1968 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
"Forward thrusting front fenders and sweepingly sculpted body sides enhanced the sleek appearance of 1967-68 Cadillacs, with coupes receiving a new and boldly formal notchback roofline. By 1968, a 375 hp 472ci engine, the industry's largest, was standard. De Ville models for 1969-70 showed off stiffer, more conservative luxury car styling." Thx Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1968 Cadillac Coupe Deville with a title verified 34,400 actual miles and in the same family since 1968. This long paneled survivor is in original condition, right down to the single stage paint, and is an absolute gem of a find we're thrilled to have grace our Hallowed Halls.
Exterior
Let's first gaze up at this car's glorious profile which immediately conjures up the profile of a catamaran with its right angled hulls stretched long under the centered cabin. The roof rises high over the body with massive C-pillars grounding the roof like Roman columns. Pointed tops of the front fenders are like knife edges that flow seamlessly into the flat shoulder line of the door, only to emerge as fins on the rear quarters, accentuated by the vertical ovoid taillights anchoring a large chrome bumper. The horizontal surfaces are enormous on the car, especially the decklid which meets the notchback that leads to a long roof, a sloping windshield, and a gigantic hood. Fender skirts streamline the profile a bit and this car is nearly 19 feet long, so every little bit helps. In front, stacked headlights flank a horizontally grated grille and fully contoured chrome bumper. Imperfections include a deep scratch that includes a ding, a broken marker light lens, and a dent in a bumper.
Interior
Big doors open up to reveal a beige interior, starting with the door panels which are intact and complete but could use a good detailing, including the carpeted lower panel. The same goes for the split bench cloth seats that surround a leather armrest and center panel. The seats show some patina with wear on the driver's upper, some waviness to the piping, and general discoloring. In the back, the bench seat is unmarred but just looks a bit tired and discolored and we think some skilled detailing would bring this beige to life. In front and back, there's ample leg and head room and rear passengers can feel like a celebrity behind the wide pillar. The control area is simple, from the plastic rimmed steering wheel and column shifter to the instrument panel dominated by a horizontal speedometer underscored by a nickel plate with various controls and an utterly unique cruise control dial on the left side of the dash. Tucked under the hefty dash pad is an AM radio looking appropriately vintage in this original configuration. The open floor is covered in tan carpet in good condition and vintage rubber Cadillac branded mats on top. The trunk is lined with gray flannel panels that also covers the spare and topped with a fitted Cadillac black rubber mat.
Drivetrain
Under the massive hood we find the 472ci V8 in driver condition and rated at an astonishing 375 horsepower. It receives go juice through a 4-barrel carburetor and sets this goliath into motion via a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission sending power across town to the rear wheels and 2.94 gears. It's 1968, so we're happy to have power assisted brakes, and they're drums all around. The bay is complete and original looking.
Undercarriage
We would call this driver quality as well with all surfaces that can oxidize wearing surface rust colored like the red rocks of Southern Utah. There are a few drops of oil in the usual places and some grease and grime on the knuckles but nothing we would classify as detrimental. A single exhaust wears a clean stock style muffler and resonator before dumping out pack rather discreetly. Coil spring suspension is found in the front and the typical 4 link with coil springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
This one is fit for a King! Can't you see Elvis driving this car through the gates of Graceland? For that, and other reasons, this car just feels cool wrapped around you. It's got that "get out of my way" presence and the 472 provides plenty of power for this soft riding yacht on 70 series tires. It doesn't drive across our test route, it floats across it and there's plenty of roll in turns and we expected nothing less. This survivor has one electrical faux pas and that's the left rear window only works from the left rear seat. All other functions work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
We'd call this a diamond in the rough, but it's not that rough! With some fine detailing, this could easily be brought up a few show worthy notches. It's straight, complete, and rust free. As is, it has a presence that Frank, Sammy, and the King would have loved in '68, and probably did. This car is Vegas, Chicago, and Palm Springs encapsulated in one iconic big 2 door body with more angles than a geometry book. But all you need is a straight line, from your phone to ours.
J8203224
J-Coupe DeVille
8-1968
203224-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
01E-5th Week January
ST 68 68347-1968 Coupe DeVille
BODY FWD27315-Detroit Body #
TR 344-Light Beige Domino Cloth & Light Beige Leather
PAINT 10-Sable Black
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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