1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham & Brougham d’Elegance
The Cadillac Brougham augmented the model hierarchy
The 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham was a beautiful luxury sedan. They were the longest production passenger cars made in America. The Brougham was no longer in the Fleetwood Series, it was a stand-alone model. The 1990-1992 Broughams were sophisticated sedans offering spacious six passenger comfort and traditional Cadillac luxury. The Brougham name had established a legendary reputation with luxury car buyers during its long and successful tenure in various configurations from its inception in the 1930s. The Cadillac Brougham historically was the most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac sedan. The 1990-1992 Broughams were consummate elegance on the grand Cadillac scale. It was America’s premiere full-size luxury sedan. I am showcasing Matt Garrett’s Cadillac Brougham collection, which is the nicest in the world. These cars are, as he affectionately refers to them as “new out of the wrapper.”
Cadillac Brougham sedan
Comfort was always the hallmark of the Cadillac Brougham. The 1990-1992 were no exception. Brougham’s first-class accommodations included a vast array of standard amenities. Like the advanced Electronic Climate Control system, automatic power door locks with central door unlocking feature, front and rear lamp monitors, a leather trimmed tilt & telescopic steering wheel, composite Tungsten Halogen headlamps, and an illuminated entry system are just a few of the features and accessories that were complimentary, pampering the owner Cadillac style. Cadillac offered more comfort & convenience features as standard than any other luxury brand. The Brougham d’Elegance option added even more refinement such as a hand button tufted sew style to the upholstery, embroidered “d’Elegance” scripts on the door panels, power trunk lid pull-down, illuminated visor vanity mirrors for both driver and front seat passenger, and “d’Elegance” identification to the exterior.
The interiors of the Brougham and Brougham d’Elegance were as elegant and appealing as their exteriors. The standard Brougham was upholstered in Prima Vera Cloth as was the Brougham d’Elegance. The standard Brougham used a tailored sew-style while the Brougham d’Elegance used a fancier pillowed and button tufted sew-style. Both Brougham models came standard with folding front and rear center armrests. Also standard were Dual Comfort 55/45 front seats with six-way power adjustment and recliners with adjustable head restraints.
Leather upholstery was optional and available in several color combinations. A fully padded vinyl roof was standard for both Brougham models using the premiere roof treatment with closed-in rear vent windows. The outside rearview mirrors were heated and power adjustable. The instrument panel had digital display. Cruise Control was a standard feature to reduce driving fatigue on long road trips. Luxury and elegance were the constant companions to the driver and passengers of the fabulous Cadillac Broughams. The Cadillac Brougham had a reputation as “Luxury car complete.”
The Cadillac Brougham was no longer powered by an exclusive Cadillac powerplant. The 5.0 litre and the 5.7 litre V8 engines for the 1990 model year were supplied by Oldsmobile. The 5.0 litre and the 5.7 litre V8 engines for the 1991 & 1992 model years were also small block V8’s but supplied by the Chevrolet motor Division. (GASP) Many owners were horrified to find out Cadillac’s Flagships were bastardized with engines from other GM divisions. Badge engineering was no stranger to GM. Most didn’t realize that the 1990-1992 Broughams were really 11-13 year old Sedans deVille.
This generation Brougham began in 1980 as “Fleetwood Brougham.” Cadillac revamped it simply as “Brougham” in the late 1980s. Both Sedan deVille and Fleetwood Brougham shared the same platform from 1980-1984 when the DeVille was ridiculously and haphazardly down-sized for the 1985 model year. The only difference between the 1980-1984 Sedans deVille and the Fleetwood Brougham was the vinyl roof treatment.
It took the eagle-eye to see that the fancy Brougham was just vinyl padding over the center “B” pillar and different separate drip moldings with a limousine style rear window treatment. The Fleetwood Brougham continued the styling verbatim until the 1990 model year when it got mildly refreshed with composite headlamps and bumper cladding in the front, strong body cladding to coordinate with the front & rear bumpers along the body sides, and new taillamps in the rear.
1980 Brougham d’Elegance
The 1990 5.0 litre 507 CID 16-valve V8 Oldsmobile engine used a Rochester 4-bbl carburetor and GM’s Turbo Hydra-Matic THM 200-4R 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The engine produced 140 hp @ 3,200 rpm with 346 Nm of peak torque @ 2,000 rpm. Performance was rated as 0-60 mph in 10.6 seconds, 0-100 mph in 36.3 seconds with a top speed of 116 mph. It did the quarter mile @ 78 mph in 17.8 seconds. The Olds 5.7 litre had similar performance output and ratings.
