Big Boy: 1976 Cadillac Sedan DeVille d’Elegance – SOLD!

May 16, 2021 Update – we confirmed the seller of this Cadillac “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Our steady stream of low-mileage Malaise Era vintage Cadillacs continues with this 57K original mile 1976 Cadillac Sedan DeVille D’Elegance originally listed in April 2021 on Craigslist in Commerce, Georgia for $9,500.   Comparing this price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has their DeVille priced three hundred dollars less than this guide’s #3 “Good” estimate of $9,800.  Hagerty’s three-year trend indicates the values of these cars are on the rise. As a second data point, the Collector Car Market Review indicates the current asking price lands between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $8,725 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $12,750.

As with all GM full-size lines, the DeVille was completely redesigned for 1971. The new GM full-size bodies, at 64.3 inches front shoulder room (62.1 inches on Cadillac) and 63.4 inches rear shoulder room (64.0 inches on Cadillac) set a record for interior width that would not be matched by any car until the full-size GM rear-wheel-drive models of the early to mid-1990s. Pairs of individually housed squarish headlamps were set wider apart. The V-shaped grille had an egg-crate style insert and was protected by massive vertical guards framing a rectangular license plate indentation. A wide hood with full-length wind sprints, a prominent center crease, and hidden windshield wipers was seen.

In 1976, the grille saw a new and finer crosshatching pattern. Cornering lamps received new horizontal silver trim; taillamp Bezels also gained new chrome-like trim. Eight different color accent stripes were available. Vinyl tops were now integral padded Elk grain material. New trims included sporty plaids, plush velours, knits, and eleven distinctive genuine types of leather. Coupe de Villes had a new vinyl roof whose top molding served as a continuation of the door “belt” molding. A Controlled (limited-slip) Differential was included for extra traction. An optional illuminated entry and theft deterrence system were both optional. The new Delco Freedom battery never needed water added. New turbine-vaned and wire wheel covers were offered. A new option locked the doors when the transmission lever was shifted to “Drive”. Cadillac also offered Track Master, a computerized skid prevention system that automatically pumped the back brakes in an emergency to shorten the stopping distance. New options included a push-button Weather Band built into the AM/FM stereo signal-seeking radio, loose pillow style seats for d’Elegance packages, plus power passenger and manual driver seatback recliners for 50/50 front seats. Of the 15 standard and six optional Firemist body colors, 13 were new this year. New standard features included Soft-Ray tinted glass, spare tire cover, trunk mat, washer fluid level indicator, and steel-belted radial whitewall tires.

Another new option package was the d’Elegance package. Similar to the Sixty Special Brougham’s package of the same name, it featured velour upholstery, Deluxe padded doors, front seatback storage pockets, deep pile carpeting, floor mats, see-through standup hood ornament, and vinyl tape accent stripes. The “d’Elegance” name remained with the DeVille series as a package through 1984.

The owner of a similar 1975 Cadillac DeVille posted this video of what it’s like to own and drive a vintage Malaise Era car in modern times:

This appears to be a very clean, original condition survivor car that will treat you and five of your friends or family to a very comfortable and luxurious ride. As long as you have a garage deep enough to house this Sedan Deville’s nearly twenty feet of length, this should prove to be a fun classic to own.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1976 Caddy Deville d’Ellegance 57000 Original miles, 2 owners Very clean and original car, runs and drives great, No rust, paint chrome and top are real nice, interior is about perfect, no rips or cracks in dash. 500ci Motor, 19.2′ long weighing in at 5269lbs, its a Big Boy. Its been garaged and very well kept, just took it on a 4 hour trip, going to make someone a great car, clear title. Has d’Ellegance scripted on the dash will add a close up pic.“

Show, Tour, or both: what would you do with this Cadillac Big Boy?  Comment below and let us know!