Random Car Showcase II

[Flybrian]

Flybrian's Random Car Showcase Presents...
The 1998-99 Cadillac Fleetwood Limited
Through boredom and...well, just boredom, I bring you the second in likely many little 'diaries' of a completely random car.
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1998 Cadillac Fleetwood Limited

Lima, Ohio is not home to many things. Some oil was drilled there. Hugh Downs of 20/20 fame worked there. Ford's 3.5l Duratec is made there as was Phyllis Diller. But it is home to one of America's - if not the world's - most experienced and respected coachworks: Superior Coaches. Ten years after its formation in 1915, Superior began to modify existing auto chassis to accomodated customized hearse and ambulance bodies, later diversifying into limousine manufacture. The most prolific 'builds' have clearly been from Cadillac chassis and one of its more recent Cadillac-contracted 'oddities' was the Fleetwood Limited.

With the intention of filling the gap left behind by the departure of the B-body Fleetwood and to counteract sales of Lincoln's new Town Car, Cadillac contracted Superior to modify a number of top-selling DeVilles to Fleetwood Limited spec.

1998 Cadillac Fleetwood Limited

Structurally, the Fleetwood Limited rode a unique 119.8in wheelbase (a 6-inch stretch from the standard DeVille) as well as having a six-inch spacer added between aft of the C-pillar and the decklid opening. This resulted in an amazing 49.3-inches of rear legroom and a cavernous 23.5 cuft of trunk space. Tony Soprano, be proud. But even with this stretching, the Fleetwood Limited was still four inches shy of the B-body Fleetwood's overall length. Mechanically, it received upgraded heavy-duty suspension, steering, and braking componants and exclusive heavy-duty aluminum wheels.

Ridiculously huge trunk

Inside, the Fleetwood Limited was appointed in a manner befitting its grand intentions. Heated power leather seats with 4-way lumbar positioning was standard as was a trunk-mounted 12-disc CD changer. Options included dual rear writing tables, dual footrests, fender skirts, padded roof, moonroof, and a gold ornamentation package. Six-way power rear seats were also optional. The most expensive option was a $2500 DVD/TV combo mounted in the rear, something rather special considering the year.

Spacious and luxurious rear accomodations

Base price was $49,330 with an optioned-out Fleetwood Limited clocking in at about $57,500.

'Limited' was a very appropriate moniker with only 781 being produced in 1998 (314) and 1999 (467). Virtually any color on the Cadillac pallette was available, from Diamond White to Firemist to Crimson Metallic. Parisian Blue is the rarest scheme with only two painted in the hue. Adding to the rarity was its 'Limited' availability as only authorized Cadillac Profession Sales Centers were allowed to sell these cars. Over time, some have been modified to armored status with bulletproofing and self-sealing fuel tanks. Myself, I've seen about three or four of them over the years, but absolutely none recently.

A 1999 Fleetwood Limited armored by O’Gara-Hess & Eisenhardt

Tentative plans were made to continue Fleetwood Limited production with the new 2000 DeVille bodystyle but obviously, this wasn't to be. Long-wheelbase versions introduced shortly after the volume model's debut eliminated the need for an expensive, custom-built specialty model, but for those lucky enough to own (or even have seen!) one, they represent a true rarity in the contemporary Cadillac family.

A 1998 Fleetwood Limited without fender skirts

[Caddy2000DHS]

Flybrian,

The 98-99 Caddy Fleetwood Limited is rare breed. Before I bought my 2000 DHS I had the chance to chance to buy a 1998 Fleetwood limited Black with burgandy interior. 76000 miles. ONE EFFING BEAUTIFUL CAR!!!!! I didn't get it and I'm kinda regretting it now after finding out how rare they really are. What do you think is the average price rage for one like I mentioned?

Thank you

[Oracle of Delphi]

Now that's a Cadillac!

[VenSeattle]

While working at EDS HQ in Plano, I had the luxury of seeing one regularly. Dick Brown (the CEO at the time) was chauffeured in one of these. Black on Black. Very attractive and had great presence. If you're running a formerly owned GM company and still have Family First benefits, what else are you going to ride in?

[Oracle of Delphi]

While working at EDS HQ in Plano, I had the luxury of seeing one regularly. Dick Brown (the CEO at the time) was chauffeured in one of these. Black on Black. Very attractive and had great presence. If you're running a formerly owned GM company and still have Family First benefits, what else are you going to ride in?

You're an EDSer?