1965 Cadillac DeVille

Description

Is there anything with more style and flash than a white-on-red Cadillac convertible? This gorgeous 1965 Cadillac DeVille convertible represents the pinnacle of Cadillac's 1960s styling and a perfect transition from the over-the-top '50s to the cleaner designs that would follow.

If you're going to pilot 19 feet of angular Cadillac sheetmetal, you may as well go all-out and paint it in traditional Cadillac colors: white paint, red leather. Cadillac called it Aspen White in 1965, and it certainly attracts attention everywhere it goes. The paint was refinished quite a few years ago so it shows some signs of use and age, but there's just no avoiding the fact that this is a very flashy car that will get you noticed. Having spent much of its life in a warm southern climate, there are no serious issues like a car from up north, but you should remember that it's not a show car but a clean driver. The long quarter panels are arrow-straight, and all the chrome is intact and in original condition, from the pontoon-shaped front bumper ends to the slick taillights encased in their own chrome "fins" out back. This is a very big car, but thanks to its proportions and detailing, it looks sleek and uncluttered, truly representing the Standard of the World.

The mostly original red interior is an incredible combination of materials and finishes. The seats use red leather and simple patterns to create an upscale look that's actually quite comfortable in the sun, which is critical for a convertible. There's some wear, including a tear in the driver's seat back leather, but it has a usable, comfortable, lived-in look that really doesn't need any work if you're going to drive and enjoy the car. Matching carpets, door panels, and dashboard border on red overload, but the execution is so stylish that you'll be too busy noting the brushed stainless steel dashboard and instrument panel flanked by two round pods with the clock and headlight controls inside. Cadillacs came loaded with features in 1966, but A/C was still an option which found its way onto this car (probably needs a recharge). Power windows, an AM/FM radio with rear-seat speaker, and a white power convertible top mean owning a Cadillac is always an effortless occupation. There's a matching red boot that hides the top when it's stowed, and a massive trunk means road trips are no problem.

A 429 cubic inch V8 makes simple work of cruising, both around town and on the highway. With a muscular hum that suggests great power, it idles so smoothly you almost can't feel it, but pulls with muscle car like authority at highway speeds. It's been properly maintained its entire life, and in March 2016 it was treated to a full tune up, new carburetor, and a flushed fuel system, making it reliable and easy to drive today. GM's sturdy TH400 3-speed automatic was the only choice and it's a good one, being both smooth and unobtrusive. The chassis is amazingly clean and solid with no rust in any of the usual areas, and the dual exhaust system sounds great without giving away any Cadillac refinement. Standard wheel covers look right, especially with the newer 235/75/15 whitewall radials.

This is not a perfect car, but if you're a guy with vision and ambition, you can invest some elbow grease and end up with a car that will be a hot collectible in the coming years. Call today!