Six Months Gone: 1966 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Convertible – STILL $27,000

August 1, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we can now call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

June 25, 2021 Update – The Internet and GuysWithRides.com never forget.  After a six-month hiatus from selling, the same private seller of this 1966 Cadillac Coupe Deville convertible started offering it for sale again.  The pictures used for this new listing appear to be the same ones from last fall, and the seller’s asking price remains at $27,000, which based on the condition, is in line with our two typical price guides.

January 12, 2021 Update – we just noticed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” unless we come across a new listing for this vintage Cadillac.

Suppose you don’t like the large fins of a late 50’s or early 60’s example but love the sheer size and presence a vintage Cadillac convertible offers. In that case, this Strathmore White over Aqua 1966 DeVille, initially listed in December 2020 in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, will likely fit the bill. Once again offered for $27,000, researching the Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the private seller has their DeVille priced between this guide’s #1 “Excellent” estimate of $40,600 and its #2 “Good” appraisal of $24,250.  Similarly, as a second data point, the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms this private seller has his Caddy priced between the #2 “Excellent” appraisal of $33,500 and the #3 “Good” estimate of $21,300.

Cadillac redesigned its third generation De Ville for the 1965 model year.  Now named with a capital “D”, DeVille denoted Cadillac’s mainstream model, falling between the Calais (which replaced the Series 62) and the Sixty Special and Eldorado. The new DeVille rode on the same 129.5-inch wheelbase despite a complete redesign. Stylists canted the tailfins slightly downward while sharp, distinct body lines replaced the rounded look. Also new were a straight rear bumper and vertical lamp clusters. The headlight pairs switched from horizontal to vertical, thus permitting a wider grille. Curved frameless side windows appeared, and convertibles acquired tempered glass backlights. New standard features included lamps for luggage, glove, and rear passenger compartments combined with front and rear safety belts. Power was still supplied by the 340 horsepower 429 cubic inch V8. Perimeter frame construction allowed repositioning the engine six inches forward in the frame, thus lowering the transmission hump and increasing interior room.  A padded vinyl roof was a $121 extra-cost option on the hardtop model. All four DeVille models had small “Tiffany-like” script nameplates on the ends of their rear fenders just above the chrome side molding.

In 1966 changes included a somewhat coarser mesh for the radiator grille insert, which was now divided by a thick, bright metal horizontal center bar housing rectangular parking lamps at the outer ends. Separate rectangular side marker lamps replaced the integral grille extension designs. There was generally less chrome on all Cadillac models for 1966. “De Ville” scripts were still above the rear tip of the horizontal body rub moldings. Cadillac crests and V-shaped moldings, front and rear, were identifiers. Cadillac “firsts” for 1966 included variable-ratio power steering and optional front seats with carbon cloth heating pads built into the cushions and seatbacks. Comfort and convenience innovations included headrests, reclining seats, and an AM/FM stereo system. Automatic level control was also available. Engineering improvements made to the perimeter frame increased ride and handling ease. Newly designed piston and oil rings and a new engine mounting system and patented quiet exhaust also became standard equipment.

The Osborn Tramain YouTube Channel provides a unique Gulf No Nox commercial highlighting the big three’s luxury offerings for 1965:

The single repaint over twenty years ago appears to be holding up very nicely on what appears to be a very straight Cadillac.  While the pretty turquoise interior presents nicely, we would consider having an expert automotive upholsterer apply their major to preventing the original hides from splitting any more than what’s already in place.  Otherwise, the complete documentation, extensive originality, and nicely working options that include working climate control make this land yacht a very stately summer cruiser.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1966 Cadillac de Ville convertible for sale by owner. Beautiful survivor, excellent driver condition, all-original except for one repaint 20+ years ago, such a pure factory original that this car can be used as a template for 1966 Cadillac restorations, beautiful paint on original sheet metal with no rust, dents, or dings, never in an accident, very nice chrome with one small ding in back bumper, Strathmore white with fine original turquoise leather interior (some split seams on front seating area) and an exceptional original black convertible top (no rips or tears) with glass backlite and excellent original turquoise boot, 94,000 miles, 429 cubic-inch, 340 horsepower V8, Turbo-hydramatic 400 transmission, variable ratio power steering (first year), power brakes, power windows (all work fine from master control and individual switches), power seat works great, climate control air conditioning that blows ice cold along with excellent heater/defroster, original AM/FM radio (works intermittently) with front/rear speakers and excellent operating power antenna, factory tinted glass- all windows, all-original trunk with spare, jack, and fine original burlap lining with original cardboard panels, runs, drives, handles, and stops like a well-maintained original should, brand-new exhaust system, rebuilt transmission, newer radiator and master cylinder, all lights work, wipers/washer work fine, drive anywhere, cruise all day in comfort at 80 MPH. Clear title, owner’s manual, shop manual, and other original literature, along with original owner’s Protect-O-Plate. You won’t be disappointed! $27,000. Serious inquiries only. No solicitations for advertising, no games, no holding money or returning cash back on a large check.“

Do you have a ’66 Cadillac Coupe DeVille story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!