1970
Cadillac
Coupe DeVille
They say everything is bigger in Texas, although this Caddy's presence in the Classic Auto Mall showroom, this writer would beg to differ. All 18.75 feet of this bundle of...
They say everything is bigger in Texas, although this Caddy's presence in the Classic Auto Mall showroom, this writer would beg to differ. All 18.75 feet of this bundle of Detroit iron can whisk you down the road so smoothly you will not even know you are moving, all in extra stuffed dynasty broadcloth and glittering like gold comfort . This green with envy oldie is an example that needs some TLC but still in very working condition. Plus it's a 2 door, big chrome all around, and the original engine. and yes success is measured by the inch!
Exterior
The obsession with chrome had ended in the mid 1960's. It was still used, but only in key points of the overall construction. This green respray named Bayberry Metallic and is much like avocado green, is not without that chrome jewelry in that the massive bumpers, horizontal dual headlights, and front V shaped grille. A solid steel roof wrapped in cream vinyl covers the passenger compartment. Steel panels are straight, however on either side of the front quarters just behind them wheel wells there is an area that has invasive rust right through the inner panels of the undercarriage. A small trim spear, which begins just above the wrap-around front ribbed signal and running lighting, runs the length of the car to the triangular pointed tail lights that stick out above on the rear quarters. Not a fin, but certainly prevalent and framing the NYC 3 bedroom apartment size trunk on either side. The long hood is impressive as well and not to be outdone by the trunk is even longer in its run from the grille to the front windscreen. Chromed wire spoked wheel coverings are wrapped by tasteful thin whitewall rubber on all 4 corners.
Interior
Inside makes use of gold molded vinyl door panels, with a horizontal area of gold suede. A brushed stainless panel in the armrest houses the power windows, locks and mirror joystick. With plenty of padding and wrapped in medium gold dynasty broadcloth we see a split bench in front, and a full bench in the rear, major center flip up and down armrest, one is tempted to ask “wheres the damn remote?” Bolsters are in gold leather and are smooth with some piping on the edging, and uppers have 3 buttons. Talk about convenience options, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power seats, and climate control, all at the touch of a button. Also the factory AM/FM stereo residing within the dash, and just below is a CB unit and an early car phone. Seen also is more of the nicely stained tiger maple added in as accenting for the gauge dash front panel covering. Beautiful thick pile antique gold carpeting is on all floors and is pretty clean and unfaded. The above headliner is also lighter gold, and is nice and tight.
Drivetrain
Seated in what appears to be an unrestored engine bay, the a 472ci V8 with a 4 barrel carburetor, and attached to a 3-speed TH400 automatic transmission, shifts smoothly, and even saves gas…. as if you care! On the back is a 12 bolt 2.93 rear axle. Some rust is open the valve coverings and the entire engine bay has patina surfaces.
Undercarriage
The smooth ride courtesy the independent coil spring front suspension, and 4 link with coil springs on the rear is nicely presented with road dirt patina and a smattering of surface and some invasive rust on the inner rockers is noted. Power disc braking is on front, and power drum brakes are on back. The exhaust is stock and has heavy surface rust on pipes, and some has been sprayed with a silver rattle can.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and after a nice warmup it gave me a nice slow boil on the test track…meaning nice acceleration, good handling for a large vehicle, and ultra smooth ride. Braking is top notch, and comfort and conveniences showed the AC is not blowing cold, the clock is not working and the radio is stuck on seek. Also getting in and out, the respray does not cover the door jambs or thresholds which are the original green paint from the factory.
A resprayed exterior that is iridescent, nice chrome and brite work exterior, and original broadcloth damask and leather interior car with loads of convenience options, vinyl hard topper, straight steel with some invasive rust, an original unrestored engine bay, and underside/undercarriage. That about sums it up, except for its very special in its design, size and overall condition it deserves a serious look if you want to roll large and in charge.
J0148294
J-Coupe DeVille
0-1970
148294-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 70 68347-1970 Coupe DeVille
BDY FWD12288-Lansing Body #
TR 344-Medium Gold Dynasty Cloth & Leather
PNT 59M-Bayberry Metallic, Beige Top
10C-3rd Week October Build
EY-Soft Ray Glass
S-Dual Comfort Seats
L-Auto Level ControlM-Power Locks
I-Rim Blow Horn