This 1987 model was Cadillac's final Fleetwood 75, the last of a proud line that began with the introduction of the first Fleetwood 75 in 1936. The 75 was Cadillac's top-of-the-line series for many years, after the last 16-cylinder "90" models rolled out of the factory in 1940.
Some who remember the 75 don't realize it's been off the market for so many years now. Long-wheelbase Cadillacs of today are usually custom-built models with stretched chassis and bodies. Since the end of the 1980s, the "stretch limo" has dominated the luxury car field (namely, Cadillacs and Lincolns).
The illustrated 1987 model was front-wheel-drive, as were most new Cadillacs by then, with engines mounted transversely (crossways) over the front-drive transaxle. A noteworthy holdout to rear-wheel drive was the 1987 Cadillac Brougham four-door sedan, which retained 1977-type styling, but in many ways was more attractive than the downsized and skimpy-looking FWD Cadillacs. According to the 1987 sales catalog, the 1987 Brougham had "The classic spirit of Cadillac."
As for the Fleetwood 75, it was Cadillac's largest and longest car that year, and it offered separate air conditioning for front and rear compartments. It was America's most-expensive major brand of car, approaching the $40,000 mark, since Lincoln's costliest model (Continental Givenchy designer series) was only $28,902, with a wheelbase of only 108.5 inches. Lincoln's Town Car series cost less, but had a 117.3-inch wheelbase.
Since so few of the 1987 Cadillac 75s were built, they're seldom available, and certainly are a prize for a collector.