THIRD GENERATION DEVILLE CONVERTIBLE WITH ESTABLISHED CELEBRITY PROVENANCE!
The 1965 model year marked the introduction of Cadillac’s third generation DeVille series, as the model continued to be the mainstream model between the Calais (formerly the Series 62) and the upscale El Dorado. The DeVille nameplate was first used by the company in 1949 to denote a special trim level and the popularity eventually warranted the name becoming a model remaining in the Cadillac line through the 2005 model year. The name is derived from French, translated as “of the town”, and initially described a cut-down horseless carriage with an enclosed passenger seat and open driver’s seat.
The newest generation was completely redesigned cosmetically from the 1964 model, with about the only similarity being both shared wheelbase dimensions of 129.5 inches. The 1965 models featured tailfins that were canted slightly downward and very sharp, distinct body lines replaced the more rounded shape of previous year presenting a much more angular appearance. A new straight bumper and tail light clusters gave the rear of the car a new look, while at the front end the quad headlights were changed from a horizontal position to a vertical position allowing for a new, wider grill. The updated design was the most radical styling change for the company in 16 years and continued Cadillac’s quest to be the automotive “Standard of the World”.
While retaining the 129.5 inch wheelbase, a new perimeter frame allowed moving the 340 horsepower 429 cubic inch motor forward six inches which in turn allowed for a smaller transmission tunnel and increased front seat room. Total length of the new design measured just inches under 19 feet. A total of 182,435 DeVille models were manufactured for the 1965 model year, with 19,200 of those (10.5 percent) being convertibles.
Cadillac has always been one of the top American luxury brands, and the mid-60’s marked the peak era for convertibles with the motoring public. For decades, the brand has been among the favorites for socialites, entertainers and captains of business and industry and served as a status symbol indicating success. This 1965 Cadillac offered by Evergreen Digital Showroom is one of those vehicles with famous provenance, formerly owned by celebrity Joey Bishop.
An actor and entertainer, Bishop is likely best remembered for hosting “The Joey Bishop Show”, a late-night 90-minute talk show that premiered on ABC in April 1967. That show was launched as a competitor to NBC’s “Tonight Show”, which Bishop had often guest-hosted for both hosts Jack Paar and Johnny Carson. Bishop’s show outline virtually copied that of Carson’s show, including a young Regis Philben serving as Bishop’s sidekick.
While most might recall him as a talk show host, Bishop had an impressive entertainment resume’ prior to that part of his career in show business. Born in New York in 1918 to immigrants of Polish-Jewish descent, Bishop’s last name at birth was Gottlieb. As an entertainer in the early days of television, he took the name of Bishop and hosted a weekly comedy series on ABC where he played (rather ironically) a talk show host. A member of the Hollywood’s famous “Rat Pack” that included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Peter Lawford, he appeared frequently as a stand-up comedian on the Las Vegas Strip and held several movie credits over the course of his career including being a cast member in the original “Ocean’s 11”. He died in October 2007.
This 1965 Cadillac DeVille convertible, built the second week of December 1964 in Detroit, MI, is a classic example of mid-60’s luxury. The car bears beige livery, a brown leather interior by Fleetwood and a white convertible top. While the car has been resprayed in the factory correct color and the under hood area refreshed prior to the present owner’s acquisition, this vehicle still presents well and has the standard power options one would expect from a luxury car of this period including power steering, power brakes, power windows and tilt and telescoping steering wheel. The bench-seat interior features an optional six-way power front seat while additional extra-cost options include electric vent windows, electric remote trunk release, power locks, soft-ray glass and automatic climate control air conditioning. The vehicle odometer reading of 87,480 miles is believed to be accurate but in accordance with Missouri statutes this vehicle will be sold mileage exempt. The vehicle was acquired by the present investor/collector in February 2008 and has been stored in a humidity-controlled environment since that time.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this 1965 Cadillac DeVille convertible with established celebrity provenance for a price of $49,900 USD. We will gladly assist with transportation and delivery arrangements at buyer’s expense. For additional questions or to make an offer on this investment-quality car contact sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000. To see other collectible vehicles offered by Evergreen Digital Showroom visit our website at www.evergreendigitalshowroom.com.
NOTICE
Because of the number of vehicles we represent we cannot drive every vehicle for long distances. These vehicles have been part of static displays for long periods of time, in some cases for decades, and are subject to the flaws and imperfections consistent with that. While we do our best to disclose all issues we known about a vehicle in our advertising, these are old cars and something that has always worked in the past might not function properly today. Please check the requirements of your state regarding the licensing and registration of classic vehicles and make sure the vehicle you are looking at meets those if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom possess a clean (non-branded) title which will be provided the new buyer when purchase funds clear our financial institution. Virtually all of our vehicles are sold as mileage exempt due to their age. We do not warranty any vehicle, nor any part of the vehicle including air conditioning systems, brake systems, electrical systems and gauges, fuel systems, accessories or powertrain components.
These are old vehicles and it is very common for them to require certain maintenance and upkeep for them to be operational. In many cases issues with leaks may develop when being driven after a long period of not being used. This is common, as classic cars at some point will leak fluids. For this reason, we do not encourage buyers to attempt driving their purchase home as we cannot guarantee functional reliability of these vehicles. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to be sure they are comfortable with these issues before purchasing a classic car.
Descriptions of vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom are intended to be informational in nature and do not in any way constitute any sort of warranty, expressed or implied. Again, these vehicles are presented “as-is, where-is” without guarantee or warranty. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 will likely not be included in the databases of companies such as CarFax and AutoCheck that provide vehicle history information to consumers. If you have specific questions regarding a vehicle we urge you to contact us at 417-532-8000.
