Radwan Classic Cars is pleased to offer this 1966 Cadillac Coupe
de Ville. The name "DeVille" is derived from the French de la ville
or de ville meaning "of the town". In French coach building
parlance, a coupe de ville, from the French couper (to cut) i.e.
shorten or reduce, was a short four-wheeled closed carriage with an
inside seat for two and an outside seat for the driver and this
smaller vehicle was intended for use in the town or city (de
ville). An (unshortened) limousine or (in the United States) town
car has a division between the passenger and driver compartments
and if the driver's seat is outside it may be called a sedanca de
ville or town car.
The first Cadillac "Coupe de Ville" was shown during the 1949
Motorama. It was built on a Cadillac Sixty Special chassis and
featured a dummy air-scoop, chrome trim around front wheel
openings, and a one-piece windshield and rear glass. The interior
was black and trimmed in gray leather, including the headliner, to
match the roof color.
For the 1966 model year changes included a somewhat coarser mesh
for the radiator grille insert, which was now divided by a thick,
bright metal horizontal center bar housing rectangular parking
lamps at the outer ends. Separate rectangular side marker lamps
replaced the integral grille extension designs. There was generally
less chrome on all Cadillac models this year. DeVille scripts were
still above the rear tip of the horizontal body rub moldings.
Cadillac crests and V-shaped moldings, front and rear, were
identifiers. Cadillac "firsts" this season included variable ratio
steering and optional front seats with carbon cloth heating pads
built into the cushions and seatbacks. Comfort and convenience
innovations were headrests, reclining seats and an AM/FM stereo
system. Automatic level control was available. Engineering
improvements made to the perimeter frame increased ride and
handling ease. Newly designed piston and oil rings and a new engine
mounting system and patented quiet exhaust were used.
The example offered here features a freshly rebuilt engine with
pictures of the rebuild. The car has also been repainted in a
stunning silver finish. The interior has also been done in the
original style. Being a Cadillac Coupe de Ville, it is well
equipped with variable ratio power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, wide whitewall radial tires, custom audio
system, custom window tint, and more. This Coupe de Ville is ready
to be driven and shown as it drives as great as it looks.