To keep it less confusing I am going to focus on the 1992 model year exclusively. There were way too many specs for both Chevy and Olds engines as d’Elegance and Brougham models, not to mention them both with the trailering packages. The 1992’s were powered by Chevrolet’s 5.0 litre and 5.7 litre V8 engines. The 5.0 litre 305 CID V8 was equipped with throttle body fuel injection systems and GM’s Turbo Hydra-Matic THM 700-R4 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. It produced 170 hp @ 4,200 rpm with 346 Nm of peak torque @ 2,400 rpm. Performance was rated as 0-60 mph in 11.4 seconds, 0-100 mph in 42.3 seconds with a top speed of 115 mph. It did the ¼ mile @ 76 mph in 18.2 seconds.
The 5.7 litre 350 CID 16-valve V8 was also equipped with throttle body fuel injection and GM’s Turbo Hydra-Matic THM 700-R4 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The 5.7 litre produced 185 hp @ 3,800 rpm with 407 Nm of peak torque @ 2,400 rpm. Its performance was rated as 0-60 mph in 10.1 seconds, 0-100 mph in 34.6 seconds with a top speed of 116 mph. It did the ¼ mile @ 77 mph in 17.5 seconds. You can see that there was very little difference in performance comparing both Chevrolet engines and the Olds variants.
The 1990-1992 Cadillac Broughams were built as body on frame construction. They had the luxury length of 221” and rode on a long 121.5” wheelbase with the wide stance of 76.5”. The front suspension used upper and lower control arms with independent coil springs and stabilizer bar with Deflected-Disk shock absorbers. The rear used a four-link drive, coil springs, stabilizer bar, and Electronic level Control network.
An optional trailer towing package available could tow a trailer up to 7,000 lbs. included higher rate coil springs, beefed-up rear axle ratio and higher durometer lower rear shock mountings. Four-wheeled Bosch II ABS with ventilated discs front and finned composite rear drums were standard. Also standard were Electronic Variable Power Steering and power brakes. The Cadillac Brougham with its long wheelbase made boulevard travel intrusion negligible with a smooth, consistent ride. After all, the longer the wheelbase the smoother the ride. Despite its extreme size, the Cadillac Brougham was nimble and quick also easy to maneuver. They were the last of the solid riding automobiles….
The Cadillac Brougham and Brougham d’Elegance were luxury sedans of unparalleled distinction. They were built in the Cadillac tradition offering Cadillac-style perks. Cadillac offered standard an exceptional array of ownership services such as 24-hour Cadillac Roadside Assistance Services and the Cadillac 24-hour consumer relations hotline. The exclusive Cadillac Gold Key Delivery system included a personal introduction to your new Cadillac and key Dealer personnel. The Sales Rep would review your new car with you and even made certain the gas tank was filled. As peace of mind, every Cadillac came with the Gold key Bumper to Bumper Warranty covering every component for 4 years/50,000 miles with no deductible. The freedom Battery had its own pro-rated 4 year 50,000 mile warranty.
The 1990-1992 Cadillac Broughams were the longest regular production automobiles built in America. They had the timeless elegance of a true automotive classic. They all were equipped with V8 engines, the 5.0 litre standard and the 5.7 litre was optional. This genre was powered by Oldsmobile and Chevrolet V8 engines. Their long sweeping beauty was Cadillac style in every manner. The Cadillac Brougham was the traditional front engine rear-wheel drive luxury sedan that America was comfortable with when it came to elegance and presence. The Brougham historically was the most luxurious owner-driven Cadillac sedan that established a legendary reputation with luxury car buyers all over the world.
The 1990-1992 model years had a vast array of standard features and accessories, with a number of comfort and convenience features and accessories available to add further distinction. A Cadillac Brougham was always “car-complete.” Sadly, the end was nearing for this illustrious sedan. America was moving to smaller more efficient cars but the Cadillac Brougham will always have a cult following. The eminent Brougham augmented the Cadillac model hierarchy as the Flagships. The Cadillac showroom was never the same after the cease of the Brougham’s production…..will Cadillac ever have another Flagship sedan? This tribute is dedicated In Loving Memory of “The Standard of the World.”
The Cadillac Brougham was the first choice for limousine conversion
1990 Armbruster Stageway Silverhawk Limousine
Rare 1985 Fleetwood Brougham Coupe d’Elegance
Thank you Matt Garrett for keeping the spirit alive!
The 1990-1992 Cadillac Brougham was traditional American luxury
NotoriousLuxury 
Amazing presentation of a great car.
Peter Wikström Sweden, proud owner of a 1992 Brougham
How can i own one?
I will ALWAYS LOVE this bodystyle
I just wish they had kept it on for a few more years so that the LT1 (Corvette) engine used form 94-96 in the Buick Roadmaster and Cadillac Fleetwood would have been available!
Great information, I’m purchasing 1 this week, your article was very helpful.
I had a 1990 towing package with 350sb Chevrolet and 700r4 transmission. For sure it came like that.
