A new front wheel drive General Motors C-body unibody platform was introduced in 1985. The Series 75 briefly made its return on this platform, stretched by 23.6 in (599 mm) to a wheelbase of 134.4 in (3,414 mm). Even so the modern edition was more than two feet shorter than the old rear-wheel drive version and weighed 1,200 pounds less. The aluminum 249 cu in (4.1 L) HT-4100 V8 was used to power the last generation of Series 75. The transmission was a 4-speed automatic. Rear control panels let passengers lock or unlock doors, operate power windows, adjust climate, and control the stereo unit. Additionally, pushbuttons in the rear panels allowed backseat passengers to unlatch the rear doors electrically. Initially, just the standard eight-passenger limousine was available, but later in the model year, a seven-passenger formal limousine was offered featuring a partition with sliding glass between the front and rear compartments, and a secondary (trunk-mounted) climate control unit. Series 75 limousines had power operated mirrors and specific "Fleetwood" style seating patterns. Aluminum alloy wheels were standard on all 75s.
Only minor equipment changes arrived for 1986, including the previously optional electronic instrument cluster was now standard equipment, and an armrest-mounted cellular telephone with overhead microphone became available. Cherry grain replaced the former walnut grain on instrument panel and door trim appliques. Automatic door locking prevented the doors from opening with the limousine in gear. Oddly the stretched limousines were created from coupes rather than sedans with extra doors added in the process of stretching the wheelbase from the normal 110.8 in (2,814 mm) to 134.4 in (3,414 mm).
The Cadillac Fleetwood Limousine was available in eight colors (two enamels, four metallics, and two extra-cost colors). Exterior colors included Cotillion White, Sable Black, Platinum Metallic, Academy Gray Metallic, Gossamer Blue Metallic, Commodore Blue Metallic, Corinthian Blue Firemist, and Black Cherry Pearlmist. Tuxedo Grain vinyl roof covering was available in six matching colors for all shades (including Black Cherry Pearlmist), except for Gossamer Blue and Corinthian Blue, which were equipped with the Dark Blue (the same color used for the Commodore Blue models) vinyl roof. Standard-equipment single-color exterior accent stripes were available in nine colors, including White, Dark Gray, Black, Light Blue, Medium Mauve, Dark Blue, Gold, Red, and Dark Claret. Interior colors were upholstered in Black, Gray, and Dark Blue - in Royal Prima Cloth or optional Leather. The front compartment of the Formal Limousine (with the divider window) was upholstered in Black Leather regardless of the color or material selected for the rear compartment.
Both the front and rear styling of the limousine and formal limousine was revised for 1987. A new grille, header moldings and composite headlights with wraparound bezel and cornering lamps were used. Rear styling now featured elongated quarter extensions against which the taillamps, bumper and bumper trim fascia fit flush. Also new was grooved six-inch wide rocker molding made of stainless steel/aluminum composite with a single-rib accent grrove. For 1987, new hydro-elastic engine mounts were used to further isolate powertrain vibration.
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