1987 Cadillac Brougham

While the rest of the Cadillac models moved to a front-wheel-drive configuration in 1985, the Fleetwood Brougham remained as Cadillac's last-surviving rear-wheel-drive model. A 249 cubic-inch, overhead-valve, fuel-injected V8 engine with 135 horsepower powered the 1985 Fleetwood Brougham while the 1986 version received Oldsmobile's 5.0-liter V8 backed by a four-speed overdrive automatic. The slow-selling coupe body style of the 1985 model year was dropped, leaving just the sedan option. In 1987, Cadillac put greater emphasis on security, and all major body components were tagged with the vehicle's individual VIN (vehicle identification number). The door-into-roof design 'reduced access through otherwise vulnerable window weatherstripping.' A standard encapsulated door linkage system enclosed all exterior-to-interior door handle hinges in single castings, further reducing the vehicle's vulnerability to theft. An optional theft-deterrent system used the underhood horn as an alarm, and the front door lock cylinders and electric door locks to activate itself.

Pricing
The 1987 Cadillac Brougham was offered solely as a sedan with a factory base price of $22,635. Within the Cadillac model hierarchy, the Cimarron was the 'entry-level' model priced at $15,030 for the four-door sedan. The DeVille, offered as a coupe and sedan, was priced in the mid-$21,000 range. Next came the Brougham, followed by the Eldorado coupe priced at $23,740 and the Seville sedan at $26,330. Above them were the Fleetwood d'Elegance, the Fleetwood Special, Fleetwood 75, and the range-topping Allante which was among the most expensive vehicles on the market at $54,700.

Chassis
The Brougham rested on a 121.5-inch wheelbase platform which was the largest offered by Cadillac for 1987, except for the Fleetwood Seventy Five which measured 134.4 inches. The Allante had a 99.4-inch platform, the Cimarron measured 101.2 inches, and the deVille and Fleetwood d'Elegance were 110.8 inches. The Sixty Special had a 115.8-inch wheelbase and the Seville and Eldorado measured 108 inches.

Engine
The Cimarron was equipped with an overhead-valve, 173 cubic-inch V6 engine rated at 125 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Most of the models, except the Allante and Brougham, came standard with a 249 CID overhead-valve V8 with 130 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. The Allante received an aluminum block V8 engine that displaced 250 cubic inches and offered 170 bhp. The Brougham received a 307 cubic inch (5.0 liter) V8 engine with a cast-iron block and cast-iron cylinder heads. It had an 8.0:1 compression ratio, five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a four-barrel carburetor, and delivered 140 horsepower at 3200 RPM and 346 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 RPM.

Mechanical Specification
The Cimarron used a Muncie-Getrag five-speed manual, and the deVille, Eldorado, Seville, and Fleetwood employed a THM 440-T4 automatic four-speed with overdrive and viscous converter clutch. The Allante used a THM F7 automatic four-speed with overdrive and viscous converter clutch plus electronic shift control. The Brougham, with its rear-wheel drive configuration, used a THM 200-4R TCC automatic four-speed with overdrive and torque converter clutch. All models used a power-assisted rack and pinion steering system except for the Brougham which had a power-assisted recirculating ball. Stopping power was provided by disc brakes in the front and drums at the rear. The Seville, Allante, and Eldorado used all round power-assisted disc brakes.

Styling and Standard Amenities
Styling updates to the 1987 Brougham included a new cross-hatch grille, Brougham script replaced Fleetwood Brougham on quarter panels, red flexes were added to the rear panel, new park and turn signal lamps, and a revised header molding. Standard equipment included an AM/FM stereo seek/scan radio with a power antenna, a full padded roof, whitewall all-season tires, electronic climate control with an outside temperature display, power door locks, and power windows.

The d'Elegance package, introduced in 1986, remained optional and continued to include 50/50 Dual Comfort seats with six-way power assistance and upholstered in tufted multi-button cloth or optional leather. Additional amenities included Tampico carpeting, deluxe floor mats, controlled-cycle wipers, three overhead assist handles, turbine-vaned wheel covers, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, rear reading lights, and power trunk release.

A new electronic spark controls system was added to the 5.0-liter V8 engine in 1988, along with a higher axle ratio. The 1989 version received a restyled grille and front-end panel molding, and new standard features included cruise control electronic level control, electrically powered chrome outside mirrors, a controlled cycle wiper system, a trump horn, and a power trunk lid release. The 1990 model received a significant styling update to both its interior and exterior. Production of the Brougham would continue through 1992.

Cadillac introduced the Fleetwood Brougham in 1977 and it would remain the 'Fleetwood Brougham' through 1986, and in 1987 continuing on through its production lifespan, it was known as the 'Brougham.'

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2021