My only knock on the 1990-1992 Broughams is the front grill and head shot of the car takes me directly to the Chevy Impala. Seems like the width and nose,headlights all are so alike. I like these model year Broughams, but like 78-80 better in 2 door or sedan. Especially 2 door Pheaton Style.
GM had become a hodge-podge of parts for all of their brands by the late 1980s and 1990s. Most of their dies were altered for each division because individual dies were too expensive so they waved their magic wands hoping the public wouldn’t notice!
ONE OF THE VERY LAST REAL CADILLACS THAT A MAN COULD BE PROUD TO RIDE AND BE SEEN IN…..NOW WE ARE IN THIS SORRY ERA OF DINKY, SISSIFIED,’PUDDLE JUMPERS’…THIS ARTICLE WAS ON POINT! GREAT!
You and I are on the same page here!! I see you like my coined word “puddle-jumper!” It is a shame Cadillac has reduced itself to such a generic status. I was out last night and I saw a CT6. It was so nondescript I couldn’t even tell it was a Cadillac until I got right up on it and saw the crest. The Cadillac heritage has been tarnished by the lackluster designs from the 21st century. Do you think it will ever return to “Standard of the world status again?
V good presentation & information
I like riding in your living room 94 in the family 247 thousand miles on it it will be a keeper. Parts suppliers welcome for this vehicle
I own a 1992 Cadillac brougham de elegance. Saphire blue and vinyl top. For the last 11yrs. Not a day goes by that I don’t get comments from men and Weomen .i just love it will never sell it I’m 75 and still rocking. Mine has the 5.7 engine.with now 293000 kilometers on it. Yes it’s still the standard of the world to me. Murray EGAN. London Ontario Canada. 👍.
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Please e-mail me, I am interested inthe several Broughams for sale on this sight January 30,2019 10:04A.M. Eastyern Standard time
Hello Frank! Unfortunately those cars were sold years ago, those photos are at least 5 years old even older. I am in the process of placing a classified section on this site for both real cars and model cars. Each time I try to organize my ‘help’ disappears and I have to end up doing everything myself which is the reason I am not further along. Keep your eyes focused upon NotoriousLuxury, cars for sale are coming.
Greg
Hi!
I have owned my Cadillac Brougham D’Elegance for 30 years now and still drive it daily. It is the best car I have ever owned in my life of 65 years. It is still a head turner. With on white on white with the Johnson gold trim package. Luxury at it’s finest.
Joseph M. Lopez
Hello Joseph! HOLD ON TO THAT CAR! Cadillac will never make another car and there will be a time when the value of classic Cadillacs will double. Take a look at the interest a 1959 Cadillac has! Any car that looks like a car will have appeal. You see how those strange looking SUVs look like a real car fighting its way out of a sausage casing. Classic Cadillacs in the future will have appreciated to Rolls-Royce status. Collectors will not let the old Cadillac leave the scene…this is why I keep them going on this site. I am writing so much these days I haven’t had time to post anything on my own site. I have a story for the Eldorado I am putting the finishing touches on. Enjoy your car! I am keeping all of mine!
Greg
Actually in 1990 it is true the 5.0 was the Olds 307. But the 5.7 was the Chevy 350. In 1991-92, both the 5.0 and 5.7 were Chevy engines as stated.
And don’t forget to tell how back in the 1970s GM cheated swapping out Chevy engines in Oldsmobiles! These engines are one in the same. It’s just a hodge-podge of GM parts anyway! However you pronounce tomato or tomato – it’s the same thing. The early Cadillac Seville used a GM 350 Chevy/Olds engine, what’s the difference – it is a General Motors car however you swap it out.
Great write up. Mine is a little different. I have a Cadillac Brougham Commercial Chassis (read Hearse) But your write up is still valid.
Hello Steven! The commercial chassis is indeed a different animal all together. They are specifically designed and altered by coachbuilders. They differ in everything behind the nose clip. The only sheet metal they share is that nose clip. Is yours a Superior or a Miller?
Greg
Love those Cadillac broghams the chassis was made from 1977 till 1992 built in Michigan at clark street from 77 to dec of 1987 they were also built at the Arlington Texas plant till 1996 the 93 to 96 Cadillac shared the same chassis as the Buick roadster and impala/ caprice 5.7 Chevrolet LT1 engine its ashame that GM killed those full sized rear wheel drive cars those Cadillac’s were the biggest production cars General buit
I have a 92 Cadillac brougham d Elegance it’s a nice car 130,000 MI I just did the front brakes today I love that car bye
For 99 MilesPerHour- the engine used for the original Cadillac Seville was definitely an Oldsmobile engine converted with fuel injection. There is indeed a difference between the Olds 307 and 350 4bbl (L34 Lansing Michigan )- it even sounds different ! A superb engine arguably much smoother and refined than the Chevy engines..
I rather divorced the wife if she tells me to get rid of it