1975 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

In the wake of the energy crisis of the early 1970s, declining horsepower ratings, and new emission and safety components, Cadillac continued to soldier on with its large and luxurious fleet of vehicles. They excelled in every category they competed, offering exclusivity, industry-leading standard amenities and technology, style, and comfort. As industry trends shifted, its 'standard of the world' image faded as European luxury imports grew popular, especially with younger buyers. Rather than continuing down the path of 'bigger equals better,' Cadillac charted a path into unfamiliar territory, creating a smaller, lighter, more fuel-friendly luxury automobile.

In April 1975, a new downsized model was introduced named the Seville, built atop the GM front engine/rear-wheel drive 'X' car platform used by the Chevy Nova, Oldsmobile Omega, Buick Apollo, and Pontiac Ventura. Although small in stature (compared to other 1975 Cadillac models), its price tag eclipsed nearly every vehicle on the market, including other Cadillac models. Offered solely as a four-door sedan, the well-equipped vehicle was priced at $12,500 (higher than the larger Fleetwood Brougham sedan).

For buyers seeking traditional Cadillac elegance and stature, the company's portfolio included several hardtop coupes, hardtop sedans, sedans, limousines, and a convertible. The Calais and DeVille were offered as a four-door hardtop sedan and a hardtop coupe, with the Deville priced about $500 higher. Most buyers selected the DeVille, with around 8,300 examples of the Calais built compared to over 173,500 examples of the DeVille. The DeVille hardtop coupe accounted for 110,218 sales alone.

The Fleetwood Eldorado was also offered as a hardtop coupe, priced at $9,940 ($1,340 higher than the DeVille), and 35,802 examples were built. The Calais and Deville had a 130-inch wheelbase, and the Fleetwood Eldorado measured 126.3 inches. For buyers seeking a convertible, the Fleetwood Eldorado offered the only option, priced at $10,355. A total of 8,950 examples were built, slightly higher than the previous year's total of 7,600.

The Fleetwood Seventy-Five continued its role as a long-wheelbase, ultra-luxury, 'commercial' model with body styles that included a nine-passenger sedan ($14,215) and a four-door limousine ($14,560). A total of 1,328 examples were built as a bare chassis and a combined 1,671 of the sedan and limousine.

Engines
All 1975 Cadillacs, except the Seville, were powered by a 500 cubic-inch V8 engine with overhead valves, a cast iron block, hydraulic valve lifters, a four-barrel carburetor, 8.5:1 compression, and delivered 190 (SAE net) horsepower at 4,000 RPM. Electric fuel injection became optional in March 1975.

Better fuel economy was achieved due to the lower axle ratios.

The Seville was powered by a 350 CID V8 with overhead valves, and an electronic fuel injection system and produced 180 (SAE net) horsepower at 4,400 RPM.

Chassis
The wheelbase of the Seville measured 114.3 inches, the Eldorado at 126.3 inches, the Brougham at 133 inches, the Seventy-Five at 151.5 inches (the commercial chassis was slight larger at 157.5 inches), and all others at 130 inches. The length of the Seville was 204 inches, the Eldorado at 225 inches, Brougham at 234 inches, Seventy-Five at 253 inches, and all others at 231 inches.

1975 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham
Apart from the downsized Seville and ultra-exclusive Fleetwood Seventy-Five, the Fleetwood Brougham was Cadillac's only four-door sedan. It was priced at $10,430 initially, increasing mid-year to $10,845. The well-equipped, six-passenger vehicle had a padded top, automatic leveling, Brougham front fender nameplates, carpeted footrests, and dual-comfort seats. A total of 18,755 examples were built in 1975.

The changes to the Fleetwood Brougham were minimal in 1975, though its name was shortened from the previous 'Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham' designation. It was nearing the end of the design language first introduced in 1971, which would come to a close after 1976. The 'Sixty Special / Fleetwood Brougham' would temporarily enter retirement for several years, returning in 1987 as a new front-wheel drive model.

Fleetwood Brougham d'Elegance
The Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham d'Elegance package added $785 to the base price in 1975. Adding even more luxury and exclusivity to the well-equipped model, the Fleetwood Brougham received deep pile carpeting, several additional standard features including front seatback storage pockets, and a unique 'pillow-style' velour seating trim.

Fleetwood Talisman
The Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman package added $1,788 to the base price. It added a reclining front passenger seat, deep-pile carpeting, front and rear vanities, and four color seating options of 'Medici' crushed velour. The previous leather option was dropped after 1974. The exterior received a fully padded elk grain vinyl roof, badge identifications, and a stand-up, full-color wreath and crest hood ornament.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2023