Maybe I’m making an assumption there, but don’t these two make a fabulous picture together? And I remember the Dolphin from my cab driving days in San Diego, in 1976. It had a rep; the kind of place a Marine freshly released from the nearby Marine Corps Recruit Depot (boot camp) or a couple of sailors on shore leave might ask to be taken to. And not just to catch up on their sleep. Shot by SoCalMetro.
What’s happened with the rear lights?Is there something missing or not fitting correctly?
Yes, the pliable plastic filler panels eventually get hard, crack and fall apart. Then you have the “floating bumper” look.
Thanks JP I suppose it’s all that California sunshine
Nope, its the grade of polyurethane they used on Cadillacs of the era. Funny thing is that the grade of polyurethane they used on the lesser brands usually held up better.
Just out of curiosity, does anyone make repops of those parts? I seen enough vintage Cadillac’s in that condition that you’d think it’d be worth somebody’s while to set up a production line.
theres a couple long time guys on ebay who deal just in these for several cars, Cadillacs and others from the era
My ’79 Seville needs a couple rear pieces, so I’m pickup a set this spring.
they offer stuff like this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-1985-Cadillac-Eldorado-Rear-Bumper-Fillers-7-Pc-Bumper-Filler-Set-/161100284023?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3ACadillac&hash=item2582534077&vxp=mtr
Not totally, The B and G body Buicks must have had that same type as the filler between the bumper and the body of the car as those disintegrated quickly.
None left on Caddies here either and it aint that hot here
The ’75-’76 versions always remind of Pierce Brosnan’s black 1976 Fleetwood 75 in Remington Steele. Indeed, the show itself is a veritable street set of classics from the late 60s-mid 80s which are driven by the cast, extras, or part of street scenes since the series aired during the early-mid 80s.
Probably one of the last shows where a limousine was used without a negative (“Trading Places/Wall Street”) or tacky (any prom movie from 1985 or so onward) context. Perhaps no coincidence I think it was also the last show scored by Henry Mancini, the end of an era.
Still if I had the means, I would not object to having Fred drive me around in a black one.
A version of this was used in one of my all-time favorite films…Once Crazy Summer!
The sign reads: Why pay more?
I could think of a couple of reasons.
Ask about our low weekly rats!
Not misspelled.
Remember Paul, the limo is only available to VIP’s that reserve the Presidential Suite.
The Fleetwood 75 IS the Presidential Suite.
When you book with the Dolphin Motel, first class service begins right away!
We’ll send our Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine to pick you up at the Greyhound bus station of freight train depot of your choice!
Complementary stale bread and a warm bottle of Kirkland Signature Brut will greet you.
Wot – no Two-Buck Chuck??!
:
Hahaha!
You’d be surprised, Carmine. I once had to make an unscheduled stop in Daytona Beach and checked in into a little motel very similar to this one. Not by choice, but because everything else that was up to my standards was full. I thought it was going to be a roach pit, but surprisingly, the place was antiseptic clean, very well kept. One of the instances in life which taught me not to judge a book by its cover.
Oh yes, what a great Friday morning. Cadillacs, Cadillacs everywhere!
How about some good old Doctor Detroit stuff… Smooth Walker had his Lincoln stretch, but Mom had an entire fleet of Cadillac Limos.
“We were on our way to Leon’s for some ribs, man. He was hitchhikin’!” -Diavolo Washington
Gratuitous Fleetwood 75 Limos a plenty in Dr.Detroit.
How about the 73 Fleetwood 75 Limo chase scene from 1978’s Fowl Play or the 77 Fleetwood limo vs Escort car chase from Dragnet.
Doctor… Detroit, Doctor… Ooh Ooh.
Fran Drescher never looked better.
I think that this Cadillac belongs at the Roach Motel instead.
jp, from what I can see of the outside, and unless this hotel is like the Tardis, I think that is where it is already.
“They asked me where the toilet was…I told ’em, your standing in it….”
It would sure do a world of good for that poor car if they would just drop a few buck$ and pick up an appropriate set of wheelcovers on ebay.
But at least it has whitewalls (!!!)
I know amazing. You usually see these nowadays with raised white letters or truck tires. :-/
Screamin’ Jay sits at the motel desk and is your Fleetwood chauffeur. He WILL put a spell on you !
And surprisingly there is vacancy! I’m shocked!
Wait a minute…
Crappy motel…
Big battered Cadillac….
Could the Kurgan be in town?
It might be time for The Gathering!!
In San Diego?
Ramirez!!!
They spelled LSD wrong on the sign. That motel reminds me of the numerous old school hotels around Portland that probably used to be on a major thoroughfare before the Interstates kind of took over. The Caddy looks good for being 30 plus years old, but the third side window looks a bit awkward.
My guess would be that it started life with a vinyl roof.
99% sure it did, though there was a slick roof option for these, there were about 4 or 5 different vinyl top combinations available on these.
Including the full landau complete with landau irons and blanked out quarter windows and small rear privacy window.
Wow, that car is beautiful. I am a huge fan of 1966, 1975/1976 Fleetwoods. My next fav Fleetwood would be 1979, then the ’80s
Personally, I just dont like the irons on the ‘C-wall’ (I just can’t call THAT a C-pillar) but the car otherwise is stunning.
It’s like a CD pillar. A Fleetwood limo would be cool to own, but you need an industrial size garage or a hanger for one.
Here you see how my 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 75 looks,
does anyone know how many are produced in this version?
Yup, just doesn’t look right without a vinyl roof. (How many other cars can you say that about?)
I have owned a 73 and 76 Fleetwood Limousine and a 76 Fleetwood Talisman. All were low mileage cars which seem to have bulletproof engines and interiors that held up well. It was those outside pieces that rotted even when washed, waxed and while living inside hidden from the elements. Thankfully we have the aftermarket people to help with the facelifts as they age.