Wagon
1960 Cadillac CDV
1972 Cadillac Eldorado Coupe

60eldo

   Yes,  trimmed, with ugly cloth inserts
Jon. Klu