Vehicle Description
This one-of-a-kind 1980 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham d'Elegance is
the pinnacle of a "Gentleman's Muscle Car". This American
Automobile is rare and exceptional in many ways. For starters, just
to find an all-original, low-mileage example of a 1980 Fleetwood
Brougham (that is fully loaded, including the Leather d'Elegance
seating, the $1,100 factory-optioned Astro roof, a Commercial
Chassis, and even a CB radio!) is near impossible. Secondarily, the
high level of quality and execution of this fully-custom,
high-performance modification is second to none. Cost was of no
concern when this project was undertaken, and the prestigious
former owner of the car procured the famous "King of Cadillac
Motors", Al Betker at MTS (Maximum Torque Specialties) to take on
the task. A storied 1970 Eldorado 500ci V8 block and heads were
used as the starting point to build an engine that now produces
roughly 550hp and 600 lb-ft of torque! A myriad of customizations
were done, including, but not limited to: an MTS custom cam and
custom rocker assembly, TRW forged pistons, a Melling high-volume
oil pump, double-roller timing gear, and more. For the
transmission, the factory-original TH400 was rebuilt with a
hardened second gear, B&M kit, and a super-rare LS6 6-bolt
torque converter. The rear end is a Cadillac 12-bolt posi
(custom-geared to a 2:73 ratio). In addition to all this, this
Cadillac has a custom-built 3" dual exhaust, four-core radiator,
18x6 oil cooler, 12x12 transmission cooler, a booster fan, front
sway bar, GM Tow-Pak air shocks in the rear (to keep the factory
level system intact), and additional upgrades. Because of all of
the performance enhancements, necessary cosmetic choices were
carefully made, the most important being the 15x8 Cragar StarWire
wheels fit with ultra-wide Vogues (with a special core rated at
235/70 R15). With all of the torque and horsepower, this was as
close as the builders could get to a factory Cadillac look. As it
now sits, this 1980 Fleetwood achieves near Corvette ZR1
performance while retaining the luxurious d'Elegance leather seats
and all of the refined appointments of a Brougham interior; it's
the ultimate "Sleeper Car"! Potent power and Cadillac comfort, the
best of both worlds.
