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1974 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Talisman - Very Rare And Only 54,000 Miles on 2040-cars

Year:1974 Mileage:54018 Color: paint colors
Location:

South Bend, Indiana, United States

South Bend, Indiana, United States
Advertising:

 This 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Talisman is an extremely rare and solid car.  The Talisman model was meant to be the ultimate in sumptuous luxury and was built exclusively for four passengers in 1974.  The subsequent model years of 1975-76 featured a full rear seat without the consoles, making this vehicle exceptionally rare.  This Cadillac is only 1 of  1,898 built and in its three years of production, only 4,336 cars were produced.

This car has been in one of our climate controlled storage facilities for many years and was abandoned by its prior owner.  We kept the car in its protected environment and have clear title.  It has remained away from all of the elements of the outdoors and although you can tell from the pictures that it is a little dusty, it is very apparent from that time has been extremely kind to this car, and the body and interior are both solid and in remarkable condition.  The 472 CID V8 is one of Cadillac's best and that is what is underneath the hood. The dash, door panels, interior upholstery, and body are all in remarkable condition.  The interior is void of cracks and tears, while the padded top is of the same condition.

They don't build cars like this anymore. And it's a shame they don't. Whatever happened to cars that provided sumptuous, pure luxury with no excuses needed? The Fleetwood Talisman was Cadillac's ultimate in individual luxury and comfort.

Please feel free to email or phone with any questions about this car.  We will attempt to answer all questions in a timely manner.  Telephone contact may be made by calling Andy at (574) 656-4300 or (574) 344-3854.  Winning bidder must submit a $500 non-refundable deposit within 48 hours of the end of the auction (PayPal may be utilized) and full payment must be received (certified funds, wire transfer) within 7 days of the end of the auction.


Here is a little history about the Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Talisman Model:

Image: 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman
Image: Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman interior

Cadillac stated in its 1974 sales literature that Webster defined "Talisman" as "something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects." Cadillac indicated that it did, as well.

Cadillac introduced a new model for the Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham series in 1974—the Fleetwood Talisman, identified as accessory code V4U. Quite simply, it was Cadillac's ultimate in individual luxury and comfort for four people. Personal comfort was guaranteed by providing only four seats inside to ensure each passenger the utmost in pampering.

The interior was upholstered in Medici Velour, an exclusive crushed velour fabric reserved for Cadillac's finest automobiles. The seats featured a shirred trim design inspired by fine European furniture. Padded upper door panel inserts, B-pillar trim, sail panels, and headliner were also covered in Medici Velour. Even the door pull assist straps featured Medici Velour inserts.

Running between the seats are center consoles—also covered in Medici Velour. The front console included an illuminated writing pad with pen and pencil, a lockable storage compartment for safekeeping of valuables, and an engraved nameplate featuring the owner's initials.

The rear console features a handy storage bin, as well as a holder for a vanity mirror and other items that might be necessary while underway. Both consoles also serve as comforting center arm rests.

Thoughtful touches are everywhere: a reclining back on the front passenger seat, seat back pockets, assist straps, and deep-pile carpeting with matching carpeted mats. Outside, a padded elk grain vinyl roof, special wheel discs, standup wreath and crest on the hood, and color-matched "Fleetwood Talisman" script on the sail panels.

Image: Fleetwood TalismanAdditional refinements exclusive to the Talisman are sculpted laurel wreath moldings to accent the door and instrument panels, and "Fleetwood Talisman" script on the instrument panel (shown at right). Note the sculpted laurel wreath moldings that appear above and below the script.

In 1974, the Talisman option cost $1,800 with Medici Velour. Four interior colors were provided, which included Black, Dark Blue, Medium Amber, and Terra Cotta. All were keyed to exterior paint colors. Generally, the vinyl roof color matched the paint color on cars equipped with the Talisman option, but there are exceptions to this. Not all of Cadillac's exterior finishes were available on the Talisman, either, due mostly to the limited interior color choices.

A more expensive option featuring soft and supple Sierra grain leather cost $2,450, but was only available in two colors, Dark Blue and Medium Saddle. It is reported that very few Talismans were ordered with leather, making them extremely rare today. It is important to note that the Talisman option with leather cost $363 more than a brand new 1974 Chevrolet Vega, which had a base price of $2,087!

