Real Barn Find: 1970s Cadillac Fleetwood – Rare Factory Air Cushion Option – Stunning Original Condition
You are bidding on a true barn find—an incredibly rare, two-owner Cadillac Fleetwood featuring the factory Air Cushion Restraint System (driver and passenger airbags). I rescued this car from a warehouse in Baltimore, MD, where it had been stored and lovingly owned by the same person for the last 50+ years.
This Fleetwood is in remarkable original condition. It still retains most of its original paint, leather interior, headliner, trunk carpet—even the original floor mats. The car has been driven less than 2,000 miles per year on average, and it shows.
Rare Factory Air Cushion System
This Cadillac is one of the very few vehicles equipped with GM’s pioneering factory airbag system, offered only for a limited 3-year period. This rare option, also called the “Air Cushion Restraint System,” required redesigns like moving the glove box under the dash to accommodate the passenger-side airbag. It’s believed fewer than 500 units were ever ordered with this option—how many survive today?
This vehicle may have even served as a factory demonstrator, loaded with high-end options including:
Factory A/C
Power leather seats
Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Cruise control
Much more…
Documentation & History
The car comes with an impressive paper trail dating back to 1980, including:
Purchase paperwork
Service receipts
Title copies
Perfect for building a show display or historical exhibit.
$16K in Recent Professional Restoration
While I initially hoped this Cadillac would be ready for the road as-is, a thorough inspection led to an extensive mechanical refresh at my restoration shop—totaling approximately $16,000. Here’s what was done:
Complete engine rebuild and reseal
New camshaft, lifters, push rods, and oil pump
New spark plugs, wires, belts, air filter
Brand new carburetor
Transmission flush and service
All fluids replaced
Complete brake system flush
New brake rotors, calipers, master cylinder
New battery
Full exhaust system replacement
New tires
Replaced and color-matched GM bumper fillers
Professional detailing: exterior buff/compound, engine bay, undercarriage
New Cadillac floor mats
Comes with two sets of keys
Price: $22,000
More info: Click here to see original eBay auction and get more information (Affiliate link)
Seller's other items: v8gearheads (Affiliate link)
