1971 Cadillac Fleetwood Series Seventy-Five Limousine

Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire 15000 - 25000 Registration No: Chassis No: 697331Q186190 MOT: Exempt One of just 848 examples madeImported from America by John Entwistle of The WhoReputedly the inspiration for Entwistle's 1973 song 'Big Black Cadillac'Pictured in period with Entwistle and Keith MoonEntered from a private collectionThoroughly revamped for 1971, the new Cadillac Series Seventy-Five sat on a choice of extravagant 151.5 inch or 157.5 inch wheelbases. Styled under the guidance of the legendary Bill Mitchell, the newcomer featured a suitably massive V-shaped grille, four individually set headlamps, slab sides and elongated rear wings. A body on frame, rear-wheel drive design, the Series Seventy-Five employed all-round independent suspension (wishbone front / multi-link rear), power steering, automatic ride control and disc / drum brakes. Powered by a 7.7 litre V8 engine allied to Turbo Hydramatic THM400 automatic transmission, Cadillac�s flagship had a surprising turn of speed being capable of over 110mph. A paragon of luxury with truly sumptuous upholstery, the Series Seventy-Five could be had in Sedan or Limousine guises. The latter was the only Limousine offered by a major American manufacturer which did not involve a �cut and shut�. Appealing to captains of industry and celebrities alike, few status symbols were more imposing than a Series Seventy-Five. Prodigiously expensive at $12,008, the Limousine accounted for a mere 848 sales in 1971. Finished in Black with Black leather upholstery, chassis 697331Q186190 was supplied new to John Entwistle of The Who. Imported to the UK by the legendary rock star and first registered with the DVLA on 7th September 1971, the Cadillac became part of the legendary bass player's entourage. Lacking a driving licence, he employed the services of a chauffeur, Mick Bratby. Various period photographs exist showing the Series Seventy-Five parked outside Mr Entwistle�s Ealing semi and in the grounds of bandmate Keith Moon�s TARA Estate. The vendor acquired the nine-seater during 1979. Part of an eclectic collection for the past forty-six years, the Fleetwood appears to be substantially original. Dating from The Who�s heyday and reputedly the inspiration for the John Entwistle song �Big Black Cadillac� (released as part of his 1973 solo album �Rigor Mortis Sets In�), the Series Seventy-Five could doubtless regale listeners with tales of excess into the wee small hours if only it could talk! A rare car in and of itself with a fascinating link to one of the UK�s greatest ever rock bands '400 AAA' will require a degree of re-commissioning before retuning to the road. The top end of the engine will be re-assembled by the time of sale.