1974 would be the only year the Talisman option would include the rear console; for 1975 and 1976, it was replaced by a full size rear seat, in response to complaints from owners of the first year cars who frequently found the rear console to be an unwanted item. The ultra luxurious Talisman option was discontinued after 1976, which would also be the last year for the traditionally-sized Cadillacs, as well as the last time the Sixty Special name would be used. Except for the Fleetwood Eldorado, all Cadillac models for 1977 would provide smaller external dimensions and reduced weight to provide improved fuel economy.

Even among today's premium luxury cars, nothing comes close to the sheer elegance and individual comfort of the Fleetwood Talisman. The amount of space each passenger had available, along with the soft, quiet ride that isolated interior occupants from outside elements, is unprecedented even in today's modern automobiles. And let's not forget the sheer fun factor of taking the trip. Take your pick: Mercedes Benz, Lexus, BMW, Infiniti...or Fleetwood Talisman. We dare say the Talisman would be the one that would attract the most attention, and it's certain that it would also provide the highest passenger pampering factor.


Image: 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman rear consoleThe Fleetwood Talisman featured 40/40 split front seats with a center console. A separate rear console was provided for rear seat passengers, who also enjoyed carpeted foot rests, seat back pockets, assist straps, and individual reading lights. Even a matching robe and pillow were available for $85!
Image: Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman interior
FLEETWOOD TALISMAN PRICING, PRODUCTION, INTERIOR TRIM CODES AND COLORS
1974
Built: 1,898
Price: $1,800 Velour
  $2,450 Leather

510 - Black
525 - Dark Blue
546 - Medium Amber
548 - Terra Cotta
565 - Dark Blue Leather
585 - Medium Saddle Leather
1975
Built: 1,238
Price: $1,788

19B - Black
29B - Dark Blue
51B - Gold
79B - Rosewood
1976
Built: 1,200
Price: $1,813

16B - Light Smoke Gray
19B - Black
26B - Dark Blue
32B - Dark Blue-Green
64B - Light Buckskin
Fleetwood Brougham base prices—1974: $9,537*; 1975: $10,414**; 1976: $10,935.

*Reflects mid-year price increase
**Reflects initial 1975 pricing; mid-year prices increased to $10,427, and late year prices increased to $10,843




On Feb-19-14 at 03:49:35 PST, seller added the following information:

This 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Talisman is an extremely rare and solid car.  The Talisman model was meant to be the ultimate in sumptuous luxury and was built exclusively for four passengers in 1974.  The subsequent model years of 1975-76 featured a full rear seat without the console, making this vehicle exceptionally rare.  This Cadillac is only 1 of  1,898 built in 1974 and in its three years of production, only 4,336 Talisman vehicles were produced.

This car has been in one of our climate controlled storage facilities for many years and was abandoned by its prior owner.  We kept the car in its protected environment and have clear title.  It has remained away from all of the elements of the outdoors and although you can tell from the pictures that it is a little dusty, it is very apparent that time has been extremely kind to this car, and the body and interior are both solid and in remarkable condition.  The 472 CID V8 is one of Cadillac's best and that is what is underneath the hood. The dash, door panels, interior upholstery, and body are all in remarkable condition.  The interior is void of cracks and tears, while the padded top is of the same condition.

They don't build cars like this anymore. And it's a shame they don't. Whatever happened to cars that provided sumptuous, pure luxury with no excuses needed? The Fleetwood Talisman was Cadillac's ultimate in individual luxury and comfort.

Please feel free to email or phone with any questions about this car.  We will attempt to answer all questions in a timely manner.  Telephone contact may be made by calling Andy at (574) 656-4300 or (574) 344-3854.  Winning bidder must submit a $500 non-refundable deposit within 48 hours of the end of the auction (PayPal may be utilized) and full payment must be received (certified funds, wire transfer) within 7 days of the end of the auction. Shipment of the vehicle is the responsibility of the winning bidder.


Here is a little history about the Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Talisman Model:

Image: 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman
Image: Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman interior

Cadillac stated in its 1974 sales literature that Webster defined "Talisman" as "something producing apparently magical or miraculous effects." Cadillac indicated that it did, as well.

Cadillac introduced a new model for the Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham series in 1974—the Fleetwood Talisman, identified as accessory code V4U. Quite simply, it was Cadillac's ultimate in individual luxury and comfort for four people. Personal comfort was guaranteed by providing only four seats inside to ensure each passenger the utmost in pampering.

