Vehicle Description
Is there anything with more style and flash than a white-on-red
Cadillac convertible? This gorgeous 1965 Cadillac DeVille
convertible represents the pinnacle of Cadillac's 1960s styling and
a perfect transition from the over-the-top '50s to the cleaner
designs that would follow.
If you're going to pilot 19 feet of angular Cadillac sheetmetal,
you may as well go all-out and paint it in traditional Cadillac
colors: white paint, red leather. Cadillac called it Aspen White in
1965, and it certainly attracts attention everywhere it goes. The
paint was refinished quite a few years ago so it shows some signs
of use and age, but there's just no avoiding the fact that this is
a very flashy car that will get you noticed. Having spent much of
its life in a warm southern climate, there are no serious issues
like a car from up north, but you should remember that it's not a
show car but a clean driver. The long quarter panels are
arrow-straight, and all the chrome is intact and in original
condition, from the pontoon-shaped front bumper ends to the slick
taillights encased in their own chrome "fins" out back. This is a
very big car, but thanks to its proportions and detailing, it looks
sleek and uncluttered, truly representing the Standard of the
World.
The mostly original red interior is an incredible combination of
materials and finishes. The seats use red leather and simple
patterns to create an upscale look that's actually quite
comfortable in the sun, which is critical for a convertible.
There's some wear, including a tear in the driver's seat back
leather, but it has a usable, comfortable, lived-in look that
really doesn't need any work if you're going to drive and enjoy the
car. Matching carpets, door panels, and dashboard border on red
overload, but the execution is so stylish that you'll be too busy
noting the brushed stainless steel dashboard and instrument panel
flanked by two round pods with the clock and headlight controls
inside. Cadillacs came loaded with features in 1966, but A/C was
still an option which found its way onto this car (probably needs a
recharge). Power windows, an AM/FM radio with rear-seat speaker,
and a white power convertible top mean owning a Cadillac is always
an effortless occupation. There's a matching red boot that hides
the top when it's stowed, and a massive trunk means road trips are
no problem.
A 429 cubic inch V8 makes simple work of cruising, both around town
and on the highway. With a muscular hum that suggests great power,
it idles so smoothly you almost can't feel it, but pulls with
muscle car like authority at highway speeds. It's been properly
maintained its entire life, and in March 2016 it was treated to a
full tune up, new carburetor, and a flushed fuel system, making it
reliable and easy to drive today. GM's sturdy TH400 3-speed
automatic was the only choice and it's a good one, being both
smooth and unobtrusive. The chassis is amazingly clean and solid
with no rust in any of the usual areas, and the dual exhaust system
sounds great without giving away any Cadillac refinement. Standard
wheel covers look right, especially with the newer 235/75/15
whitewall radials.
This is not a perfect car, but if you're a guy with vision and
ambition, you can invest some elbow grease and end up with a car
that will be a hot collectible in the coming years. Call today!