429ci V8/Excellent Interior/Nice Smooth Power/Plenty of Options

1966 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

Cadillac has been the preferred auto brand of celebrated people for more than a century. And its latest models, including the ATS, the CT6, and the Escalade, are intended to keep it that way. Some notables include Al Capone, Liberace, Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Temple, and Fats Domino.

You don't have to be a celebrity to own a classic Caddy, and the proof in in the pudding right here in the halls of Classic Auto Mall, and on the red carpet this 1966 Coupe DeVille (meaning car of the town). This big old Caddy-skate with its large Detroit iron sides, luxury appointments and dripping with mid 60's elegance is sure to not be on stage here too long because these have become desirable stars in their own right.

Exterior
Photographers will be burning up flashbulbs clamoring to get a glimpse of this long and strong '66, (at least ours was!). And the images he captured will show every aspect of this celebrity draped in Strathmore White, large straight steel all minding their gaps nicely. Upfront we see a specimen in gleaming rust and dimple free chrome bumper framing an egg crate grille. Dual stacked headlights flanking a large and long hood with a cloisonné Caddy crown and the V Chevron badge below in excellent condition leads the way. We make our way back and window surround trimmings are good. On the rear window surround we note some rust in the seam between the surround the filler panel, but without taking the surrounding trim off we do not know the extent of it. The rear, with its gleaming vertical taillights within the bumper on either side frame a large trunk which could bring at least $2,600/month on the NYC apartment rental page. Standard Cadillac dish style wheels are on all 4 corners.

Interior
The talk of the town on awards night is always who and what is she wearing? Well with a swing of the doors I'll tell you…numerous tactile surfaces abound on the door panels in the form of broadcloth diamond pattern stitching with some metal thread thrown in, all in shades of black. Faux padded leather panels are broken up by lots of chrome trimmings and power toggles for windows and locks, and a sole crank for the vent window. Turning out attention to the big benches, split in front and solid in the rear, we see more of the same shades of black diamond pattern broadcloth surrounded by smooth black leather on the bolsters, and armrest in the center. Power switches allow for full range of adjustment on the front bench. It's pure unadulterated GM design up front on the dash with a mixture of black padded vinyl broken up on the front by chromed bezels, aluminum strips, and a heater/defroster controller complete with full cigarette station hanging below the dash. Up top is a pristine black headliner, and bottom is nice black stain free carpet. Not to be overlooked is the sentinel sensor which will automatically dim the headlights when an oncoming car approaches.

Drivetrain
Simply driven (literally!) to become famous, a big 429ci numbers matching V8 sits comfortably in a nicely aged unrestored engine bay. It is topped by a 4-barrel Carter AFB carb, and has a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission on the back.

Undercarriage
A light coating of surface rust is seen on some frame parts and peppers the usual suspects. Overall though, it is structurally sound, floorpans are very nice, and suspension is fairly clean. Rockers and body hangers are strong, and coil springs are seen on all 4 corners and these work in conjunction with independent front suspension and 4 link rear. Power drum brakes for all corners.

Drive-Ability
All in working order and surprisingly ordered without A/C, I floated down the red carpet, or in my case specifically the blue highways with ease, in this smooth runner, nice handler, and easy driver.

Definitely an Oscar winner on the exterior, interior and drivetrain. Fit and finish remain good, and this car has led a charmed life. With its great performance, it will rise to a standing ovation and its accolades are certainly not an act! Viola.

VIN Decode
J6257801
J-Coupe Deville
6-1966
257801-Sequential Unit Number

Trim Tag
05D-4th Week May 1966
ST 66 68357-1966 Coupe Deville
BDY FWD39787-Fleetwood Body #
TR 311-Black Desmond Cloth, Black Leather
PNT 12-Strathmore White
EY-Soft Ray Glass, Power Front Seat