The interior was upholstered in Medici Velour, an exclusive crushed velour fabric reserved for Cadillac's finest automobiles. The seats featured a shirred trim design inspired by fine European furniture. Padded upper door panel inserts, B-pillar trim, sail panels, and headliner were also covered in Medici Velour. Even the door pull assist straps featured Medici Velour inserts.

Running between the seats are center consoles—also covered in Medici Velour. The front console included an illuminated writing pad with pen and pencil, a lockable storage compartment for safekeeping of valuables, and an engraved nameplate featuring the owner's initials.

The rear console features a handy storage bin, as well as a holder for a vanity mirror and other items that might be necessary while underway. Both consoles also serve as comforting center arm rests.

Thoughtful touches are everywhere: a reclining back on the front passenger seat, seat back pockets, assist straps, and deep-pile carpeting with matching carpeted mats. Outside, a padded elk grain vinyl roof, special wheel discs, standup wreath and crest on the hood, and color-matched "Fleetwood Talisman" script on the sail panels.

Image: Fleetwood TalismanAdditional refinements exclusive to the Talisman are sculpted laurel wreath moldings to accent the door and instrument panels, and "Fleetwood Talisman" script on the instrument panel (shown at right). Note the sculpted laurel wreath moldings that appear above and below the script.

In 1974, the Talisman option cost $1,800 with Medici Velour. Four interior colors were provided, which included Black, Dark Blue, Medium Amber, and Terra Cotta. All were keyed to exterior paint colors. Generally, the vinyl roof color matched the paint color on cars equipped with the Talisman option, but there are exceptions to this. Not all of Cadillac's exterior finishes were available on the Talisman, either, due mostly to the limited interior color choices.

A more expensive option featuring soft and supple Sierra grain leather cost $2,450, but was only available in two colors, Dark Blue and Medium Saddle. It is reported that very few Talismans were ordered with leather, making them extremely rare today. It is important to note that the Talisman option with leather cost $363 more than a brand new 1974 Chevrolet Vega, which had a base price of $2,087!

1974 would be the only year the Talisman option would include the rear console; for 1975 and 1976, it was replaced by a full size rear seat, in response to complaints from owners of the first year cars who frequently found the rear console to be an unwanted item. The ultra luxurious Talisman option was discontinued after 1976, which would also be the last year for the traditionally-sized Cadillacs, as well as the last time the Sixty Special name would be used. Except for the Fleetwood Eldorado, all Cadillac models for 1977 would provide smaller external dimensions and reduced weight to provide improved fuel economy.

Even among today's premium luxury cars, nothing comes close to the sheer elegance and individual comfort of the Fleetwood Talisman. The amount of space each passenger had available, along with the soft, quiet ride that isolated interior occupants from outside elements, is unprecedented even in today's modern automobiles. And let's not forget the sheer fun factor of taking the trip. Take your pick: Mercedes Benz, Lexus, BMW, Infiniti...or Fleetwood Talisman. We dare say the Talisman would be the one that would attract the most attention, and it's certain that it would also provide the highest passenger pampering factor.


Image: 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman rear consoleThe Fleetwood Talisman featured 40/40 split front seats with a center console. A separate rear console was provided for rear seat passengers, who also enjoyed carpeted foot rests, seat back pockets, assist straps, and individual reading lights. Even a matching robe and pillow were available for $85!
Image: Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman interior
FLEETWOOD TALISMAN PRICING, PRODUCTION, INTERIOR TRIM CODES AND COLORS
1974
Built: 1,898
Price: $1,800 Velour
  $2,450 Leather

510 - Black
525 - Dark Blue
546 - Medium Amber
548 - Terra Cotta
565 - Dark Blue Leather
585 - Medium Saddle Leather
1975
Built: 1,238
Price: $1,788

19B - Black
29B - Dark Blue
51B - Gold
79B - Rosewood
1976
Built: 1,200
Price: $1,813

16B - Light Smoke Gray
19B - Black
26B - Dark Blue
32B - Dark Blue-Green
64B - Light Buckskin
Fleetwood Brougham base prices—1974: $9,537*; 1975: $10,414**; 1976: $10,935.

*Reflects mid-year price increase
**Reflects initial 1975 pricing; mid-year prices increased to $10,427, and late year prices increased to $10,843


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