Vehicle Description
1990 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
Early 90's Cadillacs represent the end of an era because in 1994,
any of them left with square edges began to be softened into
rounded curves. Which is fine, because...progress. But the long era
of boxy, upright Cadillacs had, arguably, a statelier look...a
moving mansion of success...an aire of wealth and importance. Even
as proportions shrunk, the presence of an early-90's Coupe DeVille
was unmistakable.
For consignment, a well-cared-for, one family owned 1990 Cadillac
Coupe DeVille in Carmine Red. That's right...this jewel was handed
down from father to son and has always been garage-kept. It was
these earlier generations that truly valued their Cadillacs and
kept them clean and routinely serviced...and this one is no
exception.
Exterior
GM basecoat/clearcoat is not known for its depth and clarity in the
80's and 90's but this car shows very nicely and indicates obvious
care over the years. The two-tone red/gray pattern down the length
of this car is just fantastic...a design element that blurs the
size of the car. And speaking of size, this is a two-door model and
doors are substantial indeed! The roof is divided between hardtop
and a vinyl landau with opera lights that now seem like such a neat
feature! Red paint is known to oxidize on horizontal surfaces, but
it all looks good here initsfactory applied Carmine Red form,
including the roof where care is often bypassed. The landau is in
excellent condition as well. Chrome bumpers, (soon to be a thing of
the past), also shine thanks to all the garage time. The long flat
hood is accented by a row of indicator lights protruding like
little shark fins...such a cool feature that had appeared on some
GM cars for decades. The wheels, with their dizzying geometric
pattern, are in good shape and surrounded by 15-inch white-wall
tires.
Interior
White leather abounds and shows some of its age and usage...this
car has 93,536 title verified miles...that's a lot of getting in
and getting out. But hey, white leather is still the "bomb" and
retains its comforts. A large armrest folds down and divides the
occupants of the split bench and sits atop a storage bin when
folded. The back seats look barely used. The white contrasts
against the red carpet, lower door panels, and dash. Some tears in
the padded armrests are visible and some separation on the driver's
side. Electronic seat controls, marked in period GM font, are on
the door rest, as is the control for left and right side mirrors.
The airbag filled steering wheel shows some wear and the dash with
its green digital readout and faux wood trim is a welcome throwback
that is sure to elicit memories. Though the pod is canted to the
driver, there are lots of small buttons next to the steering column
for the "fuel data center" and climate control while other
pertinent information, (speed, mileage, trip computer, idiot
lights), are displayed high on the dash. The stock Delco AM/FM/CD
radio is pure 90's, (although likely held over from the 80's). The
large glove box proclaims "DeVille" with a plaque and is topped
with a line of A/C vents. Courtesy lights illuminate the back seat
from the B-pillar and it makes for a very comfortable atmosphere.
The headliner is in good condition, as is the red carpeting that
floods the floors.
Drivetrain
The transverse mounted 4.5 liter V8 is a tidy package and fills the
space efficiently. Maintenance reservoirs are easy to access, and
the yellow dipstick is front and center. The fuel injection system
is hidden by the enclosed air intake but can be accessed easily. A
four-speed automatic in the form of a TH440-T4 transmission propels
the front wheels which are slowed by power disc brakes attached to
the 2.97 geared front axle. Meanwhile, power drums occupy the
rear.
Undercarriage
Some typical surface rust and discoloration for a driven vehicle of
this vintage. But for a car that lived its entire life on the East
coast, the undercarriage is actually pretty nice. No major areas of
concern; some grease residue by the zerk fittings, some oil on the
pan, and some pitting on the bumper support brackets...but all else
looks good. The single exhaust has surface rust, but otherwise
complete with rubber hangers still intact.
Drive-ability
This car fired right up and idled "V8 smooth". The dash glowed like
a Christmas tree at first, then the idiot lightswent to rest. The
column shifter is a welcome feature...talk about memories! Into
drive she went and circled our test loop in fine luxury-car style.
Really nothing wild to report here...it really feels like 1990 all
over again...in a good way! Smooth acceleration and power brakes
that worked just fine, all tempered by the Macpherson struts up
front. Shifts of the automatic were butter smooth...Cadillac owners
would have it no other way! Point that big hood in the direction
you want to go and enjoy the ride!
A 34-year old car that's been in one family the entire
time...that's not easy to find these days and speaks to a practical
and emotional attachment to a vehicle. It was "part of the family"
and it's clear it was treated as such. Whether you use it for
Radwood or for every day, this one harkens back to a time when GM
cars had a feel unto themselves and differentiated themselves from
European offerings. If you're looking for a rust-free, garage-kept
example, this one has your name on it.
1G6CD1337L4203593
1-USA
G-General Motors
6-Cadillac
CD-Deville
1-2 Door Hardtop
3-Manual Belts, Driver's Airbag
3-4.5 Liter V8 EFI
7-Check Digit
L-1990
4-Detroit, MI Assy Plant
203593-Sequential Unit Number
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.
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