In 1971, General Motors faced significant challenges as over 400,000 workers staged a strike, lasting nine and a half weeks, impacting 145 plants across the US and Canada. This massive walkout resulted in a loss of over $1 billion in profits for GM, marking the largest quarterly loss in its history.
The strike’s repercussions were felt nationwide, affecting tax revenue and retail sales, with one in six American jobs tied to the auto industry. Despite efforts to resume production and address the model year compromise, GM’s overall production for 1971, including Chevrolet to Cadillac, saw significant declines.
However, Cadillac maintained dominance in the luxury segment, outselling its competitors. The introduction of the Fleetwood Sixty Special Brougham marked a notable change in Cadillac’s lineup, consolidating two separate models into one.
Today, while many of these iconic Cadillacs have found loyal owners who cherish them, some examples, like the one found in a Texas wrecking yard, serve as reminders of automotive history and craftsmanship.
