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An article on history of "Fleetwood" coach builders . . .

Started by Rich S, November 28, 2021, 12:37:40 AM

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Rich S

I came across this recent article about the Fleetwood coach building company and its storied history as part of the Cadillac division of General Motors, and I thought many of you may enjoy reading it, too, as I did. Here is the link:

https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2021/11/the-rearview-mirror-a-revered-name-retires-at-cadillac/

Rich Sullivan CLC #11473

1971 Eldo Conv., 2013 CTS Cpe

Big Fins

Current:
1976 Eldorado Convertible in Crystal Blue FireMist with white interior and top. (Misty Blue)
1969 Fleetwood Brougham in Chalice Gold FireMist with matching interior and top. (The Old Man) SOLD!

Past and much missed:
1977 Brougham de Elegance
1976 Eldorado Convertible
1972 Fleetwood Brougham
1971 Sedan de Ville
1970 de Ville Convertible
1969 Sedan de Ville
1959 Sedan deVille

Carfreak

I heard the Town of Fleetwood still holds a grudge from the company moving to Detroit.
Enjoy life - it has an expiration date.

tmdeturck

I don't know I'd call it a "grudge" per se....

The problems with the Fleetwood body Co moving out of Fleetwood revolved around the fact that the timing was bad- it was right after that the depression hit.   

Here you have craftsmen with a great sense of pride and workmanship, who treated this work with a passion.  Built it up to the worldwide notoriety it garnered in the day, and brought lots of revenue to the local economy.  But remember, they also have strong ties to their families in the area.

So not only did they lose the source of the pride, 10% of the population of Fleetwood lost their means to make a living.  Nearly all the employees did not not want to move to another state.  Then the depression hit, to add injury to insult so to speak.

I grew up in Fleetwood and remember seeing the plant for many many years.  The original Fleetwood Auto Bodies sign was on the building through the 80s and 90s, and I think it got restored in the early 2000s.

Here's another interesting article about Fleetwood bodies, one that includes a number of local references like the Reading Eagle (local newspaper):
http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/f/fleetwood/fleetwood.htm
1963 Series 6229
1937 Series 6019

Vince Taliano #13852

In 2010, the CLC Potomac Region's theme-based car show was Fabulous Fleetwoods.  As part of the show, we created a commemorative program book with the history of Fleetwood Metal Body plus each Fleetwood pre-registered for the show.  View at http://www.clcpotomacregion.org/forms/2010.CLCPR.FallCarShow.FabulousFleetwoodsProgram.FINAL.pdf

To see pictures from the event, visit http://www.clcpotomacregion.org/2010fallcarshow.htm.

Thanks.
Vince Taliano
CLC Potomac Region
www.clcpotomacregion.org (view over 3,000 pictures!)

cadillacmike68

My two favorite Cadillac body styles are Fleetwoods (particularly Broughams) and convertibles.
Regards,
"Cadillac" Mike