From The Classifieds: 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood flat top sedan

There was a time, spanning from the 1950s to the late 1960s, when American luxury cars challenged the world in terms of engine power, passenger space, overall size and downright sumptuousness.

These were not necessarily seen as assets in places other than the US. The American behemoths of the era were reviled in many places, but they were nevertheless revered in their home country.

None moreso than Cadillac. As the ultimate status symbol Cadillac was a brand in which brash American self-confidence and a sure sense of identity were at their peak.

And the peak of Cadillac's long history in the US was in 1959, when GM designer Harley Earl's longer, lower and wider ethos achieved its ultimate representation. Tail fins reached for the sky and there was enough metal in each model to build an entire railroad.

Then came 1960, and a significant stylistic toning-down, represented here in this Fleetwood pillarless four-door 'flat top' sedan. Toned down, maybe, but by comparison with anything else, the massive 6.3 metre long limo was still of battleship proportions.

In Australia, plenty of golden-era Caddies are on sale, but probably only a handful still convey the message they did when new.

This 51-year-old example appears to fit the bill nicely. It is in essentially original shape, with the owner saying the main thing done to the car in its 51 years has been a complete acrylic respray.

Obviously a car of this size (and in black) is ideal for weddings and that is exactly how it has been used by the current owner, who hails from Freemans Reach in NSW.

Receipts kept by its short list of owners indicate the mileage shown (just below 60,000) is accurate and, importantly, everything including the power windows, radio and even the electric clock, still functions. The owner says the seats are so good it is hard to believe they are more than 50 years old. "They look and feel new." Significantly, the car comes with a roadworthy certificate.

Asking price is $40,000 but the owner is prepared to negotiate.

An addendum regarding the 1960 Fleetwood flat top: It is actually quite a rare car, with a more limited production run than any other model on sale in the US that year -- even less than the Fleetwood convertible.

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