I'd like to kick things off for the new year with one of my favorite nameplates in automotive history: the Cadillac Fleetwood. As with most classic Caddys in my city, this mid 1960s example does show a fair amount of wear and tear at first glance, so the initial appearance factor is nothing new. Upon close inspection, however, this once-proud beast tells a much darker story; one of abuse and auto-sodomy.
The once-metallic paint is now a matte shade of silver, and unlike the matte colors on contemporary Lamborghinis, this color likely isn't "in" right now. The trim is all but mostly missing, too, so there's that aspect as well. As judging by the rear decklid and trunk area, this version is simply known as the "F eetwood"-- not exactly the correct nameplate this car is supposed to wear. The roof is major downer, too; all the vynil is now long-gone, exposing the moistened, damp, eaten-away metal to air, allowing it to completely rot out. In a select few places, the roof is completely eaten through by tinworms. Not exactly a "prestigious" motorcar anymore, sad to say.
Inside, things weren't that much better. The seats were worn down, practically to the cushions, the headliner was almost all gutted to bare metal, all the brightwork was either rusted to hell, or completely broken off. Sadly, even though this poor Fleetwood needs boatloads of dollars poured into it, it would still pass for a $3000 "project" around here.
I love these big Caddy so much, and while I shot this one later in the summer of 2010, I'm fairly sure I can find a much nicer one this year. Yes, I realize I am starting 2011 off with a rather poor example of what once was a gorgeous car, but things can only get better from here, right?
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