Vehicle Description
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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