1991 Cadillac Brougham d’Elegance: Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac Style!

Full disclosure: I love these cars. This basic body style first appeared in Autumn 1976 as a ’77 model, and the was given a more aerodynamic restyling in 1980, though the basic size and shape remained. That ’80 body lasted all the way to 1992, with only minor exterior and interior trim and styling changes. But my favorite is the facelifted 1990-92 models. And it takes me back to when Cadillac just made cars: sedans, coupes and the Allante convertible. Nary a 4×4 or crossover to be seen!

It was a better time. I loved Cadillac back then. Lincoln too. It goes back to early childhood and my Grandpa Bob’s 1977 Continental Mark V. Big, bold, with hidden headlights, opera windows, and swank interiors. Oh sure, I loved the Porsche 911s and Lamborghini Countaches of the time, too, but my heart was with domestic luxury cars, even at 11.

A big plus at that time (circa 1991-92) was that the father of one of my best friends, Cameron Saunders, was a salesman at Horst-Zimmerman Cadillac-Pontiac-Honda in downtown Rock Island. Cameron brought the big, plush 1991 and 1992 Cadillac brochures to school, which I hid in my desk and ogled during lunch and at recess. No, really.

It actually got to the point that the teacher took them away! I was heartbroken. By golly, what’s wrong with looking at fine luxury cars? And why confiscate such treasures from a car-obsessed kid, dang! But such is life—and childhood.

Fun fact: years later, after I got my driver’s license, I went back and talked to the principal, who was a neighbor of ours, to see if possibly they were still in a closet or drawer somewhere. Of course they were long gone, but a short time later I was able to replace them with a little help from eBay. As you can imagine, my brochure collection has grown substantially since then, but I’ve digressed enough already!

While the same essential car existed from 1980 through 1992, what it was called depended on the year. In 1980, it was the Fleetwood Brougham (and associated tonier Brougham d’Elegance, which included what I like to call the “lawyer’s office” interior in all its button-tufted glory). It would remain the same through the 1986 model year.

Starting in 1987, however, it became simply the Brougham. This was due to confusion which began in 1985 with the new front-wheel drive C-body de Villes and Fleetwoods. Yes, in 1985 there were two Fleetwoods. The smaller, yet still luxurious front-wheel drive Fleetwood, and the 1980-vintage Fleetwood Brougham.

For several years it was uncertain if the new front-drive car would replace the more established model, but since the rear-wheel drive Caddy kept selling, GM kept building it. Thus, starting in ’87, the RWD car was the Brougham and the FWD car was the Fleetwood.

Fun fact: the 1987 Brougham got a “new” grille, but it was actually the former grille first seen on 1981 Coupe de Villes, Sedan de Villes and Fleetwood Broughams. The ’88 was virtually the same, but in 1989 another “new” grille was featured—this time the former ’82-’86 grille. You might say GM was a pioneer in recycling. Personally, I think it’s a clever use of already-paid-for tooling.

But in 1990, the need for a more elaborate refresh was apparent. In addition to yet another new grille, Cadillac added flush “Euro” style headlights, new taillights, a revised instrument panel, and new side cladding adorning the flanks. As before, it was available in Brougham and Brougham d’Elegance versions, with all cars wearing ample chrome and a padded vinyl roof.

Despite my having at least 16-18 Cadillac books, I have to admit I was a little bit stymied in beginning this article—not one of my points of reference had production or price figures on anything after 1990.

Fortunately, my friend Dave Smith delivered in spades, as he has all sorts of dealer-only publications from back then. A ’91 Brougham based at $30,225, the d’Elegance with cloth was $32,027, and the d’Elegance with cloth was $32,597.

Dave and my other friend, Jeremy Shiffer, knowledgeable resources both, were able to confirm confirmed that 26,439 Broughams were made in ’91. Of that total, 8,812 had the d’Elegance package.

Our featured car was owned by my friend Anthony Gozzo at the time I began compiling information for its writeup, although it was for sale. Anthony has a tidy business selling classic 1970s-2000s Cadillacs and Lincolns, and he found this car—with a remarkable 21,000 original miles—in LaSalle, Illinois. Of course he has several nice Caddys and Lincolns in his personal collection as well.

As he related, this car “sold new at Lambert Jones Olds-Cadillac in LaSalle, Illinois. It was a spectacular example. The 5.0 may hold it back a bit, but unfortunately they aren’t as easy to come across in this condition or with a 5.7. Sort of at the point where even the underdogs are just as appreciated since they’re so hard to find.” And a bit later he told me it was sold and going to a happy new home in California.

These cars are appreciating, too. Valuation isn’t really my bailiwick, but Anthony had this listed at $31,995 and it sold in less than 48 hours. But to his and the car’s credit, it is a remarkably well-preserved version by any standard. And I personally loved the white with dark blue interior.

My friend Jayson Coombes and I have often discussed how while years ago we would have wanted leather, now the velour (or Prima Vera cloth, as Cadillac called it) is more appealing to us. It just looks so comfortable.

These were the last Cadillacs with all the cool little styling touches too, like the miniature wreath and crests on the front seat side shields, the wire wheel covers, and the ample woodgrain trim inside.

For facts-and-figures folks, additional options included the Gold Ornamentation Package ($395), genuine wire wheels ($1000), power Astroroof ($1355) and Firemist paint ($190 for the upper body, $50 for the lower accent moldings/cladding).

Sure, the more aerodynamic 1993 Fleetwood and Fleetwood Brougham, which retained this car’s chassis, was classy and sharp too, but a lot of those little chrome details and gingerbread were no longer present. And a bit of that old Cadillac swank and swagger was lost, never to return.

But don’t despair! For those seeking classic American luxury, there are still Broughams out there, looking for happy new homes, to whisk their owners to supper clubs for surf and turf and gin and tonics! Anthony is but one purveyor of these classic chariots. If you’re so inclined, seek them out. And until next time, Brougham on. And always tip your bartender.

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